Since you’re reading this, it’s safe to assume you want or are going to hire cross-country moving companies. Whether you’re moving from North Carolina to Washington, New York to Los Angeles, or anywhere in between, moving companies across the country simplify the long-distance relocation process. They help you with preparations, safely transport your household items, and help you get settled in at your new address. There are thousands of companies in the United States that offer services between countries, but only one will be the right company for you. It will be the company that presents itself well, provides a fair and accurate estimate, and proves to be reliable and knowledgeable when put to the test. It takes a lot to hire the right cross-country moving companies, but here are three tips to help you choose the perfect ones.
Three Tips for Hiring Cross Country Moving Companies
- Give yourself plenty of time for planning and preparations. That means you should start the process about 8 weeks before your move-in date. Start researching moving companies and get estimates, start looking for what you want to keep and what you want to get rid of, and start gathering supplies. The goal is to have enough time to get quotes from as many moving companies as possible. Beware of super low quotes, as is the general rule in the moving industry, if it sounds too good to be true, that’s because it is.
- Thorough research will ensure that you hire great cross-country moving companies. Internet search engines can start your research; but it is very important to go further with phone calls and follow-ups in person. You want to assess professionalism over the phone and then see for yourself if the company is as good as it says it is. No one wants to end up with a dishonest mover, so make sure you don’t skimp on your research.
- All licensed household goods carriers are registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. If you want to check license and insurance information, obtain legitimate background information, and check business practices of a business, the FMCSA can help. They have a website and phone number, and are happy to provide assistance.
Rates and fees for cross-country moves
The price of your move will be determined by weight or by cubic foot, depending on the company, as well as the distance traveled. Rates are regulated by governing bodies like the FMCSA, and any cross-country move is subject to potential fees for things like long hauls, ladders, elevators, and extra packing materials. Be sure to notify your mover of any possible stairs or elevators you’ll need to use, so they can include that information in their estimate. Also, if the mover has to transport items more than 75 feet when moving between the loading/unloading destination and the truck, you will be charged a long-haul fee. Try to arrange a parking spot for the truck as close as possible, or at least notify the mover that there is a possibility of a long transport. If you have special items that require additional packing materials or boxes, this will incur additional fees, so be sure to let your mover know about those items. As long as you’re clear on each item to be moved, as well as the obstacles movers will encounter, you’ll get an accurate, no-surprise estimate of the total cost of your move.
Have you hired cross-country movers?
Once you’ve done your research and found a company that your intuition feels is right, sit back and enjoy a cold one. Cross-country moving companies will handle the work for you, so you can focus on all the other details involved with a long-distance relocation. As you prepare to move, don’t worry. Take a little time and put in a little effort, and you’ll find the perfect cross country motors, at the perfect price.