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

There are many factors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. When you're moving between states, you may be worried about higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move your car.

Hiring the right moving professionals can help lessen your challenges. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings arrive at your new home without incident, we've put together this overview of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Santa Paula.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies differ in a few ways. Local moving companies generally provide moving services within a designated geographic location. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a significant fee to do so.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies are more likely to charge based on time. Some moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when setting their rates, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

When faced with a long-distance move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local moving companies. Although local movers may have a better grasp of your specific location and potentially offer less expensive rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in tackling interstate moves can't be beaten. 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 Santa Paula

Selecting the right long-distance mover is important, and the choices may feel overwhelming. See the list below for some guidance on picking a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Santa Paula.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two types of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or other options. To better protect your possessions during the move, we suggest getting personal moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your moving company. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance options 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 mover is taking care of your move. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Ask for quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have enough time to plan your move. Request itemized cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Santa Paula. Estimates should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies offer financing options. A moving or relocation loan can help pay for some of the cost. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We advise researching several options to get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to see what previous customers say about particular long-distance moving companies. Also, get recommendations from your friends and family.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season to move in, it can be difficult and costlier to book a moving company. Because there are so many college students living in Santa Paula, the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" quotes should make you suspicious. Additionally, reputable moving companies shouldn’t request the full payment upfront. If a mover has an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful piece of advice for long-distance moves is to book your movers far enough in advance. To ensure an easy move, reserve your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need more unique services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move by yourself. When it comes to valuable, fragile, or sentimental 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.

Put together a list of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move. The list should include items such as updating your address with the California DMV.

Pack essentials for the first few days, such as extra clothes, medicine, and toiletries.

The night before moving day, make sure you get a full night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is a must for long-distance moves. It'll cover the cost if any of your items are lost or damagedin the move.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to provide two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable belongings (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some movers. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get better coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, but it has less coverage. If you choose this insurance, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for items that are damaged or lost.

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