Moving from one place to another is one of the most challenging choices that one has to make. The complications arise because you are uprooting your life and leaving everything behind. Add to this the challenges of packing, finding movers, and adapting to new surroundings and moving could send you into a stress-induced tailspin. However, if you plan ahead and stay organized, it is possible to ease the pressure of moving. The first step of a successful cross country move is hiring movers you can trust. Below is our complete guide to help you hire long distance moving companies.
1. Organize your property before the move
Before you even start making calls to moving companies, you need to organize everything inside your home. If possible, you should start preparing for the move months before the actual date. Remove clutter from the home, and throw out everything that you are no longer using. Another great way to get rid of unwanted items before a move is holding a yard sale. This offers two great benefits: First, you will not have to pay for the transportation of the items to your new home, and second, you will have some extra money in your pocket. When organizing your things, do not throw everything into boxes in a random manner. It would be best to color code everything as you pack, as this will make the unpacking process easier.
2. Vetting moving companies
The dynamics of moving across the country are very different from those of moving across the same city. To be on the safe side, you need to hire movers who are certified, trusted and reliable in what they do. To get such a company:
- Ask how long the company has been in business.
- Inquire whether the company is licensed and insured.
- Ask what will happen to your property in case they destroy it during the move.
- Ask if they have any reviews from customers who have used their services before.
- Ask about the particular services they offer, for instance, let them explain if they have experience with tall buildings, whether they will help with unpacking and such details.
- Use resources that list pre-vetted companies. Sites like AMSA, and the US DOT can help you find licensed and insured movers without having to do all the digging on your own.
3. Getting a moving quote
When you have organized your things, you will be able to explain how much stuff you are moving to the moving company. The company will then have an easier time estimating the size of the truck or another moving vehicle which can sufficiently handle the load. Explain to them how far you are moving and how soon you want to make a move. They will weigh all these factors and give you an estimate of how much it will cost you to move. The time frame for the move also matters a lot, especially when the distance is long. Note that the shorter the notice you give the moving company, the higher the probability that they will charge you more.
Always ask for an estimate from two or three companies which look trusted and have reasonable rates. Take time and compare what they are offering and move with the most appropriate one.