10 best long-distance moving companies in Livermore, CA

Long-distance or interstate moves include unique challenges that set them apart from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move a car are common obstacles for people moving long-distance.

Selecting the right moving professionals can help relieve your worries. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings reach your new home safely, we've compiled this list of the best long-distance movers in Livermore.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers are distinct in many ways. Local movers only operate within a specific geographic area and frequently charge a significantly higher fee 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 based on time. However, some movers use a combination of time and weight to calculate their rates, 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 area and potentially offer less expensive rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in handling interstate moves is indispensable. Selecting a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the critical 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 Livermore

When you're selecting a long-distance moving company, the wide variety of choices can be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of finding a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Livermore, we've compiled some recommendations 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 customers: 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 personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. You can find more thorough information on long-term moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable mover is handling your move. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces rules such as requiring movers to supply customers with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: We suggest asking for quotes several months before your move. For a comprehensive comparison, be sure to ask for itemized cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Livermore. As you compare estimates, ensure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, many moving companies have financing options. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help with cost. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare a few options to make sure you select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what other customers say about certain long-distance moving companies. 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. Livermore also has a lot of college students living in the area, so 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. Legitimate movers generally shouldn't request your complete payment upfront. Steer clear of moving companies with an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Finding your moving company well before your move date is essential when planning a long-distance move. We suggest scheduling your move at least 90 days ahead of time, or even earlier if you need unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move by yourself. You probably have fragile, sentimental, or valuable belongings, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than 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 putting together a bag with items such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, extra clothes, and medicine.

The night before moving day, make sure you get a full night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves. It'll pay you back if any of your belongings are lost or damagedby your movers.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to offer two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide money back for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies may exclude certain items that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you greater coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it gives less coverage. This insurance requires your moving company to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for possessions lost or damaged during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy when you move. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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