Moving to a new home involves many tasks and challenges, and this is especially true for long distance relocations. The list of things to accomplish as you approach moving day can seem endless. From finding a new home hundreds or thousands of miles away, to selling your existing home, to everything in between, the weeks and months involved can include a lot of stress. However, by using a professional provider of long distance moving, residential customers can enjoy a seamless and less stressful relocation experience. At Berger Allied Moving & Storage, we offer comprehensive long distance relocation services that help you make a smooth transition from your current residence to your new home.
Here are some tips on finding a long distance relocation company you can trust to do a good job:
Search for Prospective Movers
You may know many people who have gone through a long distance move in the last several years. These individuals can potentially help you find a quality long distance mover for your relocation. Find out about their experience with the moving company and how much they paid for the services.
If you are moving because your current company has asked you to relocate, the company may have a dedicated mover it uses to help its employees move. Be sure to ask your employer if they will pay for the costs of your relocation.
You can also search for prospective long distance movers by looking through online reviews and testimonials. If you are moving long distance, whether across your state or to another state, you definitely want to hire a company with extensive experience with these types of moves. Look for evidence of companies’ experience when reviewing mover websites, reviews, and online testimonials.
Begin the process of finding a long distance mover by asking around for recommendations. At the same time you can search online for long distance moving companies in your area. Once you have found some prospects that interest you, prepare questions to ask them. Some things you should ask include:
Ask About Licensing and Valuation
Long distance moving companies that provide interstate moving services are required by the U.S. Department of Transportation to be licensed. You should ask a prospective mover for its moving license. Any reputable mover will quickly provide proof of its license.
Another important question involves the valuation of your items. Make sure the moving company provides valuation services for your items, including high ticket items in case anything gets damaged during the relocation efforts.
Ask About How Long the Mover Has Been in Business
Call the moving company and ask them how long they have been operating. If you can find customer reviews of the company online, look at the reviews for dates to help tell how long the mover has been serving customers.
Ask About Prohibited Items to Move
Depending on the locality and the policy of the moving company, the mover may have restrictions on what it can or is willing to transport long distance. Some restricted items may include hazardous chemicals, firearms and ammunition, fuel and propane gas containers, and expensive and extremely delicate items that may be easily damaged.
Ask movers ahead of time about prohibited items and look up laws in the state and city to which you are moving if you are uncertain of any legal restrictions on particular items.
Question their Policies and Procedures
Ask some additional questions of your prospective long distance moving companies about their procedures and policies. You may be able to find this information in their promotional materials or on their website. Ask movers the following:
- What are their rates?
- Do they use subcontractors?
- Do they add charges for jobs that take longer than estimated?
- How do they protect your items from damage during the move?
- How do they handle complaints from their customers?
Get a Complete Cost Estimate
In order to provide a proper and complete moving estimate, long distance movers must be able to determine what actually needs to be moved. Movers must determine the quantity of items, size of the items, and scope of the work involved to successfully carry out the relocation project. Each move is different and different factors come into play, such as if the property has steps outside and/or inside the home and other factors which can make the job more challenging.
When the mover is at your home gathering information and preparing an estimate, ask them for a breakdown of the costs, including costs for, or based on, large items, the weight of items, multi-story steps, mileage, and item valuation.
To learn about the long distance moving services we offer at Berger Allied Moving & Storage, give us a call today at 866.969.5040 or submit a contact form.
