10 best long-distance moving companies in La Puente, CA

There are many importantfactors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. When you're moving between states, you may be worried about higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move your car.

Picking the right moving professionals can help ease your concerns. We've created this overview of the top long-distance movers in La Puente so you, your loved ones, and your possessions get to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers are distinct in a few ways. Local movers only work within a specific geographic radius and frequently charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to these requests at all.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to charge based on the weight of your items, while local movers are more likely to charge by time. Some moving companies, however, may use a combination of time and weight to calculate their rates, so it's key to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

Local La Puente moving companies 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 movers can save you time and stress 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 La Puente

Picking the right long-distance mover in La Puente requires research to make sure the company meets your needs and fits your budget. To help you navigate the process of finding a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in La Puente, we've compiled some advice below.

• 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. You can ask about these or other insurance options for long-distance moves inside one state. In addition to the insurance choices carried by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your possessions. You can find more detailed information on long-term moving insurance choices below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration serves as an indication that you're working with a qualified mover. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces policies such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in La Puente several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Ensure these quotes include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good option to help cover cost. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare a few loans to make sure you get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what other customers thought about particular long-distance moving companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Neighbors and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means movers may be harder to hire and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September. La Puente also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the summer 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. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your entire payment before the move. Steer clear of movers that have a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Hiring your moving company well before your move date is key for a successful long-distance move. It's best if you book your move at least three months in advance. This gives you enough time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need specific services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least a month in advance. You might prefer to have certain possessions, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Putting together a checklist of all the things that need to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the California DMV, is a great way to stay organized during a long-distance move.

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by packing a suitcase with items such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, extra clothes, and medications.

Lastly, make sure to get a good night’s sleep the night before your big move.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers need to provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide money back for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable belongings (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some movers. While Full Value Protection is more expensive, it gives you more comprehensive coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it provides less protection. With this option, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged items.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy during your move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. While this usually doesn't apply to long-distance moves, checking your policy could be beneficial.

Sources

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