10 best long-distance moving companies in Hawthorne, CA

There are a range of importantfactors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move your car.

Ease your problems by picking the best moving professionals for the job. That’s why we’ve made this overview of the top long-distance movers in Hawthorne to help you, your family, and your belongings make it safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are different in a few ways. Local movers generally provide moving services within a designated geographic radius. 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 moving companies typically charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers commonly charge based on the length of time required for your move. Some movers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to calculate their rates, so it's important to check your provider's pricing structure.

Although local movers may have more experience moving in your specific city (and be more affordable), the expertise of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, especially when it comes to moving from one state to another. Using a long-distance moving company 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 headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Hawthorne

Picking the right long-distance moving company is important, and the choices may be overwhelming. See the list below for some recommendations on picking a licensed and trustworthy long-distance mover in Hawthorne.

• 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. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or other options. To fully protect your belongings during the move, we recommend getting personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed explanation 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 mover is taking care of your move. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as requiring movers to supply a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in Hawthorne several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Estimates should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, many moving companies offer financing options. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a strong option to help with cost. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare multiple loans to make sure you pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what others thought about certain long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. 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 get a moving company. Hawthorne also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Additionally, trustworthy moving companies won't demand the full payment before the move. Avoid movers with an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A valuable piece of advice for long-distance moves is to reserve your movers far enough in advance. We advise scheduling movers at least three months before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need unique moving services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least four weeks in advance. When it comes to sentimental, fragile, or valuable items, such as plants or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

We also suggest making 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.

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

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

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 mandates that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies may exclude certain extremely valuable possessions (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection is pricier but offers better coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it gives less protection. This plan requires your movers to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for possessions lost or damaged during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. 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