10 best long-distance moving companies in Redlands, CA

Long-distance or interstate moves include their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may deal with complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns like how to move your car.

The right moving professionals can help put your mind at ease. To help make sure you, your loved ones, and your belongings arrive at your new home safely, we've put together this overview of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Redlands.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are a few key differences to keep in mind. Local movers often only work 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 time, while long-distance movers more likely to charge based on the weight. Some movers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to determine their prices, so it's important to talk about your provider's pricing structure.

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

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Redlands

Choosing the right long-distance moving company in Redlands requires research to make sure the company offers the services you need and works within your budget. To help you navigate the process of choosing a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in Redlands, we've compiled some advice below.

• 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. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, looking into these or other options is a good idea. We also suggest getting your own moving insurance to fully protect your possessions. You can find more thorough information on long-term moving insurance plans below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration serves as an assurance that you're working with a qualified company. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces regulations such as requiring movers to provide clients with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Start collecting quotes several months ahead of your move. For a thorough comparison, be sure to get itemized cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Redlands. As you compare estimates, ensure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you might use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies have financing plans. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare several choices to make sure you choose the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what other clients have said about certain long-distance moving companies. Also, ask for recommendations from your neighbors and family.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means movers may be harder to get and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September. Redlands also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. You should also be wary of a mover that asks for your entire payment before the move. If a mover has a long history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be familiar with your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to hire your moving company well in advance of your move date. We recommend hiring movers at least three months before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need specialized moving 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. When it comes to sentimental, valuable, or fragile items, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

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

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

The night before your big move, remember to get a full night's sleep.

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.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged during your move. Some movers may exclude certain possessions that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection is pricier but provides more comprehensive coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it gives less protection. With this option, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost possessions.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy after 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