10 best long-distance moving companies in Gardena, CA

Long-distance or interstate moves include their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may be worried about complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges such as how to move your car.

The right movers can help put your mind at ease. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the best long-distance movers in Gardena to help you, your loved ones, and your belongings get safely to your new home.

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 moving companies 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 movers often charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies typically set fees based on the length of time required for your move. However, some companies use a mix of time and weight to set their prices, so be sure to check with your specific provider about its prices.

When faced with an interstate move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local moving companies. While local movers may have a better grasp of your specific location and potentially offer less expensive rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in taking on interstate moves can't be beaten. Long-distance movers can save you time and headaches because they're more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Gardena

Selecting the right long-distance moving company is important, and the choices may be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of choosing a licensed and reliable long-distance mover in Gardena, we've compiled some advice below.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two kinds of insurance coverage: 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 choices provided by your mover, getting your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration serves as a sign that you're working with a reputable mover. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Ask for quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have enough time to plan your move. Get in touch with several long-distance moving providers in Gardena and get detailed cost breakdowns. Ensure these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers have financing options to help you afford your move. A moving or relocation loan can pay for some of the cost. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare multiple loans to make sure you pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what other customers have said about specific long-distance moving companies. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and family.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and costlier to book a mover. Since Gardena is home to so many college students, the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that provide “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding estimates. Trustworthy moving companies generally won't request your complete payment upfront. If a moving company has a long 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 key piece of advice for long-distance moves is to find your movers far enough in advance. To ensure a smooth move, schedule your movers no less than three months before your move date, and possibly even more if you need more unique services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least four weeks in advance. You might prefer to keep certain items, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Write a list of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move. The list should include things such as updating your address with the California DMV.

Put together a bag with essentials for the first couple of days in your new home, such as extra clothes, medicine, and toothbrushes.

The night before moving day, remember to get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is a must for long-distance moves. It'll protect you if some of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to offer two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged during your move. Some movers may exclude certain extremely valuable items (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection is more expensive but gives you more comprehensive coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it has less coverage. This option requires your movers to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items lost or damaged during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of 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