Moving is stressful enough without worrying about whether your moving company has the experience, equipment, and expertise to get the job done right. Especially hiring out-of-state movers for a cross-country move or moving to a new place where you don’t know anyone. In this article, we will discuss what to look for when hiring an out-of-state moving company.
Is The Mover Licensed and Highly Rated?
When choosing an out-of-state mover, it’s important to make sure that they are licensed, if a moving company is not licensed, you run the risk of not having your items protected or being able to file a claim against them if anything happens to your valuables during transport.
You should also check their reviews online and make sure they have a good reputation with other customers who have used their services. You can do this by searching on Google or Yelp for reviews of different companies.
Do You Have Experience With My Type of Move?
If you’re moving from a remote area or a small town, you want to be sure your moving company has experience with these types of moves. The same goes for if you are moving from a large city to a smaller town. It’s also important to ensure that any out-of-state movers you choose have experience with local customers and their needs.
One thing to consider is your location matters! Are home sizes different between regions? Are the roads paved in your neighborhood? Does it rain more often in one place than another? Is there snow on the ground at times you are moving? Understanding these differences will help consider issues that may arise.
Will it be a Direct Move?
A direct move is when a moving company picks up your belongings from your home and then transports them directly to the new location. In contrast, an indirect move entails going through multiple locations before reaching your final destination.
If you have a direct move, it’s important that the moving company has experience with this type of relocation. This will save time and money because they won’t have to load and unload at another location along the way. Your belongings will be transported in one trip instead of multiple trips.
Do You Provide Storage?
If you’re storing your items, the most important thing to keep in mind is how long you can keep them. If your movers are going to store your things for free, how long will you be able to access them? Is there a fee associated with accessing the storage facility? What are the conditions of this storage facility?
If they charge per month or per year, what exactly does that mean? Are there limits on size and weight? Can they store items longer than expected if needed without additional charge?
What Does the Price Include?
How much does the moving company charge for their services? It is important to know what the total cost is going to be, and if you have everything covered in your price. You may not want to pay extra for packing materials, storage fees, or even fuel costs.
What is the Delivery Date Spread?
It’s important to know what the delivery date spread is before you hire out-of-state movers. The delivery date spread is the time between when you get your stuff and when they leave. This can be anywhere from several days to several weeks, depending on how much time they need to load up their truck and make sure everything is accounted for, and drive to the new location.
How Long Will the Move Take?
You will want to find out how long the move is going to take. This is especially important if you have a deadline, like a new job or school. The average moving time is 5-7 days; however, this can vary depending on the distance of your move and the number of items being moved. If it’s an interstate or international move then the time could be much longer than 7 days because there are more regulations that need to be followed by movers who transport possessions across state lines or internationally.
Is the Pickup Day Guaranteed?
If you’re hiring a moving company out of state, it’s important to ask if there is any risk of them not showing up on time or at all. Ask what they do if they are late, and how much extra you will pay for their negligence. Do they charge extra for keeping them waiting? If a company doesn’t guarantee that they will be there when scheduled, then you may consider a different company.
Is There Extra Insurance You Can Purchase?
Insurance is an optional add-on for movers. Their insurance is separate from your homeowner’s policy, and it only covers the mover’s liability—not your belongings. Homeowner’s insurance does not cover moving companies; it only covers your personal property, so you need to make sure that you have enough coverage in case something happens during the move.
If you don’t have enough coverage and need more, many moving companies offer supplemental moving insurance for a fee.
How Will I Reach You During the Move?
The next thing to look for is how you’ll be able to contact the moving company. While phone numbers and email addresses are obvious, you should also check if they have a designated move consultant to be your point of contact throughout the move.
What Type of Payments Do You Accept?
When you hire an out-of-state moving company, it is important to be clear about your payment options. A reputable mover should accept a variety of forms of payment, including checks and credit cards. This will help ensure that you can pay for the services you need without any issues or delays in providing the services themselves.
Will You Meet My Building Requirements?
As you’re putting together your moving plan, make sure that the movers you hire can meet all of your building requirements. In some cases, a mover needs to sign a waiver before they can transport your belongings. For example, if you live in an apartment building, the management company may not allow anyone but their own staff to move your things into and out of the building.
Another example is if you are moving to a big city and the truck needs to be parked outside while the belongings are moved, do you need a permit? Who files for the permit and how does that work?
Professional Out-of-State Movers in the DC Metro Area
It’s important to do your research before hiring an out-of-state mover, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. The best way to find the right company is by asking questions and doing some research online. If you are looking for professional out-of-state movers in the DC Metro Area, call Town & Country Movers at (301) 670-4600 and we would be happy to help.