10 best long-distance moving companies in Inglewood, CA

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

Put your mind at ease by choosing the right moving professionals for the job. We've compiled this list of the best long-distance movers in Inglewood so you, your loved ones, and your possessions make it to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ from those that only assist with local moves. Local moving companies generally provide 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.

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

Local Inglewood movers may have a more knowledge of your specific city and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Long-distance moving companies are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Inglewood

When you're hiring a long-distance moving company, the wide variety of choices may be overwhelming. Here are some tips for choosing a trustworthy long-distance mover in Inglewood.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can ask about these or similar insurance options. To fully protect your belongings during the move, we recommend purchasing personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable mover is handling your move. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as requiring movers to supply a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving companies in Inglewood several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Make sure these quotes include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, many moving companies have financing plans. A moving or relocation loan can help cover expenses. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. We advise looking into several loans to get the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others have said about particular long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. Neighbors and relatives can also provide valuable 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 more expensive to hire a mover. Because there are so many college students living in Inglewood, June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that offer “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding prices. Additionally, trustworthy moving companies shouldn’t demand the full payment before the move. If a moving company has a long history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be familiar with your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A good tip for long-distance moves is to book your movers far enough in advance. We advise booking movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need unique moving services, like piano moving or car moving.

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

Write a list of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move. The list should include items 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 toothbrushes, medicine, and extra clothes.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves because it'll reimburse you if any of your possessions are lost or damagedby your movers.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to have two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable possessions (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some moving companies. Full Value Protection is pricier but offers greater coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it provides less protection. If you choose this option, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for items that are damaged or lost.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, it might be a good idea to check your policy.

Sources

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