10 best long-distance moving companies in Walnut, CA

There are importantfactors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. When you're moving between states, you may come up against higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move your car.

Put your mind at ease by hiring the right moving professionals for the job. That’s why we’ve created this overview of the best long-distance movers in Walnut to help you, your family, and your possessions get safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

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

Long-distance movers are also more likely to charge by weight, while local movers are more likely to charge based on time. However, some companies use a mix of time and weight to calculate their rates, so be sure to check with your specific provider about its prices.

Local Walnut moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific city and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Long-distance movers are more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Walnut

Hiring the right long-distance moving company is important, and the options may feel overwhelming. Here are some tips for choosing a legitimate long-distance moving company in Walnut.

• 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. You can look into these or similar insurance options for long-distance moves within the same state. In addition to the insurance options provided by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your belongings. 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 an indication that you're working with a reputable company. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as requiring movers to provide a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Walnut several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Estimates should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help with expenses. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. Looking into several loans allows you to get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what others have said about particular long-distance movers by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. You should also ask friends and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means movers may be harder to book and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September. Because there are so many college students living in Walnut, June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" quotes should make you suspicious. Legitimate movers generally won't ask for your complete payment before the move. If a mover has a long history of bad 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

Reserving your movers well before your move date is extremely important for a successful long-distance move. To ensure a smooth move, book your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. You might prefer to have certain items, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Make a list of all the tasks that need to be done before and after your move. The list should include tasks 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 putting together a bag with items such as medicine, extra clothes, and toothbrushes.

Lastly, on the night before moving day, make sure you get a full night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers must have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies might not cover very expensive belongings (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. Full Value Protection is more expensive but gives you greater coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less coverage. This option requires your movers to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items damaged or lost during the move.

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. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they usually don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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