10 best long-distance moving companies in Redwood City, CA

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

Picking the right movers can help lessen your problems. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the top long-distance movers in Redwood City to help you, your loved ones, and your belongings arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers are different in a few ways. Local movers usually only offer services within a certain geographic area. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that circle if they’re willing to at all.

Local movers are also more likely to charge based on time, while long-distance moving companies more likely to set fees based on the weight they're moving. Certain moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when setting their final cost, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

Local Redwood City movers may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and stress 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 Redwood City

Finding the right long-distance mover in Redwood City requires research to make sure the company offers the services you need and fits your budget. Below, we have compiled some tips on how to find a licensed and reliable long-distance mover in Redwood City.

• 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. Even if your long-distance move doesn't cross state lines, look into the insurance options provided by your mover. We also recommend purchasing your own moving insurance to completely protect your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, we've provided a more detailed explanation 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 qualified company is taking care of your move. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as requiring movers to supply a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Request quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have adequate time to plan your move. Request itemized cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Redwood City. Ensure these quotes include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers offer financing plans to help you pay for your move. 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. We advise looking into several loans to pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others thought about certain long-distance moving companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Also, get recommendations from your friends and relatives.
• 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 between May and September. Since Redwood City is home to so many college students, June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you wary. 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 poor 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

Hiring your movers well before your move date is critical for a successful long-distance move. It's best if you book your move at least 90 days beforehand. 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.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least four weeks in advance. 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 having them packed in the mover's truck.

It's also important to make 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 of essentials for the first few days of your move, such as extra clothes, toothbrushes, and medicine.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers must offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement 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 it will ultimately get you more coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it provides less protection. With this insurance, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. This usually isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but checking your policy might be worth a look.

Sources

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