A long-distance move is defined differently in differing jurisdictions, according to the state of Oklahoma, long distance is 50 miles by law, and requires a certain compliance. On the other hand, Arizona law says any distance isn’t long-distance until it crosses state lines.
This type of move often requires a lot more planning and organization than a local move and it is essential to choose a reputable moving company to handle the transition.
The right moving company will ensure a stress-free and efficient move, taking care of all the logistics and handling all of your belongings with care.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of finding a moving company for your long-distance move. We will cover what to look for in a moving company, how to get moving quotes, what questions to ask, and how to choose the right moving company for your needs.
Let’s get started!
What to look for in a long-distance moving company
Here are several key factors you should consider:
License and insurance
One of the first things to check when evaluating a moving company is its licensing and insurance. Registration with the proper authorities (such as the FMCSA) and holding the necessary licenses and insurance are just some of the mandatory regulations.
Make sure the company is following the regulations according to the jurisdiction in your city, although they differ from place to place, all the regulations are put into order thinking of minimizing the risk of harm to the user’s property and for their protection. All moving companies must adhere to their jurisdiction’s regulations in order to be legally allowed to handle moves.
This is important to ensure that your belongings are protected during the move and that you are not at risk of losing your possessions in the event of an accident.
Customer reviews and ratings
Check the company’s website for customer testimonials and look for independent review sites like Yelp, BBB, and Google to see what other customers are saying about the company.
Look for patterns in the reviews, such as frequent complaints about damage or poor customer service.
Services offered
When choosing a moving company, it’s important to consider the services they offer.
Some moving companies specialize in long-distance moves, while others may also offer packing and unpacking services, storage solutions, and other value-added services.
Make sure that the moving company you choose can accommodate all of your needs, so you don’t have to worry about finding additional services on your own.
Cost estimation process
Finally, you should consider the cost estimation process of the moving company.
A reputable moving company will provide you with an accurate and transparent quote, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Estimates are always subject to change and more often than not, the original estimate you receive goes up pretty fast once you sign with a moving company.
This is why NexMuv developed a complex, technology-backed system for providing quotes. We offer on-the-spot pricing that is guaranteed to not change during the course of the move.
How to get moving quotes
When you’re ready to start looking for a moving company, it’s important to get quotes from multiple companies so you can compare costs and services.
In-person quote
One option is to schedule an in-person estimate with a moving company.
During the estimate, a representative from the company will come to your home, inspect your belongings, and provide you with a detailed quote.
Downsides to this type of estimate include:
- No flexibility – You have to be at home at the exact time the surveyor will arrive to perform the survey.
- No record of the state of the moving inventory aside from a list on a piece of paper (or a computer document).
- If the surveyor is from the same moving company responsible for the move, there is potential for manipulation of the price so that the estimate you receive is much lower than the actual price you will pay at the end of the move.
Virtual survey and quote
Another option is to request a virtual survey. This is a convenient option if you don’t have time to schedule an in-person visit or if you live in a different state from the moving company.
Virtual surveys can be done over the phone or through a virtual meeting platform.
Advantages of this type of survey include:
- Flexibility – As mentioned above, you can schedule a virtual survey whenever it is convenient for you.
- Video recording of the moving inventory and the state it’s in before the move.
- Hiring a third-party independent virtual surveyor (like NexMuv does), reduces the chance of bias because it keeps the price of the survey separate from the price of the move. That way, you can be sure that the quote you receive will not change.
Requesting quotes from multiple companies
Finally, it’s a good idea to request quotes from multiple companies so you can compare costs and services.
To get started, you can search for moving companies online, read customer reviews and ratings, and request quotes from several companies.
With NexMuv you won’t need to invest a lot of time comparing quotes, since we do this automatically with our network of thousands of movers. This ensures you get the best price available without sacrificing any of the quality you deserve from a moving company.
Questions to ask the moving company
When it comes to choosing the right moving company for your long-distance move, there are a few key questions that you should ask in order to ensure that you’re making the right choice.
Experience with long-distance moves
It’s important to make sure that the moving company you’re considering has experience with long-distance moves, as this type of move requires a different set of skills and resources than a local move.
Ask the company about their experience with long-distance moves, and don’t hesitate to ask for references from previous customers who have made long-distance moves with the company.
Packing and storage options
Packing and storage can be a major concern for long-distance moves, especially if you have a lot of belongings that need to be packed up and transported.
Ask the moving company about their packing and storage options, and make sure that they have the resources and experience to handle your belongings with care.
Mode of transportation
The mode of transportation that the moving company uses can have a major impact on the cost and duration of your move.
Ask the company about their preferred mode of transportation, and make sure that it’s a good fit for your needs and budget.
Tracking and communication during the move
Communication is key during a long-distance move, and it’s important to make sure that you can stay in touch with the moving company and track your belongings during the move. (This is why NexMuv offers GPS tracking so you can track your belongings from any device, at any time.)
Ask the company about their tracking and communication processes, and make sure that you’re comfortable with their systems and procedures.
How to choose the right moving company
In this section, we will cover some of the key steps you should take when comparing moving companies and making your final decision.
Comparing quotes
One of the first things you should do when choosing a moving company is to compare quotes.
Keep in mind that some companies may offer lower initial quotes, but may add on additional fees later on.
This is one of the many aspects in which NexMuv is different from your typical moving company – our initial prices are locked-in, meaning there are no additional charges or hidden fees waiting for you later in the moving process.
Make sure to carefully review the quote and ask for clarification on any fees that you don’t understand.
Verifying licensing and insurance
Before making a final decision on a moving company, it’s important to verify their licensing and insurance.
All reputable moving companies should have a USDOT number, which you can check through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website.
Additionally, make sure the company has adequate insurance coverage, such as cargo insurance, in case anything gets damaged or lost during the move.
Reading the fine print
Before signing a contract with a moving company, make sure to carefully review the terms and conditions.
Pay attention to any restrictions or limitations on the type of items that can be moved, and make sure you understand the company’s policy on handling damages.
Making the final decision
Choosing the right moving company is a big decision, and you want to make sure you have all the information you need to make an informed choice.
Take your time, do your research, and make sure you’re comfortable with the company you choose.
It’s also a good idea to get recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have recently made a long-distance move.
With the right moving company, your move can be a stress-free and successful experience.
Conclusion
For a long-distance move, it’s essential to find a reputable moving company that can help make the transition smooth and seamless.
Research moving companies thoroughly before making a final decision. Comparing quotes, verifying licensing and insurance, and reading the fine print are all critical steps in ensuring a successful long-distance move.
Remember, the right moving company can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth transition.
If you’d like to get an on-the-spot quote from us that won’t change no matter what, fill out this simple form of only three questions. Let’s work together!
