10 best long-distance moving companies in Linda, CA

Long-distance or interstate moves are distinct from local moves in important ways. When you're moving long-distance, you may come up against complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns such as how to move your car.

The right moving company can help ease your challenges. That’s why we’ve made this list of the top long-distance movers in Linda to help you, your family, and your belongings make it safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ from those that only offer local moves. Local moving companies generally offer moving services within a designated geographic location. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge an exorbitant rate to do so.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies usually set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers usually set fees based on the length of time needed for your move. Some moving companies may use a mix of time and weight when calculating their final cost, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

Local Linda movers may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Long-distance moving companies are more likely to have the relevant 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 Linda

When you're choosing a long-distance mover, the wide range of choices may be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of picking a licensed and reliable long-distance mover in Linda, we've put together some guidance below.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of options for 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 look into these or other insurance options. To better protect your possessions during the move, we suggest getting your own moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration serves as an indication that you're working with a reputable company. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as requiring movers to provide a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Start seeking out estimates several months before your move. Ask for detailed quotes from multiple long-distance movers in Linda. Make sure these quotes include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing options as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the cost. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. We recommend looking into several loans to pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what previous clients have said about specific long-distance movers by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. You should also ask neighbors and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and costlier to hire a mover.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that offer nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you cautious. Additionally, reliable movers shouldn’t request the full payment before the move. Steer clear of movers with 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

piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to find your moving company well before of your move date. We advise hiring movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need particular moving services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. When it comes to sentimental, fragile, or valuable belongings, such as electronics or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

Making a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done 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 putting together a bag with items such as toiletries, medications, and extra clothes.

Finally, on the night before moving day, make sure you get a full night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to have two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to repair, replace, or provide money back for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover very expensive items (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get greater coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it gives less protection. This insurance requires your moving company to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for possessions lost or damaged during the move.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy during your move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. This usually isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but it may be worth checking your policy.

Sources

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