10 best long-distance moving companies in Reedley, CA

Long-distance or interstate moves have their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move a car are common difficulties for people moving long-distance.

Selecting the right moving professionals can help alleviate your issues. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings reach your new home without incident, we've compiled this overview of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Reedley.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ from those that only do local moves. Local movers only operate within a specific geographic area and frequently charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to these jobs at all.

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to charge by weight, while local moving companies are more likely to charge by time. Keep in mind that some movers might incorporate both weight and time in their quotes, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

Although local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific area (and be more affordable), the expertise of a long-distance moving company is extremely valuable, especially when it comes to moving between states. Using a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the necessary knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Reedley

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices can be overwhelming, making it challenging to hire the right one for you. Below, we provide some guidance on how to choose a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in Reedley.

• 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 inside one state, asking about these or similar insurance options is a good idea. We also suggest purchasing your own moving insurance to better protect your belongings. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance choices below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces rules such as mandating that movers supply clients with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving companies in Reedley several months before your move and get detailed quotes. As you compare quotes, confirm that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you'll need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing options as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a strong strategy to help cover cost. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare several choices to make sure you pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what other clients say about certain long-distance moving companies. Friends and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season for moves, it can be challenging and costlier to hire a mover. Since Reedley is home to so many college students, the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that offer “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding estimates. Reputable moving companies generally shouldn't demand your complete payment upfront. Avoid movers with 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

A valuable piece of advice for long-distance moves is to reserve your movers far enough ahead of time. To ensure a smooth move, schedule your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and possibly even more if you need specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move on your own, we recommend getting started a month beforehand. You might prefer to keep certain valuable, fragile, or sentimental possessions, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Making 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.

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

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain items that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some moving companies. Full Value Protection costs more but provides more comprehensive coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it gives less coverage. With this insurance, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged belongings.

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

Sources

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