10 best long-distance moving companies in Lawndale, CA

Long-distance or interstate moves differ from local moves in severalsignificant ways. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move a car are common difficulties for people moving long-distance.

Selecting the right movers can help lessen your problems. That’s why we’ve made this list of the best long-distance movers in Lawndale to help you, your family, and your belongings arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only assist with local moves. Local movers usually only offer services within a certain geographic radius. They'll usually charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that area if they’re willing to at all.

Local movers are also more likely to charge based on how long a job takes, while long-distance moving companies more likely to set fees based on the weight they're moving. Some moving providers, however, may use a mix of time and weight to calculate their rates, so it's important to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

Although local movers may have more experience moving in your specific area (and be less expensive), the expertise of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, particularly when moving from one state to another. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and stress 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 Lawndale

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the choices may be overwhelming, making it challenging to choose the right one for you. Below, we offer some recommendations on how to choose a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in Lawndale.

• 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. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or other options. In addition to the insurance choices carried by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your belongings. You can find more detailed information on long-term moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as requiring movers to provide a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving companies in Lawndale several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Ensure these estimates include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few moving companies have financing options. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help with expenses. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We suggest looking into several choices to select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what others have said about certain long-distance movers. You should also ask friends and family for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means movers may be harder to hire and costlier if you’re moving between May and September. Since Lawndale is home to so many college students, the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that provide “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding quotes. You should also be wary of a mover that asks for your entire payment before the move. Avoid moving companies that have an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A great tip for long-distance moves is to schedule your movers far enough ahead of time. We recommend booking your move at least 90 days ahead of time, or even earlier if you need unique services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least a month in advance. You probably have valuable, sentimental, or fragile items, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Write a list of everything that needs to be done before and after your move. The list should include tasks 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 bag with items such as medications, toiletries, and extra clothes.

Lastly, on the night before moving day, make sure you get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to provide two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain items that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection costs more but provides more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less coverage. With this option, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost possessions.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy after you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. While this typically 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