Tips on Choosing a Cross Country Moving Company
Moving day is fast approaching — or maybe it's already here. To avoid much of the stress that comes with the process, consider hiring a cross country moving company that provides professional moving services.
Whether you're moving across town or the country, hiring movers can save you time, money, and backaches. It should be the first item on your cross country moving checklist. But how do you find the right moving company for your needs? Here are the top tips for hiring a cross country moving company.
Researching Potential Moving Companies
Before hiring a moving company, take the time to research your options. Look at different companies and find out about their reputations with past customers to determine customer satisfaction with the cross country movers.
Start by reading online reviews to gauge a moving company’s reputation with other customers. Avoid companies with negative reviews and focus on those with mostly positive feedback, indicating customers were satisfied with the service. If a company is local and doesn't have any online reviews, ask them if you can speak with some past clients in person. If they don’t have any references of past clients that they’re willing to share with you, this is a red flag that they may not be trustworthy! You want to find the best moving company for a cross-country move.
Verifying Credentials and Licensing
You want to know you’re working with professional movers as indicated by their licenses. Every professional moving company must be licensed by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). To receive a license, the company must meet specific criteria, which gives you more peace of mind when your belongings are in transit. If a company claims to be licensed and insured but won’t provide proof, don’t sign a contract with them.
Obtaining Multiple Quotes
Request multiple quotes from the different top-rated cross country moving companies. Provide the same information about your move for each, and ask for detailed quotes. To ensure accurate estimates, take photos and measurements of furniture and provide a destination for household movers. When you compare quotes, you’ll find out who is less expensive. You’ll also want to ask about what services they provide to know you’re getting the same benefits from each quote.
Checking Moving Valuation Coverage
A reputable mover will carrymoving valuation coverageto cover any damage that might occur during your move. However, there are different types of coverage: Full value protection, which is standard for most professional movers and covers the full cost of anything damaged or lost, and released value protection, which has lower costs but provides less protection. Be sure to ask about this before signing a contract.
Evaluating Experience and Expertise
It takes different skill sets to manage long-distance moves compared to local moves. So before hiring a cross country moving company, research a company’s experience and expertise. Some companies may be newer and focus on moves within the same city, while others have been around for decades, providing services across the country, state, or throughout the local region.
Movers with more time and expertise in long-distance moves will know how to handle any issues that arise and arrive at the destination on time. You can also compare companies with experience in residential moves versus commercial movers.
Reviewing Customer Feedback and References
Look at the company’s website for customer feedback, but remember also to check out independent websites, where people can leave feedback about the best-rated cross country moving companies. If they have a lot of reviews, compare the information across multiple sites.
You can also check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been made against the company and how they have been handled. You can even ask the company to provide references to determine the company’s reliability and customer satisfaction. Local references allow you to ask specific questions relevant to the job you need to be completed.
Inquiring About Additional Services and Amenities
When discussing your move with a cross country moving company, ask what other services they provide. Some moving companies offer assistance with packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, and moving supplies to help you with the entire moving process. Some may provide a personal representative to help you with questions you may have and connect you to other resources.
Communicating Expectations and Requirements
Before hiring a mover, ask for a written estimate or binding quote from the company. This document should include:
- The company’s name and address (make sure it’s the same as shown on their website)
- The names of everyone involved in the transaction (e.g., estimator or dispatcher)
- The type of move (local or long distance)
- The total estimated weight of your belongings
- A detailed list of the services they will provide (full pack/unpack, disassembling/assembling furniture, etc.) and what services cost extra (such as packing materials).
If you’ve communicated your needs well, it should be reflected in the document. If something doesn’t look correct or fit your needs, you can discuss the issue before you begin the process and make changes. The detailed list of the services provided is a key area where miscommunication can happen, so pay close attention to what is in the agreement.
What Are the Benefits of Using Professional Movers?
When it comes to moving, the prospect of packing up all your belongings and hauling them across town can be daunting. Not only do you have to worry about making sure everything arrives safely at your new home or office, but you also have to consider the potential for strained backs, broken items, and logistical nightmares during your journey.
One of the best ways to avoid these problems is to hire a professional moving company. The benefits of hiring professional movers include:
Saves You Time and Energy
The most obvious is that you don't have to lift a finger. Professional movers handle all the heavy lifting, so you don't have to worry about packing up your belongings or loading them onto a truck. You also won't have to worry about driving a large vehicle or navigating through unfamiliar areas.
Your Property Will Be Insured Against Damage or Loss
A key benefit of using professional movers is that your belongings will be insured against damage or loss during the move. If you're moving and something breaks, it will be your responsibility to cover the replacement cost. But if you hire professional movers and something gets damaged during the move, you'll be able to file a claim to have the damage repaired or be reimbursed for replacing the item.
Safety
Professional movers also ensure the safe transport of your possessions. When you hire professionals, you don't have to worry about driving a large truck or navigating unfamiliar roads in a huge moving van. Instead, your belongings will arrive safely and securely at your new place.
Do You Need Help With Your Move?
No matter what your reason for moving — whether it's a new job, expanding family, or simply wanting a change of scenery — hiring professional movers like Allied Van Lines can make the process exponentially easier. We are a full-service mover, which means we offer much more than simply carrying furniture from point A to point B.
Our knowledgeable and experienced agents are also available to answer questions and alleviate any concerns you may have regarding the process of packing, transporting, and unpacking your move.
Contact us today for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I verify the credentials and licensing of potential moving companies?
You can check the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website to see the moving company’s license, moving valuation coverage, and inspection results.
Why is it important to obtain multiple quotes from different moving companies?
Obtaining multiple quotes allows you to compare rates and services they provide. You can be assured of getting the best deal.
What types of moving valuation coverage should I look for when hiring a cross country moving company?
The company should have moving valuation coverage to cover damage to your items while they are in the company’s possession.
What are some red flags to watch out for when reviewing customer feedback and references?
Be wary of any references that don’t have a physical address or contact information you cannot verify.
Are there any industry-specific regulations or standards that cross country moving companies must adhere to?
Moving companies are required to give you the booklet “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move,” which is issued by the US Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.