Long-distance movers help people move to different states or across the country, and there are also companies that ship belongings overseas. It is important to choose a reputable company that is bonded and insured and holds the proper licenses. Many long-distance moving companies will also store furniture and other personal articles at the location of the move origination or at the final destination. It is very important to have the company conduct a full inventory of all items to be moved and base their estimate on all of the available information. Most long distance movers also require a deposit or payment for half of the total estimate upfront. Be sure to discuss any potential overages beforehand because there have been instances of moving companies keeping items until additional fees are paid. Read on for information that could help you land the right long-distance moving company.
The best cross-country movers can several days to transport your belongings. As the trucks are generally carrying multiple loads, there will be stops along the way. Depending on the number of stops and their locations it can take from 2 weeks up to a month for a cross-country move.
The likelihood of loss and damage to items during a move is usually pretty high. This reality makes it important to have a complete inventory that has been signed off on by the company and a review of all necessary insurance policies. While some moving companies are not known for their eagerness to repair or replace damaged and lost items, the best long-distance moving companies will properly insure your items and compensate you for items damaged on the fault of movers.
Depending on the length of your move, you can sometimes save money with local moving companies. Local companies can get more expensive with moves that cross several states, but you also get the benefit of more personal customer service and, sometimes, scheduling flexibility. Always compare some local quotes to compare against rates of national moving companies.
The insurance offered by the moving company will likely be offered by a third party and will entail a deductible similar to most other types of policies. It is best to take the released value for any damaged items which comes at no additional costs. Home owner's policies often offer coverage so double check them before purchasing additional coverage.
Unless a private moving company service is purchased, the space within the semi-truck will be shared amongst multiple customers. Unless the belongings require all of the space of an entire truck there will be multiple loads on each transport.
Wrapping any furniture that requires this service should be included in the base price of the move. Any packing of belongings will entail an additional charge and will likely be charged by the hour. Check with the carrier prior to signing a contract on how the charges for any extra services are calculated.
The best long-distance movers are generally regarded as the large national brands as those are usually the only carriers that offer the service. Mayflower, United Van Lines and North American Moving Services are all known for their reliable service.
Moving costs are estimated by the combined weight of the items to be moved, with additional fees for a lot of stairs and other physical obstacles. An average two-bedroom home will contain items totaling anywhere from 5,000 to 6,000 pounds. Using a moving distance of 1,000 miles, an average estimate will be around $3,500 to $4,200.