Evaluating and Hiring Interstate Moving Companies

Moving interstate is a stressful and busy time. Choosing and hiring an interstate moving company for your long-distance move is a difficult task that changes depending on the distance, time and size of your move. When choosing an interstate mover it is important to thoroughly investigate the company’s cost calculations, background and reputation and dispute resolution process.

How the Cost of Your Move Is Calculated

Long-distance moving companies calculate the cost of your move based on the weight of your belongings. Typically, the company will send a representative to view the size and quantity of your belongings and provide you a written estimate based on the poundage of your move. Beware a company that does not require this visit and make certain to obtain the representative’s signature attesting that, absent any major additions by you, this estimated cost will not increase at any time during the move. Added in this estimation should be gasoline charges and taxes.  Another factor affecting the cost is the distance of your move; the longer the distance between destinations, the higher the cost of your move. Finally, the months of May through August are the busiest for moving companies and they may charge more for your move based on their reduction of available moving vans and employees. Contact, receive and compare quotes from multiple moving companies and do not accept incomplete or blank paperwork.

The Effect of Needing Storage for Your Move

The cost of your move will increase should you require storage for your belongings. Storage charges will be calculated by the moving company based on the amount of space you require and the length of time you anticipate needing storage. The longer and the larger the space needed for storage the more expensive to you.

Finding Companies to Interview

Recommendations of moving companies from friends and family are always a good place to start your search. However, always thoroughly investigate the moving company’s background and reputation regardless of what initiated your contact. Make certain that the company is insured by the proper authorities, research their reputation with local and national business reviewing agencies and contact two to three company provided referrals. Check into the accuracy of pickup and delivery times, estimation of costs and follow up with complaints.

Ask Questions and Do Your Research

It is extremely important that you question the specifics of your move. Ask and receive written confirmation of pickup and delivery times. Traffic, natural disasters and other unanticipated factors may affect the transportation of your belongings, and because of this moving companies are often unable and unwilling to promise an exact delivery date. At the very least, obtain a small window of a few days acceptable to you for delivery.

Interstate moving companies are required to have a dispute resolution process, and a good moving company should provide or make this information readily available. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration provides information about your rights and should be consulted prior to beginning your search for a moving company. All in all, make sure you thoroughly research several different moving companies before choosing one to move your belongings. The more you research, the less likely it will be for frustrations to arise.