10 best long-distance moving companies in Tulare, CA

Long-distance or interstate moves are distinct from local moves in important ways. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may have to deal with complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges such as how to move your car.

The right moving professionals can help ease your problems. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to the highest-rated long-distance movers in Tulare to help you, your loved ones, and your belongings get safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies differ in a few ways. 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 fee to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies typically set fees based on the weight of your items, while local movers typically set fees based on the length of time required for your move. However, some companies use a combination of time and weight to set their rates, so be sure to check with your specific provider about its prices.

Local Tulare moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Long-distance moving companies can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Tulare

Hiring the right long-distance moving company is important, and the choices may feel overwhelming. See the list below for some guidance on choosing a licensed and trustworthy long-distance mover in Tulare.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of options for insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, looking into these or similar insurance options is a good idea. We also recommend obtaining 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: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. 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: Reach out to several long-distance moving providers in Tulare several months before your move and request detailed quotes. As you compare quotes, confirm that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers offer financing plans to help you afford your move. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help cover expenses. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare a few choices to make sure you select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what others have said about specific long-distance moving companies. Also, get recommendations from your friends and family.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and costlier to book a mover. Tulare also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Additionally, trustworthy moving companies shouldn’t demand the full payment before the move. If a mover has a long history of negative 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

An important piece of advice for long-distance moves is to schedule your movers far enough ahead of time. We recommend hiring movers at least three months before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need particular moving services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least four weeks in advance. When it comes to fragile, valuable, or sentimental belongings, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than having them packed in the mover's 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.

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

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to have two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to replace, repair, or provide money back for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable items (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some moving companies. Full Value Protection is pricier but provides greater coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it provides reduced coverage. With this option, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost possessions.

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. This usually 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