10 best movers in Concord, California

International Van Lines is the best long-distance moving company for relocating out of California. If you're moving in the Concord area, use the filters below to find other local movers.

Long-distance movers in Concord

A long-distance move is when you relocate from one state to another or more than 50 miles away. If you're crossing state boundaries, you need to be especially careful that the moving company you use has the right federal licensing. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input the USDOT number, MC number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database to verify a carrier's licensing status.

We’ve confirmed that the long-distance moving services below are actively licensed. These experienced and reliable movers can help get your belongings safely and smoothly to your new home.

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

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3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

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Why is moving so expensive?

Relocating within or out of Concord is relatively expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense given that the cost of living in Concord is higher than 99.1% of the country.

Many factors are involved in moving, so expenses add up fast. Common moving expenses include the following:

• Supplies
• Packing
• Fuel
• Junk removal
• Professional labor
• Storage

These extra considerations can cause your total moving cost to climb even more:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring a moving companiy, you may have to pay more for moving fragile, valuable or very large items. The following items commonly cost more to move:

• Artwork and sculptures
• Pianos
• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology
• Family heirlooms or antiques
• Safes

Find out from potential movers whether they move these items and if so, whether they charge additional fees.

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers is optional, but it’s common if your movers provided good service. Consider tipping each mover $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves and $5–$10 per hour for local moves.

Unexpected delays

Traffic, transportation emergencies, limited supplies and bad weather can all delay your move and increase the time and cost. There’s no way to prevent delays, but you can prepare for them by having a flexible schedule and adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping these ways in mind can save you money on moving in Concord.

Be communicative

Communicate any changes to your schedule or inventory to avoid surprise charges on the day of your move. Be especially transparent about items you’re adding to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

For example, small items can likely be added to the truck without a problem, but large items — like new furniture or appliances — need to be discussed beforehand. The movers may charge more for those additions and won’t start your move until you’ve agreed to the additional cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Move in the off-season or during the week to lower the cost and book your movers of choice.

Peak moving season is between May and September. If you have a flexible timeline, consider moving outside of those months, as there won’t be as much competition or as high of moving rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you have difficulty finding a cheap moving provider that meets your needs, there are alternative routes you can take.

One alternative is handling the move by yourself. Consider the amount of labor required and the following costs when deciding between a professional moving company and moving yourself:

• Packing supplies
• Fuel
• Moving truck rental

Enlisting help from friends, family or neighbors for moving heavy items such as furniture can make your move quicker and easier. If you lack the time or support system required for a DIY move, employing movers is valuable.

Another option is to find movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr. Hiring hourly help can cost less, but independent contractors may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Concord

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will handle the entire moving process, including providing packing supplies, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Full-service moving is pricier than services that only include loading and moving your items, but it can be worth the extra cost considering the time, labor and packing materials it saves. Additionally, full-service moving can provide better insurance coverage, as self-packed goods are generally only insured up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be challenging to get a claim approved for self-packed damaged items.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Any legitimate moving company will display their proof of registration on physical trucks and official files. If you're making an interstate move, you should screen companies for valid USDOT and MC numbers beforehand by visiting the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in California are also required to have a license from the California Bureau of Household Goods and Services.

How does moving insurance work?

You should also look into a mover's insurance policies. All movers will offer released-value coverage, which protects your goods at a rate of 60 cents per pound per item. Adding this supplementary coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving costly or rare items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The peak moving time falls during May and September, creating increased demand and raised rates for moves of all scopes. The lofty prices could dissuade you from making a move in the summer. Moreover, Concord's extreme summer heat might mean moving amid high temperatures, which can pose additional challenges.

We recommend moving in the spring or early fall seasons when you can expect more favorable weather and lower costs.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

Load up your car with anything too important to lose, such as photos, financial records, identification documents and technology.

Many moving companies put limits on insurance coverage on high-value items, like jewelry and family heirlooms. Keep these yourself, as well as any other irreplaceable belongings, if you're concerned about potential loss or damage.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including the following:

• Aerosols
• Perishable foods and produce
• Plants
• Fertilizers
• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Batteries
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Fuel sources
• Compressed tanks or gas

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.