5 Long Distance Moving Tips to Not Get Burned
Jan 09, 2023
Moving seems to top various “most stressful” lists on a regular basis, and it’s understandable. It’s one thing to move into your first place, full of excitement and, crucially, without too many possessions to move. It’s an entirely different ball game once you have a home full of furniture to bring with you. Throw a long-distance move into the mix, and you have a recipe for a really stressful time.
There are things in life that can’t be solved with money, but long-distance moving is not one of them. Below we have five tips for protecting yourself when moving long distances. Your mover should take the stress out of moving, and these tips should remove much of the stress of hiring a mover.
1 - Hire a Trusted Professional Mover
It may seem unfair to the little guy, but if you want to be sure of a smooth move, you should be looking to hire a trusted mover who is established. We’re not saying you can’t trust a mover unless they are a huge company with lots of customers—everyone has to start somewhere—but the odds are certainly more in your favor if you opt for a mover with a verifiable pedigree in the business.
2 - Check Reviews and Certifications
Regardless of how professional the mover you are considering looks, always check the reviews. Be sure to give this step some serious consideration, meaning don’t just skim over the first four or five reviews and call it a day.
Of course, we’re not suggesting you should read 200 reviews before settling on a mover, but certainly skim over a few dozen. In particular, look at the bad reviews (if there are any). If the mover is good, the chances are any bad reviews will isolated instances. Perhaps a one-off incident or an unreasonable customer. However, if you notice a pattern, such as several bad reviews complaining about damaged items, that’s a red flag.
It’s also worth checking to see what certifications or awards the mover has. In some cases, awards and certifications are more of a confidence thing, but there are situations where they are crucial. For example, interstate movers must be registered with the Federal government, which you can check on the FMCSA website.
3 - Get a Formal Estimate Upfront
It would be nice to think that completing the move itself would be the end of any potential issues, but you could still find yourself with a nasty shock when the bill arrives if you’re not careful.
Be sure to get the moving estimate for the entire long distance move process in writing before the move date. You’ll also want clear written terms as to what can affect the final cost of the move. If you’ve chosen a well-reviewed, trusted mover, you shouldn’t have to worry about them trying to gouge you, but having a formal quote with clear terms should protect you if it does happen.
4 - Confirm Details in Writing
Moving—especially long-distance—is a logistical feat that often requires a lot of dominoes to line up. Perhaps you have friends or family taking days off work to help you. Maybe you are starting a new job on a specific date, and the move has to complete in time. A missed move date can knock all those dominoes down, wasting a lot of time and money.
Have your mover confirm things like packing, loading, storage (if needed), and timelines in writing prior to the move. That way, you can hold them to the agreed details.
5 - Work With a Trained Moving Consultant
When it comes to alleviating the stress of moving long-distance, a moving consultant is the best option. They can ensure all your bases are covered, from any moving taxes, fees, or permits, to insurance and license requirements.
In the unfortunate event that something does go wrong with your move, a moving consultant can also handle the insurance claims and damage resolution processes for you.