10 best long-distance moving companies in Hayward, CA

Long-distance or interstate moves have unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move a car are common difficulties for people moving long-distance.

The right moving professionals can help lessen your concerns. That’s why we’ve made this guide to the best long-distance movers in Hayward to help you, your loved ones, and your belongings make it safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only do local moves. Local movers usually only offer services within a certain geographic area. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that circle if they’re willing to at all.

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

While local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific city (and be more affordable), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is extremely valuable, particularly when moving from one state to another. 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 Hayward

When you're hiring a long-distance moving company, the wide range of choices may feel overwhelming. See the list below for some recommendations on finding a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in Hayward.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage types: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can inquire about these or similar insurance options. In addition to the insurance options offered by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces rules such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: We suggest asking for quotes several months before your move. Contact several long-distance moving providers in Hayward and ask for detailed quotes. Ensure these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers have financing plans to help you pay for your move. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good strategy to help with cost. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We advise looking into several choices to select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what others have said about particular long-distance moving companies. You should also ask neighbors and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means moving companies may be harder to get and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September. Hayward also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you suspicious. Trustworthy moving companies generally won't demand your complete payment before the move. 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

Securing your moving company well before your move date is key for a successful long-distance move. To ensure an easy move, reserve your movers no less than three months ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need specific services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move yourself, we suggest getting started a month in advance. You probably have sentimental, fragile, or valuable belongings, such as electronics or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than in the moving truck.

It's also important to make a checklist of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the California DMV.

Put together a bag with essentials for the first couple of days of your move, such as extra clothes, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and medicine.

The night before your big move, don't forget to get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to have two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to repair, replace, or provide money back for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain possessions that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some moving companies. Although Full Value Protection is pricier, it provides better coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it gives less protection. This plan requires your movers to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings 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 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