10 best long-distance moving companies in Florence-Graham, CA

Long-distance or interstate moves have unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance come up against concerns like how to move their car, as well as higher costs and complicated logistics.

Put your mind at ease by picking the right moving professionals for the job. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings make it to your new home safely, we've put together this guide to the best long-distance movers in Florence-Graham.

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 movers only offer services 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.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically charge based on the weight of your items, while local movers are more likely to set fees based on time. Keep in mind that some movers might incorporate both weight and time in their quotes, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

Local Florence-Graham moving companies are commonly more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and expertise, especially when moving between states. These companies are more likely to have the right 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 Florence-Graham

Picking the right long-distance moving company in Florence-Graham requires research to ensure the company offers the services you need and works within your budget. Below, we provide some tips on how to pick a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in Florence-Graham.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of options for insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can ask about these or other options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. We also recommend getting your own moving insurance to completely protect your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed discussion 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 policies, such as mandating that movers supply a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving providers in Florence-Graham several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. As you compare quotes, confirm that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you might need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing options as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. A moving or relocation loan can help cover expenses. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. Researching several loans allows you to find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what others have said about particular long-distance movers. You should also ask neighbors and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving during the summer months, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year for moves. This can make it harder and costlier to book a mover. Because there are so many college students living in Florence-Graham, the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding quote is a red flag. Additionally, reputable moving companies shouldn’t demand the full payment before the move. Avoid movers with an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to find your moving company well in advance of your move date. To ensure a stress-free move, reserve your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need more unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. When it comes to valuable, sentimental, or fragile items, such as electronics or family heirlooms, you may choose to carry them in your car rather than having them packed in the mover's truck.

It's also a good idea to make a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the California DMV.

Pack a bag of essentials for the first few days of your move, such as extra clothes, medicine, and a toothbrush and toothpaste.

The night before moving day, make sure you get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain items that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some moving companies. While Full Value Protection costs more, it offers better coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it has less protection. With this insurance, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged possessions.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy after you move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, even though they usually don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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