10 best long-distance moving companies in Santa Clara, CA

There are a variety of factors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move a car are common worries for people moving long-distance.

Lessen your problems by choosing the best movers for the job. To help make sure you, your loved ones, and your belongings arrive at your new home without incident, we've created this overview of the top long-distance movers in Santa Clara.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ from those that only assist with local moves. The main distinction between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers often only work within a certain geographic radius and will charge an exorbitant rate to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

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

Local Santa Clara moving companies are usually more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and experience, particularly when relocating to another state. 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 Santa Clara

Hiring the right long-distance mover is important, and the choices can feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of finding a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Santa Clara, we've compiled some recommendations below.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, inquiring about these or similar options is a good idea. We also suggest purchasing your own moving insurance to fully protect your belongings. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance plans below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable company is handling your move. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as mandating that movers supply a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Start asking for estimates several months before your move. Request detailed quotes from several long-distance movers in Santa Clara. Make sure these quotes include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of 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 choice to help cover cost. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare several loans to make sure you find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what others have said about certain long-distance moving companies. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season to move in, it can be challenging and costlier to book a mover. Because there are so many college students living in Santa Clara, the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that offer nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you suspicious. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your full payment upfront. If a mover has an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A key piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to find your moving company well before of your move date. We recommend planning your move at least 90 days ahead of time, or even earlier if you need specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. You might choose to keep certain sentimental, valuable, or fragile possessions, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

We also advise 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.

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

The night before moving day, remember to get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is a must for long-distance moves. It'll provide reimbursement if any of your possessions are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers need to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement 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 movers. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you more coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it gives you reduced coverage. With this insurance, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, it might be a good idea to check your policy.

Sources

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