If you’re embarking on a long distance move, there are many important details you have to think about to ensure a smooth transition. These details include where you’ll live, where you’ll work and the school your kids will go to. They can easily make selecting the right long distance movers an afterthought. This shouldn’t be the case because hiring the wrong movers can turn your relocation into a nightmare. Here are some useful tips for choosing the right team for your long distance move!
How to find a reliable long distance mover
- Get Recommendations
Ask your friends, family, and coworkers about the movers they used as well as the moving experience as a whole. You can also look for companies near your home in the phone book. However, be weary of using websites or household brokerage services that offer to find a well known mover for you. These days, big companies are not necessarily the best option for you.
- Screen the Potential Movers
After you’ve compiled a list of potential moving companies, you should do an online background check. Visit the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website to learn more about the reputation of the companies. Email or call the American Movers and Storage Association (AMSA) to find out if the moving company you’re considering is an established member. An AMSA membership shows that the company has agreed to take part in the organization’s arbitration program and conform to the published tariffs.
- Contact a Few Companies
Next you want to narrow down your list to three or four moving companies. Contact each of these companies for an estimate. Ask if the company will provide a written binding estimate or a binding not-to-exceed estimate. Both will put a cap on what you’ll pay for your relocation.
- Show Everything
When an estimator arrives at your home, make sure you show him all the items you’re planning to move. This will help you get an accurate estimate and prevent the estimator from challenging the original estimate on the day of the move. Make sure the estimator doesn’t leave without providing you with the company’s full name, address, contact information, references, and license numbers.
- Review Your Estimate
Once you get the estimate, be sure to review it thoroughly. Ensure it has the following:
- “Written binding estimate” written up top
- The moving company’s signature
- A description of the goods you’re moving
- Date of pickup and delivery
- Any additional services such as packing service
If there’s anything you don’t understand in the estimate, make sure you call for clarification.
- Store All Estimates
Collect your estimates in a brightly colored folder. Keep the folder open and visible as other estimators come in. This will show them you’ve done your homework, and may make them give you a better deal.
- Compare the Quotes
After you’ve gotten all the estimates, it’s time to compare them. Be wary of low-ball estimates. Review the high bids and find out the reason for the additional costs. Don’t be afraid to ask the company questions. If you get good estimates from reputable moving companies, you can go ahead and negotiate the prices.
- Research the Top Contenders
Next, you should do more research on the top movers that gave you the best estimates. Check if they’ve been incorporated in the state and also confirm the number of years they’ve been in business with the secretary of state’s office.
- Verify the License and Insurance Details
Go to the Company Snapshot section of the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) SAFER (Safety and Fitness Electronic Records) System’s website. Enter the moving company’s USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) number. If the number is accurate, you’ll get plenty of useful information about the company.
- Call FMCSA’s Hotline
Call 888-368-7238, FMCSA’s Consumer Complaints hotline, and find out the complaints lodged against the company.
- Choose a Mover
After you’ve done all the above, you can confidently pick a mover.
- Get a Copy of the Moving Inventory
Reputable movers will take inventory of the belongings you’re moving. Make sure you get a written copy of this list. You should also have a number through which you can contact the movers during the process.
Magic Moving is a fully licensed Bay Area moving company with an A+ BBB rating
Use these steps to hire a moving company that will offer you a smooth and easy long distance move. For more moving tips, contact us at Magic Moving – a leading Bay Area packing and moving company. Having successfully handled over 100,000 relocations since 1990, you can count on us to make your moving experience as stress-free as possible. You can also take advantage of our inexpensive storage service and have your possessions stored in a clean, secure and climate controlled warehouse. We’re fully licensed, insured, and bonded. We are members of AMSA and have an A+BBB rating. Call us today at 1-877-246-2442 to learn more about our services.
