Things To Consider Before Hiring Cross-Country Movers

A cross-country move can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. On the upside, you get to experience new environments and people. On the downside, the actual moving process can be daunting.

That's where cross-country movers come into play. They can help you prepare for your move and transport your belongings to your new home, allowing you to focus on the more fun aspects of a cross-country move.

But we've all heard horror stories of individuals losing their items or getting them in pieces after hiring the wrong movers.

How do you make sure this isn't you? Read on as we explore key things to consider before hiring movers.

Moving Options Offered

When moving cross country, you have three main options:

• Handle your own move.
• Hire a full-service moving company.
• Choose a portable container service.

Handling your own move is out of the question for most people, as it's unnecessarily stressful. That leaves you with the other two options. Consider your needs when determining which one to choose.

A standard moving company is suitable if you need help with everything from packing to unpacking. With portable container services, you'll likely need to do your own packing and unpacking, as these companies mainly provide and transport moving containers. Their major selling point is that they're cost-effective as they typically handle transport only.

Services Offered

Professional cross-country movers can either be full-service or offer selected services. Full-service movers can handle packing and unpacking, furniture disassembly and assembly, loading and unloading, and transport. You can relax throughout your move, knowing they'll take care of everything.

With companies offering selected services, you may need to handle some tasks yourself. Find out what you need to do before your moving day. If you decide to handle the packing, you need to get packing supplies well before your scheduled moving date for a seamless move. Understanding the services offered by your chosen mover can prevent confusion and delays.

Licensing

Assessing a potential mover's license can save you from dealing with rogue or unprofessional companies. The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) issues permits to all professional interstate movers. If your potential mover doesn't have one, they shouldn't be handling your cross-country move.

Ask each moving company to provide their USDOT number. Visit the FMCSA's SAFER website and look up each potential mover's number to determine their operating status. You can also get information on the company's safety rating and complaint history, allowing you to make a well-informed decision on whether to hire them.

Liability Coverage

Insurance is a must-have, as mishaps can result in property loss or damage. You can limit your liability in case of accidents with proper coverage. Federal law requires long-distance movers to provide two main liability options — Released Value and Full Value Protection.

Released Value Protection is a suitable option if you're on a tight budget, as moving companies offer it at no charge. While it's economical, it doesn't provide comprehensive coverage. Under this option, your mover is only liable for 60 cents per pound per article if an accident occurs. This means you'll need to absorb some liability in case of property damage.

The Full Value Protection option is more comprehensive. Most movers automatically provide this coverage unless you explicitly ask for the Released Value Protection option, as it limits clients' liability. Under this option, your mover covers the total replacement value of lost or damaged items. As such, it is more expensive than the Released Value Protection option.

Moving Quote

Moving can be expensive. So, it's normal to want to save money whenever you can. List all your potential cross-country movers and ask for moving estimates. Compare the quotes to find the most suitable option for your budget. This isn't to say you should go for the cheapest option. Find a balance between affordability and quality. Only consider quotes from reliable companies that provide estimates after assessing your items, as theirs will likely be more accurate.

Moving companies can either offer binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed estimates. All quotation options have their unique pros. With binding quotations, you can accurately budget for your move, as you'll know how much you'll incur. Non-binding quotes are subject to change — you may pay more than the original estimate if your move requires additional resources or less if it consumes fewer resources than initially estimated.

The binding not-to-exceed estimate is popular with long-distance moves. With this option, you pay the original agreed-upon cost even if your belongings exceed the initial estimate and only pay for the actual shipping cost if your belongings weigh less than the original estimate. Before signing any contract, ask all potential movers about their moving estimate models to ensure you know what to expect.

Storage Needs

You can't always control how things move along when relocating. There may be delays in selling your home, getting a new house in your new state, and setting up the new place. It's always best to have another plan in case things don't work out as you hope.

Hiring a moving company that offers storage can make your move less stressful, even when plans change. You can store your belongings in their facility or containers until you're fully prepared for your move. Make sure the company you hire offers secure storage solutions to keep your belongings safe.

Things Movers Can Transport

Contrary to common belief, moving companies don't carry all items. Ask for a list of items your mover doesn't transport to allow you to prepare. Some of the things to expect on the list include:

• Food: Movers don't typically move perishable items as they can't keep them cool throughout a cross-country move.
• Fireworks, firearms, and ammunition: You can transport them yourself or hire a federally licensed firearms dealer to ship them to your new home.
• Flammable materials: They can be hazardous if they spill. Remove all chemicals and gas from equipment like generators to keep your items and movers safe during your move.
• High-value items and family heirlooms: These items can be difficult to replace in case of accidents. As such, it's always best to carry them yourself.

Allegiance Van Lines: Your Reliable Cross-Country Movers

You need to hire the right cross-country movers for a seamless move. Considering the factors discussed in this post can increase your chances of finding a reliable moving company. List all potential movers and assess each one based on these factors.