10 best long-distance moving companies in Monrovia, CA

Long-distance or interstate moves include their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance struggle with challenges like how to move their car, as well as higher costs and complicated logistics.

Hiring the right moving professionals can help ease your challenges. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings reach your new home safely, we've created this overview of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Monrovia.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are several key differences to note. Local movers generally offer moving services within a designated geographic area. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a significant fee to do so.

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

Local Monrovia moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. 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 Monrovia

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the choices may be overwhelming, making it difficult to hire the right one for your move. Here are some tips for picking a reliable long-distance mover in Monrovia.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two types of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can look into these or other insurance options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. We also suggest obtaining your own moving insurance to better protect your possessions. You can find more thorough information about long-term moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable company is handling your move. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving providers in Monrovia several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Ensure these quotes include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers offer financing plans to help you afford your move. A moving or relocation loan can 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. Researching several options allows you to select the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what others have said about specific long-distance moving companies. Also, get recommendations from your friends and family.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means movers may be harder to book and more expensive if you’re moving during the summer months. Since Monrovia is home to so many college students, June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you wary. You should also be wary of a mover that asks for your full payment upfront. If a mover has an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA details mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Reserving your moving company far enough ahead of time is essential for a successful long-distance move. To ensure an easy move, secure your movers no less than three months before your move date, and potentially even more 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 might prefer to keep certain possessions, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

To stay organized, prepare a detailed list of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move, such as notifying the California DMV of your new address.

Pack essentials for the first few days, such as extra clothes, medicine, and a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Finally, make sure to get a good night’s sleep the night before your big move.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers need to provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain extremely valuable items (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. While Full Value Protection is more expensive, it offers more coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it provides reduced coverage. This option requires your movers to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items lost or damaged during the move.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy after you move, it may partially cover 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