10 best long-distance moving companies in Fairfield, CA

Long-distance or interstate moves have their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move a car are common worries for people moving long-distance.

Choosing the right moving professionals can help relieve your worries. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings make it to your new home safely, we've put together this overview of the leading long-distance movers in Fairfield.

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 note. Local movers generally offer moving services within a designated geographic area. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a significant fee to do so.

Local moving companies are also more likely to charge based on time, while long-distance movers more likely to set fees based on the weight. Certain moving companies may use a mix of time and weight when establishing their final cost, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

Local Fairfield moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Using a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the necessary 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 Fairfield

Choosing the right long-distance mover in Fairfield requires research to make sure the company meets your needs and fits your budget. Here are some tips for finding a legitimate long-distance mover in Fairfield.

• 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. You can look into these or similar insurance options for long-distance moves within the same state. We also recommend getting your own moving insurance to fully protect your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable mover is taking care of your move. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces regulations such as mandating that movers supply customers with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Request quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have plenty of time to plan your move. Reach out to multiple long-distance moving providers in Fairfield and ask for detailed quotes. As you compare estimates, confirm that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers offer financing plans to help you pay for your move. A moving or relocation loan can help cover expenses. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare a few choices to make sure you choose the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what previous customers have said about particular long-distance movers by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. You should also ask neighbors and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season to move in, it can be challenging and more expensive to get a moving company. Since Fairfield is home to so many college students, the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that provide “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding estimates. Legitimate movers generally shouldn't request your complete payment upfront. Avoid moving companies that have a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A valuable piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to hire your moving company well in advance of your move date. We advise scheduling movers at least three months before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need unique moving services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move by yourself. When it comes to fragile, sentimental, or valuable belongings, such as electronics or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than having them packed in the mover's truck.

Writing 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.

Pack a suitcase with essentials for the first couple of days of your move, such as toiletries, extra clothes, and medications.

The night before your move, make sure you get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

For long-distance moves, moving insurance is a necessity because it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers must offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged during your move. Some movers might not cover items that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you greater coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it provides less protection. This insurance requires your moving company to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings damaged or lost during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy when you 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