10 best long-distance moving companies in West Whittier-Los Nietos, CA

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in severalimportant ways. When you're moving between states, you may encounter complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges such as how to move your car.

Alleviate your problems by choosing the best movers for the job. We've made this overview of the best long-distance movers in West Whittier-Los Nietos so you, your family, and your possessions make it to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are distinct in a few ways. Local movers generally provide moving services within a designated geographic radius. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge an exorbitant rate to do so.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically charge by weight, while local movers more often set fees based on time. However, some movers use a combination of time and weight to set their prices, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

Local West Whittier-Los Nietos movers may have a more knowledge of your specific location 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 West Whittier-Los Nietos

When you're selecting a long-distance mover, the wide variety of options may feel overwhelming. Below, we provide some guidance on how to choose a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in West Whittier-Los Nietos.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage options: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, looking into these or other insurance options is a good idea. We also suggest purchasing your own moving insurance to fully protect your possessions. You can find more thorough information about long-term moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified company is handling your move. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as requiring movers to provide a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in West Whittier-Los Nietos several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Estimates should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers offer financing plans to help you afford your move. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the cost. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare multiple loans to make sure you choose the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what other clients have said about certain long-distance moving companies. Friends and loved ones can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means movers may be harder to hire and more expensive if you’re moving during the summer months. Because there are so many college students living in West Whittier-Los Nietos, the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you cautious. Additionally, trustworthy moving companies shouldn’t request the full payment upfront. Steer clear of movers that have an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to schedule your moving company well in advance of your move date. To ensure an easy move, book your movers no less than three months before your move date, and potentially even more if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. You probably have sentimental, valuable, or fragile items, such as artwork 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.

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

Lastly, on the night before moving day, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is incredibly important for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if any of your items are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers must repair, replace, or provide money back for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain extremely valuable possessions (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get greater coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it gives you reduced coverage. This option requires your movers to pay you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for possessions 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. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, 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