10 best long-distance moving companies in Visalia, CA

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in a variety of ways. When you're moving long-distance, you may be dealing with complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges such as how to move your car.

Hiring the right moving professionals can help ease your problems. We've made this overview of the top long-distance movers in Visalia so you, your loved ones, and your possessions make it to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers are different in a few ways. Local movers only offer services within a specific geographic area and usually charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service circle if they agree to such requests at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers commonly charge based on the weight of your items, while local moving companies often set fees based on the time needed for your move. Keep in mind that some moving companies might use both weight and time in their quotes, so ask your specific movers about their 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 location and potentially offer less expensive rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in tackling interstate moves can't be beaten. These companies are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Visalia

Choosing the right long-distance moving company is important, and the options may be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of choosing a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in Visalia, we've put together some guidance 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 clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves inside one state, looking into these or other options is a good idea. To completely protect your possessions during the move, we suggest getting your own moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your moving company. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance plans, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified company is taking care of your move. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces rules such as mandating that movers supply clients with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Start requesting estimates several months before your move. For a comprehensive comparison, be sure to get itemized quotes from multiple long-distance movers in Visalia. As you compare quotes, ensure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any added services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. A moving or relocation loan can help cover expenses. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We recommend looking into several choices to find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to find out what others have said about particular long-distance moving companies. You should also ask friends and family for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season to move in, it can be difficult and more expensive to get a mover. Since Visalia 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, trustworthy moving companies shouldn’t request the full payment upfront. If a mover has a long history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to schedule your moving company well before of your move date. We recommend scheduling movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need specialized moving services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we recommend getting started a month ahead of time. You probably have sentimental, fragile, or valuable belongings, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

We also suggest making a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the California DMV.

Pack a bag with essentials for the first couple of days in your new home, such as medicine, toothbrushes, and extra clothes.

The night before your move, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers have to have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide money back for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain extremely valuable items (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you better coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less coverage. If you choose this option, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for possessions that are lost or damaged.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy after you move. It may be helpful to review your policy, 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