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

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

The right moving professionals can help put your mind at ease. To help make sure you, your loved ones, and your belongings make it to your new home without incident, we've compiled this overview of the best long-distance movers in San Francisco.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only assist with local moves. Local movers often only operate within a certain geographic radius. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that area if they’re willing to at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to charge based on how long a job takes, while long-distance moving companies more likely to charge based on the weight. Some moving companies may use a mix of time and weight when calculating their prices, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific provider.

Local San Francisco moving companies are generally more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and expertise, especially when moving between states. Long-distance moving companies are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in San Francisco

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the options may feel overwhelming, making it difficult to hire the right one for your needs. See the list below for some advice on choosing a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in San Francisco.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can look into these or other options for long-distance moves within the same state. We also suggest getting your own moving insurance to completely protect your belongings. You can find more thorough information about long-term moving insurance choices below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified mover is handling your move. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in San Francisco several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Quotes should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think 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 strong option to help cover expenses. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. We advise looking into several choices to pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what previous clients thought about specific long-distance movers by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. You should also ask neighbors and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and more expensive to hire a moving company. Since San Francisco is home to so many college students, June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that provide “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding estimates. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your full payment upfront. Steer clear of moving companies with a 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 good tip for long-distance moves is to schedule your movers far enough ahead of time. We advise hiring movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need more specialized moving services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we advise starting a month in advance. When it comes to valuable, sentimental, or fragile belongings, 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.

Creating 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.

Put together a bag with necessities for the first couple of days in your new home, such as toothbrushes, extra clothes, and medicine.

Finally, make sure to get plenty of rest the night before moving day.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to offer two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain belongings that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some moving companies. Full Value Protection is pricier but provides better coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less protection. With this insurance, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

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