10 best long-distance moving companies in San Fernando, CA

Long-distance or interstate moves are distinct from local moves in several ways. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move a car are common worries for people moving long-distance.

Put your mind at ease by selecting the right moving professionals for the job. That’s why we’ve created this guide to the top long-distance movers in San Fernando to help you, your loved ones, and your belongings get safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ significantly from those that only do local moves. Local moving companies only operate within a specific geographic radius and often charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service area if they agree to such jobs at all.

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

Although local movers may have more experience moving in your specific location (and be more affordable), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, especially when moving between states. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and stress because they're more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in San Fernando

When you're choosing a long-distance mover, the wide variety of choices can feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of choosing a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in San Fernando, we've collected some recommendations below.

• 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, inquiring about these or other options is a good idea. In addition to the insurance choices offered by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as a sign that you're working with a reputable mover. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving companies in San Fernando several months before your move and request detailed quotes. As you compare estimates, ensure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few moving companies have financing plans. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good strategy to help pay for some of the expenses. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare multiple options to make sure you find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to see what others say about specific long-distance moving companies. You should also ask neighbors and family for 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 between May and September. San Fernando 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: Movers that offer nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you cautious. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your entire payment upfront. Steer clear of movers that have a history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Hiring your moving company far enough ahead of time is key when preparing for a long-distance move. It's best if you book your move at least three months in advance. This gives you plenty of time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need more specialized services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we suggest starting a month ahead of time. You might prefer to keep certain valuable, sentimental, or fragile items, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

To stay organized, prepare a detailed list of all the necessary tasks before and after your move, such as notifying the California DMV of your new address.

Put together necessities for the first couple of days of your move, such as medications, toiletries, and extra clothes.

The night before your move, make sure you get plenty of rest.

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 offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable items (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some moving companies. While Full Value Protection is more expensive, it offers more comprehensive coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it gives less protection. This option requires your movers to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings lost or damaged during the move.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. This typically 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