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

Long-distance or interstate moves differ from local moves in important ways. Many people moving interstate or long-distance come up against challenges like how to move their car, as well as complicated logistics and higher costs.

The right moving professionals can help ease your worries. We've made this guide to the leading long-distance movers in San Jose so you, your family, and your belongings get to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers are different in several ways. Local moving companies only offer services within a specific geographic area and frequently charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service area if they agree to these requests at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers are more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes. Some moving providers, however, may use a mix of time and weight to set their prices, so it's key to check your provider's pricing structure.

When faced with a long-distance move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local movers. Although local movers may have a better grasp of your specific location and potentially offer less expensive rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in tackling interstate moves is indispensable. 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 Jose

When you're selecting a long-distance moving company, the wide variety of options can be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of choosing a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in San Jose, we've compiled some advice below.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two types of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can look into these or other options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. We also recommend obtaining your own moving insurance to fully protect your belongings. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance coverage below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as a sign that you're working with a reputable company. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as mandating that movers provide a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in San Jose several months before your move and request detailed quotes. As you compare estimates, make sure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers have financing options to help you afford your move. A moving or relocation loan can pay for some of the cost. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare a few choices to make sure you pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to see what others think about certain long-distance moving companies. You should also ask friends and loved ones for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means moving companies may be harder to book and more expensive if you’re moving during the summer months. San Jose also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that give you “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding prices. Reputable moving companies generally shouldn't ask for your complete payment before the move. If a moving company has a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Hiring your movers far enough ahead of time is essential for a successful long-distance move. We recommend booking your move at least 90 days beforehand, or even earlier if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least a month in advance. You probably have sentimental, fragile, or valuable belongings, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than in the moving truck.

It's also a good idea 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.

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

The night before moving day, remember to get a good night's sleep.

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.

All interstate movers need to provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover items that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. Full Value Protection costs more but provides more comprehensive coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it gives less coverage. With this plan, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may partially cover 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