10 best long-distance moving companies in South Gate, CA

There are a variety of factors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may be worried about complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges like how to move your car.

Alleviate your problems by selecting the right moving professionals for the job. We've created this guide to the highest-rated long-distance movers in South Gate so you, your loved ones, and your belongings get to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are many key differences to note. The main difference between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers usually only work within a certain geographic area and will charge an exorbitant rate to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

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 more often charge based on how long a job takes. Some moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when calculating their final cost, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

Local South Gate moving companies are typically more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers provide valuable knowledge and experience, especially when relocating to another state. Long-distance movers can save you time and headaches 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 South Gate

Picking the right long-distance moving company in South Gate requires research to make sure the company meets your needs and fits your budget. See the list below for some tips on choosing a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in South Gate.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage types: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move is inside one state, look into the options provided by your mover. We also recommend obtaining your own moving insurance to better protect your possessions. You can find more thorough information about long-term moving insurance coverage below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as requiring movers to supply a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Request quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have adequate time to plan your move. Ask for detailed cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in South Gate. As you compare quotes, confirm that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you might use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers offer financing plans to help you afford your move. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help with cost. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare a few loans to make sure you find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what others think about certain long-distance movers. Neighbors and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season to move in, it can be difficult and more expensive to hire a moving company. Because there are so many college students living in South Gate, the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that offer “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding quotes. Reliable movers generally shouldn't demand your complete payment upfront. If a moving company has an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Hiring your moving company well before your move date is extremely important when preparing for a long-distance move. It's best if you book your move at least three months in advance. This gives you enough time to hire movers. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need specific services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. You probably have fragile, valuable, or sentimental belongings, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than in the moving truck.

To stay organized, make a detailed list of everything that needs to be done before and after your move, such as notifying the California DMV of your new address.

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

Finally, on the night before your move, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must provide two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement 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 moving companies. While Full Value Protection costs more, it provides more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it gives less coverage. This option requires your moving company to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for possessions lost or damaged during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy when you move. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, even though they usually don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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