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

Long-distance or interstate moves bring their own challenges that distinguish them from local moves. When you're moving long-distance, you may encounter higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move your car.

Selecting the right moving professionals can help lessen your worries. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings reach your new home safely, we've created this guide to the best long-distance movers in La Verne.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies differ in many ways. Local movers only operate within a specific geographic radius and often charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service area if they agree to these jobs at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically set fees based on the weight of your items, while local movers more often charge based on time. However, some companies use a mix of time and weight to calculate 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 city and potentially offer less expensive rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in handling interstate moves is indispensable. Long-distance movers 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 headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in La Verne

Finding the right long-distance mover in La Verne requires research to ensure the company offers the services you need and fits your budget. To help you navigate the process of finding a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in La Verne, we've put together some advice below.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage options: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, looking into these or other options is a good idea. To better protect your belongings during the move, we recommend getting your own moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your moving company. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces regulations such as mandating that movers supply clients with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Start requesting quotes several months before your move. For a comprehensive comparison, be sure to get detailed quotes from multiple long-distance movers in La Verne. Estimates should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies offer financing plans. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help 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 a few options to make sure you choose the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what others say about particular long-distance moving companies. Friends and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means movers may be harder to hire and more expensive if you’re moving during the summer months. Because there are so many college students living in La Verne, June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your full payment before the move. Steer clear of movers with a history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA describes mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

An important piece of advice for long-distance moves is to find your movers far enough ahead of time. To ensure an easy move, book your movers no less than three months before your move date, and potentially even more if you need specific services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move by yourself. You might prefer to keep certain possessions, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

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

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

The night before your big move, remember to get a full night's sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is essential for long-distance moves. It'll cover the cost if any of your items are lost or damagedby your movers.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to provide two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain items that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some moving companies. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get more comprehensive coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it gives you less protection. With this insurance, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged possessions.

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