Look Into Reviews and Reputation
Online reviews won’t tell you everything about a company but they can be a really important data point. Check out reviews for every company you’re vetting on a variety of sites, including Yelp, the BBB and local review sites. You should also ask family and friends, as first-hand experiences can also be valuable when making such a costly decision.
Price Compare
Getting quotes can be time-consuming, but well worth it when choosing an interstate moving company. Not only can getting multiple quotes help you narrow down your choices, but some companies will also offer price matching against competitors. It’s important to also look at each quote carefully—some might look a bit higher at first glance, but if it’s a binding quote or includes better insurance, it can save you money in the long run.
Vet Their Credentials
Any reputable moving company should comply with local regulations for moving companies in your area—and there will be more stringent requirements for companies that conduct business across state lines. When vetting interstate movers, look for things like its USDOT number, which insurance it offers and how it vets its drivers and workers. Companies that are transparent about this make it easier, and this is usually a green flag, but don’t be afraid to ask any company you’re considering about these and other factors.
Choose Between Carriers and Brokers
Especially in interstate moving, you’ll likely come across some moving companies that are simply brokers, some that are only carriers and some that act as both. Understanding the difference between the two and how the company will operate during your move is key to preventing moving day surprises
- Moving brokers: These companies act as a middleman between you and the moving company that will actually perform your move. You’ll typically communicate with the broker to negotiate pricing and other services, but the broker will then send the job off to a company that you will interact with on moving day. This doesn’t have to be a bad thing, but you don’t want it to be a surprise. Be sure to ask if the company you’re speaking with will actually perform the move. If it won’t, ask for the name of the moving company it’s working with so you can vet it too.
- Moving carriers: These companies do everything—facilitate the move and actually perform it. However, it’s still helpful to ask some clarifying questions here, like how the company vets its movers.
- Companies that act as both: Some companies act as brokers in some locations and carriers in others. You’ll typically see this with big name, national companies. Situations like these are why it’s important to ask every company if it’s a carrier or a broker and how it will operate for your move.
Ensure Companies Offer the Services You Need
If you’re making a long journey and need a company to ship your car across state lines, you’ll want to ensure your moving company also offers car transport. If you’re absolutely opposed to packing and unpacking your belongings, be sure to only consider full-service moving companies. Even if you’re not sure which services you’ll need, doing a bit of research beforehand will prevent you from wasting time with companies that can’t suit your needs.
Keep an Eye Out for Red Flags
Use your discernment when researching and speaking with moving companies. Companies that want the entire payment upfront, for example, can raise alarm bells, as can those that offer quotes that seem too good to be true.
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