Moving out of state is a big deal for most people. There’s a lot to do, and a lot of decisions to be made. One of the most important tasks that you have is the selection of long distance movers to assist you in transporting your possessions from one state to another. Ideally, you’ll want to find a company that can minimize the stress associated with this type of experience.
You’ll need long distance movers who understand the importance of each possession you have, while also having the skills to transport them safely. Of course, this means that you need to sift through the listings of long distance moving companies to find one that is reputable. Use the following guidelines to simplify your decision-making process and help you make a good choice.
Ask for Written Estimates
Never consider an estimate that has been provided by a company that hasn’t even looked at your home’s contents. Legitimate long distance moving companies provide estimates based upon the amount of household property needing to be transported along with a few other pieces of information such as the distance and services involved.
Check to See If Long Distance Moving Companies Are Insured and Licensed
In order to have the right to offer long distance moving services, the company must be licensed and insured. If a copy of the license and proof of insurance is not clearly posted on the wall of the company’s office, ask to see proof of both. If you are given the federal license number, you can check it on the website (protectyourmove.gov) for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This license number is also referred to as a U.S. DOT number.
Unless your long distance movers are insured, your household goods are not protected against any damage that occurs while they are in transport. Make sure that you get proof of insurance rather than simply accepting someone’s word that the company has it.
Read the Copy of “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” That You Receive from Your Movers
Federal law requires all long distance movers to provide their customers with a copy of the booklet “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.” If your company doesn’t give this booklet to you to read, consider this a red flag. If the company isn’t following this rule, chances are that it might not be on the up-and-up. Once you get the booklet, you should read it because it is full of good information.
Check into Consumer Complaints
No matter how nice the individuals you are talking to seem to be, it is still possible that they have complaints lodged by previous customers against them. Visit the website for the Better Business Bureau and look for existing complaints against the long distance moving companies you are considering.
Look into Reviews
Check the company website and read any reviews that have been posted. Whether the reviews are positive or negative, you will find out information that can be useful in making your selection of the movers you wish to hire.