Unfortunately, not all movers are the same. Make sure you hire the best team for the job with a little due diligence. Here are five tips to help you get started with the task of finding a reputable moving company.
Book Your Move in Advance
It’s important to begin the search for movers early, especially if you are planning to relocate in the summer. This is the most hectic time of year for moving companies, which are often booked months in advance. If you want to move during the Summer months, you should be planning weeks in advance. This way you’ll have a better chance of scoring the moving company you want rather than settling for the second best.
Perform Due Diligence When Choosing a Moving Provider
Performing due diligence is also about finding out about the mover’s licensing and certifications. Long-distance movers are required to maintain a specific kind of licensing by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that allows them to transport household items across state lines.
Double-check with potential movers to see if they are licensed locally and to provide interstate moving services. If the mover is an agent of a major van line, they will already meet interstate requirements because van lines maintain the needed licensing. But independent movers will need to obtain licensing for themselves.
It’s also a good idea to check out the previous customer reviews and ratings of moving companies you are vetting. If a lot of customers weren’t happy with their services, there may be a problem within the company that could affect your move too.
Ask About Storage Options
You may require storage services during that long-distance move, so it’s a good idea to pick a moving company that also offers this option. Ask if they have storage available before and after the move. Also, ask the mover what will happen if your new place isn’t quite ready for move-in. Most companies can arrange temporary storage until you can take delivery of your belongings.
Ask About Protection Planning
Find out what kinds of valuation coverage the mover has available. Legally, moving companies must provide free basic valuation coverage known as “Release Value Protection.” However, this kind of coverage only reimburses you based on the weight of a damaged or missing item.
If you want to be reimbursed for the replacement value of your belongings, you’ll have to buy the upgraded coverage, also known as “Full Value Protection.” Make sure that your chosen mover offers this coverage before hiring them.
Decide What Items You Really Need to Move
Long distance moving companies will calculate their costs by the weight of the items they are moving over so many miles. You can save some money on your move by disposing of items beforehand. A lot of items can be purchased at the new location. It’s easy to donate household goods and sell furniture to lighten the load. If driving to a new home, you can also take a lot of smaller, valuable items with you in the car. This is a good option for those who don’t want to pay for full valuation protection of their belongings.
For More Information About DeHaven’s Transfer & Storage
Consider hiring DeHaven’s Transfer & Storage for your long-distance move. We’re a full-service Durham long distance moving company and agent of North American Van Lines. We provide a selection of services intended to ease your transition, including:
Sale of Packing Supplies
Full Packing Services
Custom Crating Services
Art & Antique Moving
Appliance Moving & Set Up
Debris Removal Services
Self-Storage & Warehouse Storage
If you are ready to start planning that relocation, give our Durham long-distance movers a call to schedule a free moving assessment. For additional information on our services, fill out our online form now.
Subscribe to DeHaven's Transfer & Storage's Blog
