10 best long-distance moving companies in Morgan Hill, CA

Long-distance or interstate moves are distinct from local moves in severalimportant ways. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and issues like how to move a car are common difficulties for people moving long-distance.

The right moving company can help relieve your challenges. To help make sure you, your loved ones, and your belongings reach your new home safely, we've created this overview of the leading long-distance movers in Morgan Hill.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are many key differences to note. Local movers typically only offer services within a certain geographic area. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that radius if they’re willing to at all.

Local movers are also more likely to charge based on how long a job takes, while long-distance movers more likely to charge based on the weight. Certain moving companies may use a mix of time and weight when calculating their prices, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific provider.

Local Morgan Hill moving companies are commonly more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and expertise, particularly when relocating to another state. Long-distance movers can save you time and headaches because they're more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Morgan Hill

Choosing the right long-distance mover in Morgan Hill requires research to ensure the company meets your needs and works within your budget. To help you navigate the process of choosing a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in Morgan Hill, we've compiled some guidance below.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two kinds of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, looking into these or similar insurance options is a good idea. We also suggest getting your own moving insurance to fully protect your belongings. You can find more thorough information about long-term moving insurance coverage below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies 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 taking care of your move. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces policies such as mandating that movers supply customers with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in Morgan Hill several months before your move and get detailed quotes. As you compare estimates, ensure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers have financing plans to help you afford your move. A moving or relocation loan can help cover expenses. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare a few options to make sure you find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to see what other clients say about certain long-distance movers. Friends and loved ones can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means moving companies may be harder to get and costlier if you’re moving between May and September. Morgan Hill also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that offer “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding quotes. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your full payment before the move. If a mover has an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Hiring your moving company far enough ahead of time is key when getting ready for a long-distance move. To ensure an easy move, schedule your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move by yourself. You might choose to keep certain sentimental, fragile, or valuable items, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Writing 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.

Pack a suitcase with essentials for the first couple of days in your new home, such as toothbrushes, extra clothes, and medications.

Finally, make sure to get plenty of rest the night before moving day.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if some of your items are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers have to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable items (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some movers. Although Full Value Protection costs more, it offers better coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it gives less coverage. This plan requires your movers to pay 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 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