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

Long-distance or interstate moves present their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. When you're moving long-distance, you may have to deal with complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges like how to move your car.

The right movers can help put your mind at ease. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings reach your new home without incident, we've compiled this overview of the top long-distance movers in South Pasadena.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are a few key differences to be aware of. Local moving companies only operate within a specific geographic radius and often charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service circle if they agree to these jobs at all.

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

Local South Pasadena moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Choosing a long-distance moving company for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the critical knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in South Pasadena

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the choices may be overwhelming, making it difficult to pick the right one for your needs. To help you navigate the process of finding a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in South Pasadena, we've gathered some guidance below.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two kinds of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, asking about these or other insurance options is a good idea. We also suggest purchasing your own moving insurance to better protect your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable company is taking care of your move. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces regulations such as mandating that movers give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving providers in South Pasadena several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Quotes should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies have financing options. A moving or relocation loan can cover cost. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. Researching several choices allows you to get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what other customers have said about certain long-distance moving companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and loved ones.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving during the summer months, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and more expensive to hire a moving company. South Pasadena also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that give you “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding estimates. Additionally, trustworthy moving companies shouldn’t demand the full payment before the move. If a mover has an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA details mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A useful piece of advice for long-distance moves is to find your movers far enough in advance. We recommend hiring movers at least three months before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need more specialized moving services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move yourself, we suggest getting started a month in advance. You probably have fragile, valuable, or sentimental items, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Writing a checklist of all the things that need to be done both 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.

Pack a suitcase with essentials for the first couple of days of your move, such as extra clothes, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and medications.

Lastly, make sure to get enough rest the night before moving day.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves. It'll protect you if some of your items are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers must offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover belongings that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get better coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it gives less protection. This plan requires your moving company to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items damaged or lost 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 when you move. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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