10 best long-distance moving companies in Lodi, CA

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in a variety of ways. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may have to deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move your car.

Alleviate your problems by hiring the right moving professionals for the job. That’s why we’ve created this list of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Lodi to help you, your family, and your possessions get safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ from those that only do local moves. Local movers generally provide moving services within a designated geographic location. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a much higher rate to do so.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers often charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies often charge based on the length of time needed for your move. However, some providers use a mix of time and weight to calculate their prices, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

When faced with a long-distance move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local movers. Although local movers may have a better grasp of your specific area and potentially offer more affordable rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in handling interstate moves is indispensable. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and stress because they're more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Lodi

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the options may feel overwhelming, making it challenging to choose the right one for your move. Below, we offer some guidance on how to find a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Lodi.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can ask about these or similar insurance options. To fully protect your belongings during the move, we suggest purchasing your own moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance plans, 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 gives you peace of mind that a reputable company is handling your move. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces rules such as requiring movers to provide customers with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in Lodi several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Make sure these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, many moving companies offer financing options. A moving or relocation loan can with cost. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare multiple options to make sure you select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to see what others have said about particular long-distance movers. Also, ask for recommendations from your neighbors and family.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means moving companies may be harder to get and costlier if you’re moving during the summer months. Lodi also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding quote is a red flag. You should also be wary of a mover that asks for your entire payment before the move. If a mover has a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA describes mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A valuable piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to schedule your moving company well before of your move date. It's best if you book your move at least three months beforehand. This gives you enough time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we suggest starting a month beforehand. You probably have fragile, sentimental, or valuable items, such as electronics or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than in the moving truck.

We also suggest making a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the California DMV.

Pack essentials for the first couple of days in your new home, such as toiletries, extra clothes, and medicine.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if any of your possessions are lost or damagedin the move.

All interstate movers are required to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide money back for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable possessions (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 coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it provides less protection. This plan requires your movers to pay you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings lost or damaged during the move.

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