Before The Move: Professional Movers

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Straightline Movers packing and moving services
  • Weigh in your moving options
    When moving across the country, using long distance movers will make the most sense. Not having sufficient time to prepare or having too many specialty items will also tip the scales in favor of hiring professional movers.
  • Set up a moving budget
    Work out a moving budget to see where you stand from a financial point of view. Have you saved up enough money to cover the moving expenses? What are your options for moving home without any money?
  • Request in-home surveys
    Ask the moving companies that have contacted you to visit your home for visual moving cost estimation. Be firm about this, for cost estimates done over the phone or via email can never be accurate enough.
  • Ask the hard questions
    Ask the moving company representatives at your home any questions or concerns you may have regarding their services and rates. Try to gauge their level of professionalism by the answers they provide.
  • Compare moving estimates
    It’s time to compare the moving cost estimates – binding and in writing – you’ve received from the moving experts after the household inspections are over. Pay attention to the extra services offered and their corresponding charges.
  • Protect your move
    Think twice before accepting a price quote that is much lower than the rest of the offers. Bids that are too good to be true could be signs of moving fraud orchestrated by dishonest moving companies (rogue movers).
  • Research movers
    No interstate moving checklist will be complete without investing some time to research and compare the movers you have shortlisted. You’ll entrust your valuable possessions to complete strangers so you must be sure they are reliable and competent enough to do the job.
  • Check USDOT numbers of movers
    All interstate moving companies must be licensed by the U.S. Department of Transportation in order to operate. Make sure the companies you’re considering have valid USDOT numbers as proof of their legitimacy.
  • Read moving reviews
    Ensure that your home moving partner has an excellent online reputation too. Read moving reviews and check overall ratings to get an idea about how customers rated the quality of their relocation services.
  • Check movers’ membership status
    Check just how trustworthy your movers are – reputable moving companies are proud members of the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
  • Make an informed decision
    The time to choose a moving company has come! Base your final decision on the cost estimates, extra services offered, online reputation (customer reviews), membership with AMSA, BBB accreditation, and last but not least – your faithful hunch.
  • Book your move ASAP
    Once you’ve chosen a mover, book your move as soon as you can for possible moving cost reduction. To save extra money from your long distance move, opt for a move date on a weekday in the middle of the month, and ideally – during the off-season.
  • Manage your moving paperwork
    Request the necessary paperwork from your moving company and make sure you understand all terms and conditions before agreeing to them. Never sign blank or incomplete documents.
  • Hire an auto shipper
    Contact a professional car transportation company if you need to have your car hauled, quickly and safely, to another part of the country. Ask for auto shippers quotes and compare various experienced and reliable car transporters.