Choosing to make a long-distance move is never easy. It isn’t just about leaving friends and family behind–the logistical hurdles of transporting belongings can also be a challenge. One way to help ease those difficulties is by choosing the right long-distance movers in Dallas or wherever you may be located.
Finding the Best Movers
Starting within one’s own social network is a great way to find reputable moving companies. Asking for recommendations from friends and family who have used long-distance movers in the past is the perfect way to start. After that, it will take some homework to decide which company is best.
Reading Online Reviews
Examining online reviews is always a smart idea when you’re shopping around for goods and services. Look for companies not only with high ratings but with plenty of reviews, as well.
Read the reviews carefully–even a good review can offer insight into downsides. Scanning reviews for the pros and cons of a company will help you understand the big picture.
Besides the star rating and the number of reviews, be sure and look at the history of the reviews and the company. For example, if they have a high rating, check to see if the recent reviews are mostly positive. The key is finding companies with consistently high ratings over time.
Finding a company with a high rating and a successful history of positive reviews is just the start. Next, it’s time to dig deeper.
Evaluating Services Offered
Here are a few items to look for when choosing the right company:
- Packing and Unpacking
- Specialized Furniture Handling
- Pet Relocation
- Temporary Storage Facilities
Obviously, not everyone is going to need temporary storage or pet relocation services. However, having a better understanding of what the company is capable of will help you ask the right questions.
Questions to Ask
Before picking up the phone, have a list of questions at the ready to help make sure you are covering all the bases.
Licensing and Insurance
All reputable long-distance movers will have a USDOT (United States Department of Transportation) license number. This is required for all companies that work across state lines. Any company should be able to produce this license number without hesitation.
The next question to ask is about insurance. Nearly all companies will be insured, but it’s best to ask about the coverage amounts. Accidents happen, and if your belongings are worth more than the coverage amounts, it may be wise to seek supplemental insurance.
Restrictions
Every company has a list of items they will refuse to move. Hazardous cargo, such as chemicals or highly flammable items, is an obvious one, but many people may not realize other items may be restricted, as well. Here are a few common items that may have restrictions:
- House plants and perishable items
- Large batteries, such as a Tesla Powerwall
- Extremely valuable and fragile items
- Ammunition and firearms
Each company will have their own list of restricted items. In many cases, the company simply does not want the liability of dealing with these items. Knowing the restrictions upfront will save you a lot of headaches on moving day.
Upfront Cost Estimates
This is the most important question to ask. Many moving companies will charge an hourly rate, and then magically the move takes far longer than expected. This can easily double or triple an initial estimate.
Before the move, any reputable long-distance moving company will provide you with a full quote that includes all costs. This way, there are no unwanted surprises once the move is completed.
Choosing NDMS
North Dallas Moving and Storage has been professionally moving customers locally and long-distance since 1966. Our expert estimators will visit your home to obtain a full inventory of items to be moved and give you a no-hidden-cost quote.
With this knowledge in hand, NDMS ensures that customers know all of the costs before the contract is signed. If you’re still wondering what the best way to move long-distance is, having peace of mind from a transparent company is key. With a company like NDMS on your side, your big move can be successful rather than stressful!
