10 best long-distance moving companies in South San Francisco, CA

Long-distance or interstate moves bring unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance struggle with concerns such as how to move their car, as well as complicated logistics and higher costs.

The right moving professionals can help relieve your challenges. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the best long-distance movers in South San Francisco to help you, your loved ones, and your possessions arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ significantly from those that only offer local moves. Local moving companies generally provide moving services within a designated geographic radius. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a significant fee to do so.

Local moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on time, while long-distance moving companies more likely to charge based on the weight they're moving. Some moving companies, however, may use a mix of time and weight to determine their final cost, so it's necessary to check your provider's pricing structure.

When faced with an interstate move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local moving companies. While local movers may have a better grasp of your specific area and potentially offer more affordable rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in tackling interstate moves is indispensable. Selecting a long-distance moving company 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 South San Francisco

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the choices may feel overwhelming, making it challenging to pick the right one for your needs. To help you navigate the process of choosing a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in South San Francisco, we've compiled some advice 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. You can look into these or other options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. To fully protect your belongings during the move, we recommend obtaining personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. We discuss long-distance moving insurance options in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration serves as a sign that you're working with a qualified mover. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces regulations such as mandating that movers provide customers with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Start seeking out quotes several months before your move. Reach out to multiple long-distance moving providers in South San Francisco and request detailed cost breakdowns. Ensure these quotes include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing options as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help with expenses. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We recommend researching several choices to get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what other clients thought about certain long-distance moving companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Neighbors and family 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 between May and September. Since South San Francisco is home to so many college students, June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding quote is a red flag. You should also be cautious of a mover that asks for your entire payment before the move. If a moving company has a long 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 good tip for long-distance moves is to secure your movers far enough ahead of time. We advise booking your move at least 90 days beforehand, or possibly earlier if you need specific services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. When it comes to sentimental, valuable, or fragile items, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may choose to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

Creating 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 essentials for the first few days, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, medications, and extra clothes.

Lastly, on 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 protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to offer two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide money back 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 a pound), for some movers. While Full Value Protection is more expensive, it gives you better coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it has less coverage. With this option, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged belongings.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. This typically isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but checking your policy might be worth a look.

Sources

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