10 best long-distance moving companies in El Monte, CA

There are a variety of importantfactors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and issues like how to move a car are common obstacles for people moving long-distance.

The right moving professionals can help ease your worries. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best long-distance movers in El Monte to help you, your loved ones, and your belongings arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers differ in a few ways. The main difference between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers usually only offer services within a certain geographic radius and will charge an exorbitant rate to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to charge based on how long a job takes, while long-distance moving companies more likely to set fees based on the weight they're moving. Keep in mind that some moving companies might incorporate both weight and time in their quotes, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

Local El Monte moving companies are generally more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers provide valuable knowledge and expertise, especially when relocating to another state. Using a long-distance moving company for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the critical knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in El Monte

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the options may be overwhelming, making it difficult to choose the right one for your move. To help you navigate the process of finding a licensed and reliable long-distance mover in El Monte, we've compiled some recommendations below.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves within the same state, looking into these or other insurance options is a good idea. We also suggest obtaining your own moving insurance to fully protect your possessions. You can find more detailed information on long-term moving insurance choices below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces regulations such as requiring movers to provide clients with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in El Monte several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Estimates should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help cover expenses. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare several choices to make sure you find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what previous customers have said about particular long-distance moving companies. Also, get recommendations from your friends and family.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means movers may be harder to get and costlier if you’re moving during the summer months. Because there are so many college students living in El Monte, the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Reliable moving companies generally shouldn't ask for your complete payment upfront. If a moving company has an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful piece of advice for long-distance moves is to book your movers far enough ahead of time. We advise scheduling movers at least three months before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need more specialized moving services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least a month in advance. You might prefer to have certain possessions, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

To stay organized, make a detailed list of all the necessary tasks before and after your move, such as notifying the California DMV of your new address.

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by packing a bag with items such as medicine, toothbrushes, and extra clothes.

Finally, make sure to get a full night’s sleep the night before your big move.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is essential for long-distance moves. It'll cover the cost if any of your items are lost or damagedin the move.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to provide two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide money back for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain extremely valuable items (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. Although Full Value Protection is more expensive, it gives you more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less coverage. With this insurance, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged items.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy after you 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