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Long Distance Moving – What to Look for in a Professional Moving Company 

Long Distance Moving – What to Look for in a Professional Moving Company

Moving to a new city across the state or country requires advanced planning. Choosing a reliable moving company should start with asking for recommendations from friends and family. Long-distance moves, also called cross-country or interstate moves, are any moves that involve crossing state lines. Those who are performing such moves need unique authority to transport their belongings.

License

When choosing an NYC long distance moving company, ensure they are licensed to provide moving services. They should also have a valid state license and comprehensive insurance coverage. A reputable company will also belong to a movers’ association. These organizations require members to abide by a code of ethics and professional standards.

Ask any prospective movers for references from past customers. Also, ask how many years they have been in business. If they have been in the industry for a while, they likely have the experience to handle any issues that arise during your move. Also, ask the moving company what protection they offer against damage and loss during transit.

Most professional movers offer complete value protection, which covers the cost of your belongings regardless of what happens during the move. However, some movers only provide released value protection, which offers a lower level of protection.

Another critical question is whether the movers offer an in-home estimate. This allows them to take a complete inventory of your items and determine the estimated weight, which will help them give you an accurate quote. This will also prevent hidden fees like extra stairs, travel time, or packing services.

Experience

A company with years of experience in the industry will be more reliable than one that has only recently begun operations. This is because it has had time to build a reputation for providing excellent service and handling customer complaints professionally. Ask movers about their previous moves and whether they can provide references.

If they can’t, this is a red flag that they are new in business and may not be trustworthy. You should also check their credentials to ensure they are legitimate, including their USDOT number for interstate movers and state-specific licensing for local moves. Another critical question to ask a mover is their cancellation and refund policy.

This is essential to any contract and should be spelled out in the agreement. Ensure you know how much notice the mover requires before canceling your service and whether they will charge any fees. Finally, before deciding, please read through the moving company’s terms and conditions and compare their services with other competitors.

It would be best to ask about any hidden costs or charges that might be added at the last minute, such as extra fuel for a long-distance move or parking fees in a busy area. Ask movers about how they handle customer complaints and their dispute settlement process.

Insurance

If something is lost or damaged during your move, you want to know that your movers are insured. Ask movers what insurance coverage is available and how much it costs. Then, compare these insurance options to see the best fit for your move. Be sure to ask movers for references from past clients and call them.

If a mover is unwilling to provide references, it could be a sign that they are not legitimate or reputable. Looking for online reviews and recommendations from friends and family would be best. You should also find out what equipment the movers will use during your move. Make sure the equipment is modern and in good condition, so it will be easier to move your belongings.

Also, be sure to ask movers what type of boxes they will use and what padding materials they will use to protect your items. Finally, determine if the movers will require a deposit before starting your move.

This is important because some movers will charge extra for a significant move, which can affect your budget. Also, you should find out whether the movers will charge parking fees if they have to park far away from your home. If they do, this can add up to a significant amount.

Reputation

Before hiring movers, it’s essential to check their reputation. This can be done by searching the web for reviews and complaints about the company. It would be best to look at their rating with the Better Business Bureau and any government actions against them. It is also a good idea to ask about their insurance policy and what it covers.

This will ensure that you’ll be protected if something goes wrong during the move. Another thing to consider is the type of equipment they have. For instance, having an old truck or other outdated equipment will speed up the process and lead to higher costs. In addition, you’ll want to ensure they have the proper size trucks and containers to accommodate all of your belongings.

You’ll also want to find out what packing materials they use and whether they offer storage options. Once you’ve found a few movers that meet your criteria, compare their costs. Some movers provide instant quotes over the phone, but most require an in-home survey to give you an accurate estimate.

This is especially important for long-distance moves, where the price is based on weight and distance. Lastly, read the fine print of any contract you sign and check for hidden fees. This will help you avoid any surprises on your final bill.

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