Are you packing up your life and starting a new chapter somewhere else? If so, you need a long-distance moving company to help you make your way there. Unfortunately, finding the right moving company can be a challenge. As your local, international moving company, we at Larsen Transfer have helped countless long distance movers achieve their goals with successful results. If you want to do the same, keep reading to learn how to select the right long distance moving company, including key factors to consider, common mistakes to avoid, and tips for ensuring a smooth and efficient move.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Long Distance Moving Company:
When selecting your long distance movers, especially if you need an international moving company, there are five factors you should consider above all else:
#1: Experience & Reputation
The first aspect to investigate is how long they’ve been in business and customer feedback. The length of the business’s experience and a roster of reviews demonstrates its success. While new businesses can be excellent, a moving company with an established successful history and positive customer reviews showcases that they have experience and a reputation you can trust.
#2: License & Insurance
After determining their business success, it is vital to verify they have the proper licensing and insurance for long-distance moves. On top of that, your long-distance moving company should clarify the laws required when moving trans-state or out-of-country and your rights as a mover. Moving companies that do not provide transparency in regard to these should be immediately nixed from your potential hire list.
We suggest reading the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website to learn more.
#3: Services Offered
The following questions you need to inquire about is whether they offer packing, storage, or specialty services for fragile items. We suggest evaluating what services you need for your specific move and verify that the long distance moving company offers each service with clear explanations of how they work.
#4: Transparency in Pricing
Poorly run moving companies are notorious for having hidden fees. When considering your potential moving company, request a detailed, written estimate. Your estimate should be 100% transparent and clear on how any and all extra fees are determined and priced. Additionally, should you move forward with the company, make sure the written contract holds true to the same transparent values.
#5 Availability & Timing
When it comes to long distance moving, things rarely go perfectly to plan. That is why we always advise that when hiring an international moving company, you choose one that allows for flexibility with your moving schedule and delivery windows, rather than strict deadlines with penalties.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Movers:
Long distance moving, especially for the first time, is a big adventure. Not only are you packing up your entire life, but there are a lot of balls to juggle as you transition to a new chapter of your life. Due to this, people often make simple mistakes when choosing their long distance moving company, which can lead to poor results. Here is what we suggest you avoid:
- Not Getting Multiple Quotes: As a mover, you have options. We highly recommend getting multiple quotes to compare estimates from different moving companies. This will ensure you get fair pricing and services for your move.
- Ignoring Customer Reviews: Customer testimonials, especially those on third-party review sites, like Google, are based on real customer experiences. By reading through these reviews, you can see where companies excel or fall short.
- Underestimating the Need for Insurance: Not only should your moving company provide some level of insurance, but they should also provide you with the option to purchase moving insurance or additional coverage. Remember, most moving companies only offer base-level insurance, which in most cases is not enough to cover your move should there be severe circumstances. Buying extra insurance will guarantee your items are covered if things go horribly wrong.
- Not Asking About Special Conditions: Lastly, should you have any special requirements for fragile items, extra large furniture, or vehicles, you should always ask about how they handle these items. For example, not every company is equipped to move a piano; therefore, it is better to ask in advance to ensure they can move everything you need.
How to Ensure a Smooth Long-Distance Move:
When it comes to performing a long distance move, time is your greatest benefactor. If possible, we suggest planning well in advance. Not only will this help you organize everything in a timely, stress-free manner, but it will also help mitigate potential problems.
Speaking of, one of the best ways to mitigate problems is to create an inventory of your belongings. By documenting your belongings and their condition, you can easily inform your long distance moving company of the services you need and any special requests you may have.
Lastly, an easy way to ensure a positive experience with your long distance move is to stay in communication with your moving company. First, we recommend establishing how to manage expectations regarding delivery delays due to unforeseen circumstances. Weather, traffic accidents, and other external factors can influence the timeline of a move. Keeping in touch with your moving company before you move with any updates and tracking your shipment during transit guarantees that everyone is fully aware of potential concerns or issues should they arise.
Why Choose Larsen Transfer for Your Long Distance Move?
At Larsen Transfer, we have helped countless families and businesses achieve successful long distance moves, whether it is across the state, to the other side of the country, or to a new country. We may be a family-owned business with local roots, but we are backed by the capacity of large logistic van lines, United Van Lines, allowing us to handle even the most complex of international shipments and moves
Planning a long-distance move? Get a free quote from Larsen Transfer today and ensure your move goes smoothly with our trusted moving services!
