Did you know that only 14% of moves were across state lines in 2019? Because local moves are more common, it can be difficult to find the right long-distance mover for your big day. The perfect moving company exists, you just have to search for it.
Read on to learn about five tips for finding a mover when moving long-distance.
1. Ask For Recommendations
Finding a mover can be hard work, but it is likely that you already know someone who has moved a long distance before. In this case, you should ask for recommendations before doing anything else. Trusted people you know can offer you advice on what movers to choose or which to avoid.
2. Check Reviews
If no one you know can help you find a mover, check all of the online reviews you can find. This may take a lot of work, but it is worth it in the end. Moving companies without online reviews are not to be trusted.
The people most likely to leave reviews are those who had a phenomenal experience and those who had a bad one. Knowing that a moving company has more good reviews than bad is a good sign.
3. Consider Experience
The best moving company is usually the one that has been in the business for a while. However, this does not mean you should completely rule out a business that is just getting started if they seem professional enough.
Long-distance movers need to have experience because a longer move takes more work. If a moving company rarely does far moves, consider it a red flag.
By checking online, you should be able to get an idea of a company’s track record. Along with checking to see how long they’ve been in the business, check for fair rates and how they maintain possessions. An experienced moving company that specializes in long-distance trips can be found here.
4. Check For License and Insurance
While looking up, “movers near me,” check that the companies you find have the proper licensing and insurance. A moving company without these documents should never be used. Those without an official license are not legally bound to keep your things safe.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration offers a public database where you can ensure a company has a valid DOT number. If they don’t have this number, the moving company is not registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. Keep in mind that transportation laws are different in some states.
5. Ask For Pricing
Long-distance movers are typically more expensive to hire, but it is necessary to get through the move. Before hiring a service, have a conversation about the rates. Be sure to ask about higher rates that you may run into because of heavy objects and so on.
Finding a Mover Explained
The right mover is out there for your big day and they want to make your experience as stress-free as possible. The only thing is, you have to find these movers on your own. By following this finding a mover guide, you can choose the right company for your individual needs.
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