Trusting a moving company with your life’s possessions can be unnerving. It’s even scarier if you are new to the process and have no idea what to expect from the company handling all of your belongings.
If you’re looking for a moving service in Plano, here’s a quick guide on what you can expect from a professional long-distance moving company.
Get Quotes From Moving Companies
To get a quote from a long-distance moving company, you can either call it or fill out a form on its website. Make sure to have the following information ready:
- Your name, email, and phone number
- The date of your move
- Origination and destination addresses
- A list of items you need to move
Remember, the initial number will just be an estimate. You will get a more accurate quote after a representative of the moving company comes to your home and inspects your belongings and the logistics of moving around your property.
Typically, a long-distance moving company will give you two pricing options:
- By the hour
- By the weight of your belongings
It’s important to ask about any additional fees that may not be included in the quote to figure out how much a long-distance moving company costs. For example, some companies charge extra for stairs, fuel, or insurance, which can significantly increase the price. Get quotes from several companies so you can compare the prices and services being offered.
Services Offered by Long-Distance Moving Companies
Most long-distance moving companies offer a full range of services, including packing, loading, unloading, and transportation. Some companies also offer storage options in case you need to store your belongings for a period of time before moving into your new place
The final cost will depend on the services you want. For example, if you only need transportation, the cost will be lower than if you opt for full-service moving that involves packing, storage, and unpacking.
Sign an Agreement
You will need to sign an agreement with the long-distance moving company that specifies the services being provided, as well as the cost. Make sure to read the agreement carefully before signing it.
If you have fragile or valuable items, the long-distance moving company may require that you purchase additional insurance–this is to protect it in case something happens to your belongings during the move. In some cases, the moving company will assume responsibility for delivering your fragile or valuable items safely. If this is part of the services you negotiate, be sure to get this included in the agreement you’re signing.
What Does the Moving Process Look Like?
The moving process will vary depending on the company you use, but it generally goes something like this:
- Get a quote from the long-distance moving company
- If you decide to use its services, sign an agreement and pay a deposit
- The company will send a team of movers to your home to pack your belongings
- Your belongings will be loaded onto a truck and transported to your new home
- The movers will unload your belongings and place them in the rooms you designate
How To Cancel Your Booking
If you need to cancel your booking with a long-distance moving company, make sure to do so as soon as possible. Most companies have a cancellation policy that requires you to give them notice at least two weeks in advance.
If you cancel within this time frame, you should be able to get a full refund of your deposit. If you cancel after this point, you may forfeit all or part of your deposit. Be sure to read the cancellation policy in your agreement carefully so you know what to expect.
How Much Time Does a Long-Distance Move Take?
A long-distance move can take anywhere from a few days to a week or more, depending on the distance you’re moving and the company you use. If you’re using a full-service moving company, it should give you an idea of how long the move will take.
Keep in mind that the timeline for a move can change for any number of reasons. It’s not uncommon for weather or traffic conditions to delay a move.
The moving time can also depend on whether the company you hire is a carrier or broker. If you’re not sure what these terms mean, check out our recent post discussing how to know if a long-distance moving company is a carrier or broker.
