10 best long-distance moving companies in Ontario, CA

Long-distance or interstate moves have unique challenges that set them apart from local moves. When you're moving long-distance, you may be dealing with complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges such as how to move your car.

The right movers can help put your mind at ease. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to the top long-distance movers in Ontario to help you, your loved ones, and your belongings get safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers differ in several ways. Local moving companies only work within a specific geographic area and often charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service area if they agree to such requests at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies commonly charge based on the weight of your items, while local movers 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 rates, so be sure to talk to 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. Although local movers may have a better grasp of your specific location and potentially offer less expensive rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in tackling interstate moves is invaluable. Long-distance moving companies are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Ontario

Selecting the right long-distance moving company is important, and the choices may be overwhelming. Here are some tips for choosing a legitimate, trustworthy long-distance moving company in Ontario.

• 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. You can ask about these or other insurance options for long-distance moves inside one state. In addition to the insurance options provided by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance plans, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as requiring movers to provide a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Ontario several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Quotes should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good choice to help pay for some of the cost. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. Researching several options allows you to get the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what other customers thought about particular long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Neighbors 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 hire and more expensive if you’re moving during the summer months. Ontario also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that provide “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding estimates. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your entire payment before the move. Avoid movers with an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A great piece of advice for long-distance moves is to book your movers far enough in advance. It's best if you book your move at least three months ahead of time. 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 moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we advise starting a month beforehand. You might prefer to keep certain possessions, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

We also advise 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 a bag with necessities for the first couple of days of your move, such as extra clothes, medicine, and toothbrushes.

Finally, make sure to get a full night’s sleep the night before moving day.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is key for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers must have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to repair, replace, or provide money back for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover very expensive items (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get greater coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it provides less protection. With this option, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged belongings.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, 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