10 best long-distance moving companies in Lancaster, CA

Long-distance or interstate moves include their own challenges that distinguish them from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may be worried about complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns such as how to move your car.

Hiring the right movers can help ease your problems. That’s why we’ve compiled this overview of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Lancaster to help you, your loved ones, and your possessions arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ significantly from those that only assist with local moves. The main distinction between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers often only operate within a certain geographic radius and will charge an exorbitant fee to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on time, while long-distance moving companies more likely to charge based on the weight they're moving. However, some providers use a combination 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 movers. While local movers may have a better grasp of your specific area and potentially offer more affordable rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in handling interstate moves is indispensable. Selecting 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 Lancaster

When you're choosing a long-distance moving company, the wide range of choices can be overwhelming. Below, we offer some tips on how to pick a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in Lancaster.

• 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. You can inquire about these or other options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. We also suggest obtaining your own moving insurance to better protect your belongings. You can find more thorough information on long-term moving insurance coverage below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration serves as an indication that you're working with a qualified mover. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces rules such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: We recommend seeking out quotes several months before your move. For a comprehensive comparison, be sure to get detailed cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in Lancaster. As you compare estimates, confirm that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you'll need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies offer financing plans. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good strategy to help pay for some of the expenses. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We suggest researching several loans to select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to see what previous clients have said about certain long-distance moving companies. Friends and family 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 Lancaster, June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you suspicious. Reputable movers generally shouldn't ask for your complete payment upfront. Steer clear of movers that have a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

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 schedule your move at least 90 days beforehand. This gives you plenty of time to hire movers. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least a month in advance. When it comes to valuable, sentimental, or fragile belongings, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than having them packed in the mover's 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.

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

Lastly, on the night before your move, make sure you get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is essential for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if some of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to have two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies might not cover very expensive belongings (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. While Full Value Protection costs more, it provides more comprehensive coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less coverage. If you choose this option, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for items that are damaged or lost.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they usually don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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