10 best long-distance moving companies in Suisun City, CA

There are importantfactors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move a car are common worries for people moving long-distance.

Picking the right movers can help alleviate your challenges. We've put together this guide to the top long-distance movers in Suisun City so you, your family, and your belongings arrive to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers are distinct in several ways. Local movers often only work within a certain geographic radius. They'll usually charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that area if they’re willing to at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies usually set fees based on the weight of your items, while local movers commonly set fees based on the time required for your move. Some moving companies, however, may use a mix of time and weight to calculate their rates, so it's important to talk about your provider's pricing structure.

Although local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific city (and be less expensive), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, particularly when moving from one state to another. Long-distance movers can save you time and stress because they're more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Suisun City

Hiring the right long-distance mover is important, and the choices can feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of picking a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in Suisun City, we've collected some recommendations below.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of options for insurance coverage to their customers: 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. In addition to the insurance options offered by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies 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 handling your move. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as mandating that movers supply a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving providers in Suisun City several months before your move and get detailed quotes. 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, quite a few moving companies offer financing plans. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover expenses. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare several loans to make sure you pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to see what others say about specific long-distance movers. You should also ask friends and family for recommendations.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving during the summer months, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year for moves. This can make it harder and more expensive to book a mover. Suisun City also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that offer “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding prices. Reliable moving companies generally shouldn't request your complete payment before the move. If a moving company has a long history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA describes mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to reserve your moving company well before of your move date. We advise planning your move at least 90 days in advance, or even earlier if you need unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we advise getting started a month ahead of time. When it comes to sentimental, fragile, or valuable items, such as plants or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

Putting together a checklist of all the tasks 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 necessities for the first couple of days of your move, such as extra clothes, toiletries, and medications.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies may exclude certain items that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. While Full Value Protection is more expensive, it offers better coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it gives you reduced coverage. This option requires your movers to pay you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings lost or damaged during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy during your move. This typically 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