10 best long-distance moving companies in Fair Oaks, CA

There are importantfactors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. When you're moving between states, you may be dealing with complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges such as how to move your car.

Selecting the right moving professionals can help alleviate your concerns. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to the top long-distance movers in Fair Oaks to help you, your family, and your possessions arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are many key differences to be aware of. The main difference between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers usually only operate within a certain geographic area and will charge an exorbitant fee 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 charge based on the weight. However, some movers use a combination of time and weight to set their rates, so be sure to talk to your specific provider about its prices.

When faced with a long-distance move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local moving companies. Although local movers may have a better grasp of your specific city and potentially offer more affordable rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in handling interstate moves is indispensable. Long-distance movers can save you time and headaches because they're more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Fair Oaks

When you're choosing a long-distance mover, the wide variety of choices can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips for picking a trustworthy long-distance moving company in Fair Oaks.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two types of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, inquiring about these or other options is a good idea. We also recommend purchasing your own moving insurance to fully protect your possessions. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable mover is taking care of your move. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Fair Oaks several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Confirm that these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers have financing plans to help you afford your move. A moving or relocation loan can help with cost. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. We advise researching several loans to find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others thought about certain long-distance movers by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and relatives.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means moving companies may be harder to get and costlier if you’re moving during the summer months. Because there are so many college students living in Fair Oaks, June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that give you “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding prices. Additionally, reputable moving companies shouldn’t demand the full payment upfront. If a mover has a long history of bad 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

Booking your moving company well before your move date is key for a successful long-distance move. To ensure a stress-free move, find your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. You probably have sentimental, fragile, or valuable items, such as artwork or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Putting together a checklist of all the things that need to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the California DMV, is a great way to stay organized during a long-distance move.

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

Finally, make sure to get a good night’s sleep the night before moving day.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to provide two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers must replace, repair, or provide money back for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover items that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. While Full Value Protection is pricier, it provides more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it has less coverage. This insurance requires your moving company to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items damaged or lost during the move.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. This typically 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