CROSS COUNTRY MOVING: FINDING QUALIFIED MOVERS

 

I thought I’d share a few unique blog entries this month. Below, you’ll read an article about cross country moving. This is important because it can definitely affect how you pack and de-clutter while staging. You might really think twice about what you want to bring with you when you are paying the expense of moving a great distance. It can also influence what you keep and what you decide to give away if you are moving to a different climate, moving to combine households with a significant other, or moving to downsize due to retirement.

It's important to really consider your movers before you start de-cluttering and packing. They may also have unique requirements or even helpful tips or tricks. They may offer special deals on packing supplies and other resources as well.

You will be using lots of professionals when selling a home, including lenders, real estate agents, home stagers, inspectors and more. It's important to do your research beforehand and interview them thoroughly so you can make an informed decision and select the best possible professionals for your needs.

So this month, I'm sharing an article from Amanda Kostina of Whitefence.com. Make sure to also take a look at their site. They have information on a variety of other topics as well. Thanks, Amanda!

Moving is stressful enough, but moving across the country can add even more stress and headaches. Finding a mover you can trust is one step to help reduce some of this stress.

Copyright 2009 by Norman Leventhal Map Center at BPL

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A QUALIFIED CROSS COUNTRY MOVING COMPANY  

By Amanda Kostina of Whitefence.com 

Moving is an arduous task in and of itself. The last thing you need is to worry about whether or not your stuff will actually make it to your new home on the other side of the country. Figuring out whether or not a moving company is reputable and qualified isn't always an easy task, though. Thankfully, you do have options when it comes to determining your chosen company's reputation, and ways of putting your mind at ease as you make your way across the nation.

SCOUT FOR REVIEWS
One of the best ways to find the perfect moving company and to find the peace of mind you'll need to send them across the country with all of your belongings is to figure out what others have to say about their services. Ask around town, ask any friends that have had an experience with a particular company and search for reviews online. Be sure the reviews you look at are not all on the website of the moving company itself, and that the information on unbiased sites is just as positive. 

It's not difficult to cherry-pick testimonials for a promotional website, but having a negative review removed from a third-party site is almost impossible. Don't underestimate the power of word-of-mouth, either. If your mom’s neighbor used the moving company you’re looking into and half of his stuff got damaged, then you might want to reconsider. On the other hand, if your best friend’s roommate hired a moving company that was efficient and affordable, they may be the ideal choice.

FIGURE OUT HOW THEY CHARGE
If the moving company you’re considering hiring only charges per mile, they may not actually specialize in cross-country or long-distance moves. If they are legitimate movers, they should either charge per pound or by how much space your stuff will take up in the trailer. Some will give discounts if you fill up the whole trailer, or if you’re willing to have other people’s stuff moved at the same time if those people are going in the same direction as you. Don’t worry, though; your stuff shouldn’t be left behind for those other people to enjoy, and you shouldn’t receive random pieces of someone else’s furniture. 

Instead, the company will keep these items separated by belts and with different colored stickers. For example, your things will have yellow stickers, whereas the other person’s stuff may have green. Either way, determining how you'll be charged for the move can give you an idea of the company's reliability and experience in the realm of long-distance moves.

 Make sure to read your contract carefully and if it helps, highlight all the charges. Ask about any additional costs or fees. Make sure everything is in writing. And as Amanda points out, don't ever pay the entire cost in full. 

Copyright 2010 by 401(K)2013

FIND OUT HOW THEY INTEND TO BILL YOU
No legitimate moving company should ever ask for a cash payment up front, and those that do may very well be fraudulent. You could potentially lose hundreds or even thousands of dollars as all of your belongings disappear into the night. One option is to put down some cash up front as a deposit, with the remainder to be paid after safe delivery, but overall, the best thing to do is hold off on any payment until you’ve received all of your stuff at the new location.

ENSURE THAT THEY'RE INSURED
Make sure the company you’re looking into has insurance. While the chances of something happening to your stuff are slim, you want to make sure it will be covered in the event of an accident. If the truck overturns on the highway and your piano fell onto the pavement, the company would cover the cost of repair or replacement. Not only will you be left with no recourse for damages from an uninsured company, but a lack of proper insurance is a good indicator that you're working with a slipshod, fly-by-night operation. Reputable cross-country movers will always carry the proper insurance.
 
CHECK THEM OUT WITH THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU
The purpose of the Better Business Bureau is to inform the public about companies that are not up to par when it comes to standards of operation and customer service. They keep companies ethical. If the company has a low rating with the BBB, you probably want to steer clear.

 

Make sure to thoroughly research a few moving companies before selecting one. Don't go by price alone.  

Photo courtesy of Amanda Kostina of Whitefence.com, author of this article 

COMPARE AND CONTRAST
Don’t go with the first company you come across because you don’t want to spend too much of your time searching for the right company. It’s worth the time and effort to find one that’s right for you. One company may offer a better deal than another, but you’ll never find that out if you don’t give the situation its due diligence. 

Chances are, there are several moving companies in your area. Have them each give you estimates, and ask them how long it might take for them to load the truck, deliver and unload. It might take one company a week to go cross country while another promises to deliver within four days. You don’t want your stuff roaming around the country for an extra three days if it isn't necessary.

Don’t fall prey to a moving company that will run off with your things or damage half of your valuables. Instead, take a few moments to really think about which company will help you the most and give you the best deals. Just because they call themselves “qualified” doesn’t mean that they actually are, so look into your chosen company and make sure that you're making an informed choice.

RESOURCES  (courtesy of Amanda Kostina of Whitefence.com)
United Van Lines
Cost to Hire Movers