10 best long-distance moving companies in Selma, CA

Long-distance or interstate moves differ from local moves in several ways. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may be worried about complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges such as how to move your car.

Ease your concerns by choosing the right movers for the job. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings get to your new home safely, we've created this guide to the leading long-distance movers in Selma.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are distinct 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 much higher rate to do so.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers more often charge based on time. Certain moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when calculating their prices, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

Local Selma movers may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Long-distance movers can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Selma

When you're picking a long-distance mover, the wide range of options may be overwhelming. See the list below for some advice on finding a licensed and trustworthy long-distance mover in Selma.

• 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. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or other insurance options. To better protect your possessions during the move, we recommend purchasing personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. You can find more thorough information about long-term moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces policies such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: We recommend asking for quotes several months before your move. Reach out to several long-distance moving providers in Selma and ask for detailed cost breakdowns. Make sure these quotes include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers offer financing plans to help you afford your move. A moving or relocation loan can help with cost. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. We suggest looking into several options to find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others thought about certain long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. Neighbors and loved ones can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means movers may be harder to hire and more expensive if you’re moving during the summer months. Because there are so many college students living in Selma, June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that provide “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding quotes. You should also be cautious of a mover that asks for your full payment before the move. If a moving company has a long history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A useful tip for long-distance moves is to reserve your movers far enough ahead of time. To ensure a smooth move, book your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move on your own, we advise getting started a month ahead of time. You might prefer to keep certain items, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Making a checklist of all the things 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 essentials for the first couple of days of your move, such as medicine, extra clothes, and a toothbrush and toothpaste.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to have two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover belongings that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get more comprehensive coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it provides reduced coverage. This insurance requires your movers to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for possessions lost or damaged during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy after you 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