Planning a Long Distance Move? 8 Questions to Ask Movers

It can be unsettling to entrust a moving company with your possessions. Losing any of those can be a nightmare, be it your clothes, furniture, or other personal belongings with treasured memories. Trusting your movers with items of worth and value might seem like entrusting them with your own life. Long distance move can be even more terrifying because, as opposed to the same-day delivery you would anticipate with local movers, it will probably take a few weeks before you are reunited with your possessions. Because of this, thoroughly screening the best long-distance movers in the Bronx is a crucial step in the moving process.

If you have never moved long distance or are unfamiliar with the moving and shipping industry, it can be difficult to know what questions to ask. Here are some of the most crucial inquiries you should make before choosing a long-distance moving company to assist you in weighing your options.

Questions to Ask Movers before Long Distance Move

Long distance move by Road

1. Does your business have a valid license?

You should choose a moving company member of the American Mover and Storage Association (AMSA). Anyone who moves long distances (i.e., across more than one state) must also possess a US Department of Transportation (USDOT) number, which you can obtain from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Move on to another if a prospective moving company is not an AMSA member and does not have a USDOT or FMCSA number.

2. Do you have the necessary tools to make a move successful?

You should confirm that the moving company is equipped or has access to the equipment required to handle such moves, which includes moving incredibly heavy items, such as large sculptures or pianos. You will need to extend your search if they are unable or unwilling to make arrangements.

3. What types of packing and storage services do you offer?

Some long-distance movers additionally provide storage and packing services. Ask about:

• The type of storage and packing services they offer
• The cost of these services
• The kind of storage facilities used, including their conditions and security
• How will the items be labelled when they are placed in storage?

4. How long has your business been operating? 

A moving company that has been in business for some time is likely to have much experience handling moves and a backlog of reviews that you can check. Although new businesses can be trustworthy and offer good service, companies with genuine customer reviews and numerous moving experiences are always the better choice.

However, it is always a good idea to read their reviews to get a clear picture of their service and how they handle customer issues, such as damages or missing items. Many businesses will also provide referrals and recommendations from clients if you ask, but it is always a good idea to read their reviews.

You should be cautious if a company has no reviews and cannot give you referrals. Some dishonest businesses will change their name to start over and sound legitimate, but they are hiding their track record of subpar service and unfavourable reviews.

5. What types of liability protection or insurance do you offer?

Regardless of a company’s level of expertise, professionalism, or stellar track record, mistakes and accidents can still occur. This is why it’s crucial that you choose an insured moving company and that you enrol in the appropriate level of protection.

Depending on service level, the standard liability protection offered upon signing most moving contracts is 10 or 60 cents per lb per item. Typically, this won’t cover the full price of expensive items. Suppose you are shipping particularly expensive or valuable items; in that case, you should enrol in a higher level of insurance through your mover or a third-party provider to ensure that you can recoup the cost of those possessions. For example, an economy shipment carried by TSI would have a maximum claim payout of $50.00.

It’s always advisable to ask your potential moving company to guide you through the differences in the insurance plans they offer. You can also ask them for a detailed breakdown to understand the differences and what you are purchasing. Ask them to explain anything you don’t understand without being afraid to do so.

6. Can you offer an on-site binding written estimate?

An on-site or video call estimate should be available from any reputable long-distance moving company. Quotes provided over the phone or via email without visualizing the items you are moving are less dependable. They may be too low, adding extra costs to your bill after delivery. During their visit or video survey, mention any obstacles that might make your move challenging, such as narrow stairwells and heavy objects.

Ask your movers what their estimate of the total weight of your shipment is based on if you are doing a video estimate so you don’t accidentally go over it. Be as precise as you can with your weight estimates. Make sure to call your movers for an updated estimate if you decide to add items to your move.

Include the following information in your written estimate: 

• Company name, address, and contact information 
• Estimated charges
• Mode of payment;
• Moving dates;
• Signing date.

7. Who will unload the belongings when they reach their destination? 

Your possessions might change hands several times during long-distance moves. Ask if the team handling your pick-up will also handle the delivery or if they will outsource it. If the answer is that different teams will handle your moves, you can inquire about the names of the various businesses in charge and look up each one’s track record.

8. Will you make a list of my belongings?

Learn how the business calculates your estimate. Do they count your boxes and belongings? Does this inventory include information about your possessions’ size, value, condition, and weight?

Conclusion

It takes much work to get ready for a long-distance move. It can be overwhelming to organize, pack, and arrange everything, and selecting the best mover to assist with your relocation can seem especially difficult.

Find the best long-distance movers in the Bronx to assist you in organizing your move and reducing some of your stress.