10 best long-distance moving companies in Porterville, CA

Long-distance or interstate moves differ from local moves in significant ways. When you're moving between states, you may have to deal with complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges like how to move your car.

Ease your problems by selecting the right moving professionals for the job. That’s why we’ve put together this overview of the top long-distance movers in Porterville to help you, your family, and your belongings arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

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

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers usually charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies often set fees based on the time required for your move. Certain moving companies may use a mix of time and weight when calculating their rates, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

When faced with a long-distance 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 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 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 Porterville

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices may feel overwhelming, making it challenging to select the right one for your move. Here are some tips for choosing a reliable long-distance moving company in Porterville.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage types: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, looking into these or similar options is a good idea. In addition to the insurance coverage provided by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your belongings. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance choices below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. 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 rules such as requiring movers to supply customers with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Porterville several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Make sure these quotes include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. A moving or relocation loan can help cover cost. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We recommend researching several loans to select the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others thought about particular long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Also, get recommendations from your neighbors and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means moving companies may be harder to book and more expensive if you’re moving during the summer months.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you wary. Reliable moving companies generally won't demand your complete payment upfront. Avoid moving companies that have an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

An important piece of advice for long-distance moves is to reserve your movers far enough ahead of time. To ensure a stress-free move, schedule your movers no less than 90 days before your move date, and potentially even more if you need more unique services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move on your own, we advise getting started a month ahead of time. You might prefer to keep certain possessions, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Creating 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, is a great way to stay organized during a long-distance move.

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by putting together a bag with items such as medicine, toothbrushes, and extra clothes.

The night before your big move, remember to get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must provide two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies may exclude certain extremely valuable items (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. While Full Value Protection is pricier, it provides more comprehensive coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it provides less coverage. If you choose this plan, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings that are lost or damaged.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy when you move. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

State of California Department of Motor Vehicles U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration