Moving can be a stressful and challenging process, especially if you are moving long distances. It is essential to choose the right company for your move. There are many things to consider when hiring a long-distance mover: reputation, price, and legitimacy of the company, red flags, and more! Hiring an out-of-state mover means that there will be more time spent with the movers since they cannot drive back home at night after work.
Reputation
Research is vital when hiring a long-distance mover. The company must be licensed and insured to perform the work in your area. Reviews of their past customers are a good source for a better understanding of how they operate. When you hire a moving company, consult with people who have moved long distances. Check to see if there are any open complaints on the Better Business Bureau.
Although this may seem trustworthy, and although it is the most popular way to get reviews, online reviews are not always an accurate representation of how reputable a moving company is. It is often more likely for people to leave reviews detailing a bad experience than when they are happy with their service. It’s best to get recommendations from family and friends that have used long-distance movers before. Ask if they’ve worked with any companies that had good results.
When you’re interviewing a moving company, the best question to ask is how long they’ve been in business. A new company isn’t necessarily a red flag, but the company’s age and how long they’ve been in business are essential. A company with experience means you’ll have peace of mind when making your move.
Estimated vs Guaranteed Price
Long-distance moves are different from local moves, so comparing quotes is important. Local moves usually involve a standard hourly rate, but interstate and international moves may be more complicated. So before finding an affordable moving company make sure you know all the hidden costs also. Companies with a good reputation will send someone to your home, take an inventory of the items being moved, and offer you an estimate. They’ll also advise clients on any logistical aspects of the move that might affect the price. One of the most effective ways to obtain a quote is through this online form.
Elusive companies that offer price quotes on the phone should not be your go-to for movers. This may result in a lower advertised price and a higher move day. Before you move, make sure that the price estimate is guaranteed and written in writing. The average cost of a move can vary greatly depending on how far away the destination is and what services you decide to employ. Be sure to understand these factors when it comes time to plan, as they may change price estimates given by ranking websites.
Check the legitimacy of the Company
For every long-distance moving company, make sure that it is registered with the U.S. DOT before hiring them to move your things out of state and into another state. This can be done relatively easily through the USDOT website. All you have to do is post an inquiry, request a company quote, and wait for your reply. You’ll need to answer some questions about the size of your shipment and indicate how soon you need it moved or if the service should be standby at all times.” Avoid those that aren’t registered because they are not legitimate and could pose a risk to your long-distance move.
An excellent way to ensure that the mover you’re investigating offers respectable service is to cross-reference them with the Moving and Storage Association Promoter database.
See for Red Flags
While it is not comprehensive, this article has covered some red flags, including a lack of licenses and reviews and assessing the price over the phone. When moving long-distance, one big red flag is that many companies require a substantial down payment even to start setting up your move. If a company asks for any deposit or payment before the move date, it is usually best to exercise caution.
Before you sign any agreement, be sure you have a written quote. Get one with an itemized list of all the costs upfront.
Pricing
Moving companies typically charge by the hour. As a result, you might pay a little more or less than quoted. However, they’re pretty accurate with estimating how long your move will take. Verbal communication can be trickery because you may misinterpret what the other person means. You’ll be asked about your household size, the number of rooms to move and stairs involved in the move, and if you have any especially large or heavy pieces of furniture.
Keep in mind that not only must you pay for the movers’ travel time, but they will charge additionally for their “prep” work like cleaning up and packing. When deciding how long it will take your movers to return from your destination, the number of hours they work does not account for time in transit and loading/unloading. Be sure to ask about fuel surcharges when comparing your options. Some movers will round up the next hour when they estimate their time. The mover you hire should charge a prorated hourly price.
Finally, find out if there will be any extra fees you could incur based on special conditions such as elevator or stair use, the need for a permit to park on city streets, and so forth.
Conclusion
You’ve made it this far, and I’m assuming you’re looking for a long-distance moving company. We want to help make your search easier, so we put together a comprehensive guide on hiring the right movers. If you take these steps, there are no red flags that should stop you from making an informed decision about which mover is best for you! So, what are you waiting for? Get started with step one today!
