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

Long-distance or interstate moves present their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. When you're moving between states, you may be worried about complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges like how to move your car.

Picking the right movers can help lessen your issues. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to the highest-rated long-distance movers in Temple City to help you, your loved ones, and your belongings get safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ from those that only offer local moves. Local movers only offer services within a specific geographic area and usually charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to such jobs at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes, while long-distance moving companies more likely to charge based on the weight. However, some companies use a combination of time and weight to set their prices, so be sure to check with your specific provider about its prices.

While local movers may have more experience moving in your specific area (and be more affordable), the expertise of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, especially when moving from one state to another. Long-distance movers can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Temple City

Picking the right long-distance moving company in Temple City requires research to ensure the company offers the services you need and fits your budget. Below, we provide some tips on how to choose a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Temple City.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage choices: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can inquire about these or other insurance options. In addition to the insurance coverage offered by your mover, getting your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your possessions. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration serves as an assurance that you're working with a qualified mover. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces policies such as requiring movers to provide clients with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Ask for quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have adequate time to plan your move. Reach out to several long-distance moving providers in Temple City and get itemized cost breakdowns. Make sure these quotes include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers have financing plans to help you pay for your move. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help pay for some of the cost. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. We advise researching several options to get the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to find out what previous customers think about certain long-distance moving companies. You should also ask friends and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means moving companies may be harder to book and costlier if you’re moving between May and September. Since Temple City is home to so many college students, June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Additionally, reputable moving companies won't request the full payment upfront. Avoid moving companies with a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Securing your moving company well before your move date is extremely important when preparing for a long-distance move. We advise booking 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.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least four weeks in advance. You might prefer to have certain items, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Make a list of everything that needs to be done before and after your move. The list should include items such as updating your address with the California DMV.

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by packing a suitcase with items such as medications, toiletries, and extra clothes.

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 a necessity, as it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers have to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover very expensive belongings (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. Full Value Protection is more expensive but provides more comprehensive coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it has less coverage. This plan requires your moving company to pay you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings damaged or lost during the move.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy during your move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. 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