10 best long-distance moving companies in El Dorado Hills, CA

Long-distance or interstate moves bring unique challenges that set them apart from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may have to deal with complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns like how to move your car.

Picking the right movers can help lessen your problems. We've made this overview of the top long-distance movers in El Dorado Hills so you, your family, and your possessions arrive to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are several key differences to keep in mind. Local movers generally offer moving services within a designated geographic area. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a much higher rate to do so.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies usually set fees based on the weight of your items, while local moving companies usually set fees based on the length of time needed for your move. Keep in mind that certain movers might incorporate both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your chosen movers about their pricing structure.

Local El Dorado Hills movers may have a more knowledge of your specific city and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Long-distance moving 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 headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in El Dorado Hills

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the choices may be overwhelming, making it difficult to select the right one for your needs. Here are some tips for choosing a legitimate, trustworthy long-distance moving company in El Dorado Hills.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage choices: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or other insurance options. In addition to the insurance options offered by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your belongings. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance plans below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces policies such as mandating that movers give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving companies in El Dorado Hills several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Ensure these quotes include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few moving companies offer financing plans. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover expenses. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. We suggest researching several options to find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what others have said about certain long-distance movers. You should also ask neighbors and loved ones for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means movers may be harder to hire and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September. El Dorado Hills also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that give you “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding prices. Trustworthy moving companies generally shouldn't demand your complete payment upfront. If a moving company has a long history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A useful tip for long-distance moves is to secure your movers far enough in advance. We advise booking movers at least three months before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need particular moving services, like piano moving or car moving.

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

Create a list of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move. The list should include tasks such as updating your address with the California DMV.

Pack necessities for the first couple of days of your move, such as extra clothes, toothbrushes, and medicine.

Finally, make sure to get plenty of rest the night before moving day.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers need to have 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 moving companies might not cover very expensive belongings (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. While Full Value Protection costs more, it offers greater coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it provides less protection. This option requires your moving company to pay you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings damaged or lost during the move.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy after you move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, checking your policy could be beneficial.

Sources

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