10 best long-distance moving companies in Monterey Park, CA

There are several factors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. When you're moving long-distance, you may be dealing with higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move your car.

Ease your problems by hiring the best moving professionals for the job. To help make sure you, your loved ones, and your belongings get to your new home safely, we've created this guide to the top long-distance movers in Monterey Park.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ from those that only do local moves. The main difference between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers usually only offer services within a certain geographic area and will charge an exorbitant rate to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies usually set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers often charge based on the length of time needed for your move. Some movers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to set their final cost, so it's necessary to talk about your provider's pricing structure.

Local Monterey Park moving companies are generally more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers offer valuable knowledge and experience, especially when moving between states. Long-distance movers can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Monterey Park

When you're picking a long-distance mover, the wide range of choices can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips for finding a reliable long-distance mover in Monterey Park.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types 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 similar insurance options. We also suggest obtaining your own moving insurance to better protect your belongings. We discuss long-distance moving insurance coverage in more detail 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 mover is handling your move. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces policies such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: We suggest looking for quotes several months ahead of your move. Reach out to multiple long-distance moving providers in Monterey Park and ask for detailed quotes. As you compare estimates, ensure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you might need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help cover cost. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare a few loans to make sure you select the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what others say about specific long-distance moving companies. Friends and family can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season for moves, it can be difficult and costlier to get a mover. Monterey Park also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy due to students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" quotes should make you wary. You should also be cautious of a mover that asks for your entire payment upfront. Avoid moving companies with a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A key piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to book your moving company well in advance of your move date. It's best if you book your move at least 90 days in advance. This gives you enough time to hire movers. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need unique services, like piano or car moving.

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

Write a list of everything that needs to be done before and after your move. The list should include things 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 extra clothes, medicine, and toiletries.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain possessions that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some movers. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you greater coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it gives less coverage. This option requires your moving company to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for possessions lost or damaged during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy when you move. While this usually 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