10 best long-distance moving companies in East Palo Alto, CA

There are many factors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance worry about challenges such as how to move their car, as well as higher costs and complicated logistics.

The right moving company can help put your mind at ease. To help make sure you, your loved ones, and your belongings get to your new home safely, we've put together this overview of the best long-distance movers in East Palo Alto.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ from those that only offer local moves. Local moving companies only work within a specific geographic area and frequently charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to such jobs at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies commonly set fees based on the weight of your items, while local movers usually set fees based on the time needed for your move. However, some companies use a mix of time and weight to calculate their prices, so be sure to talk to your specific provider about its prices.

Local East Palo Alto moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. These companies are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in East Palo Alto

When you're choosing a long-distance moving company, the wide range of choices may be overwhelming. Here are some tips for choosing a reliable long-distance mover in East Palo Alto.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of options for insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves within the same state, looking into these or similar insurance options is a good idea. We also suggest obtaining your own moving insurance to better protect your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified company is handling your move. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Ask for quotes several months in advance to ensure you have plenty of time to plan your move. For a thorough comparison, be sure to ask for detailed quotes from several long-distance movers in East Palo Alto. As you compare quotes, ensure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any added services you might use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing options as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover cost. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare a few loans to make sure you select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to find out what others have said about specific long-distance moving companies. You should also ask friends and family for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means movers may be harder to hire and costlier if you’re moving between May and September. Since East Palo Alto is home to so many college students, the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that provide “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding prices. Reputable moving companies generally won't request your complete payment upfront. If a mover has an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A good piece of advice for long-distance moves is to schedule your movers far enough ahead of time. It's best if you book your move at least three months beforehand. This gives you enough time to hire movers. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move yourself, we advise getting started a month in advance. You might prefer to have certain items, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Write a list of everything that needs to be done before and after your move. The list should include things such as updating your address with the California DMV.

Pack essentials for the first few days of your move, such as toiletries, extra clothes, and medications.

Lastly, on the night before your move, make sure you get a good night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is key for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if some of your items are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers need to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover very expensive belongings (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. Although Full Value Protection is pricier, it gives you greater coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it has less coverage. With this plan, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost possessions.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy during your move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. This usually isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but it may be worth checking your policy.

Sources

State of California Department of Motor Vehicles U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration