Moving day is just around the corner — or maybe it’s already here. To make the process less stressful, think about hiring a cross country moving company that offers reliable moving services.
No matter if you’re moving to a nearby city or across the country, hiring professional movers can help you save time, money and physical effort. It’s something you should put at the top of your cross country moving checklist. But how do you know which company is the right fit for your move? Here are some important tips to help you choose the best cross country moving company.
Researching Potential Moving Companies
Before you hire any movers, make sure to do your homework. Check out several companies and see what their past customers have to say. This will help you understand how satisfied people were with their cross country moving experience.
Start by checking online reviews to get a feel for how a moving company has treated other customers. Stay away from companies with a lot of bad reviews and focus on the ones that have mostly good feedback — that’s usually a good sign people were happy with their service. If the company is local and doesn’t have any online reviews, ask if you can talk to a few of their past customers. If they can’t or won’t give you any references, that’s a warning sign that they might not be reliable. Your goal is to find a trustworthy moving company for your cross-country move.
Verifying Credentials & Licensing
It’s important to make sure you’re hiring professional movers with the proper licenses. Any legit moving company should be licensed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and listed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Getting these licenses means the company meets certain standards which helps you feel more confident that your stuff is in safe hands. If a company says they’re licensed and insured but can’t show you proof, don’t sign anything with them.
Getting Multiple Quotes
Reach out to a few top-rated cross country moving companies and ask each one for a quote. Make sure you give them all the same details about your move so the estimates are fair and easy to compare. For the most accurate pricing, share photos and measurements of your furniture and let them know where you’re moving to. This will help you see which company is more affordable. Also, ask what services are included so you can be sure you’re comparing the same things in each quote.
Checking Moving Valuation Coverage
A reliable moving company should offer valuation coverage in case anything gets damaged during the move. There are usually two main types: Full value protection, which is common with most professional movers and covers the full cost of lost or damaged items, and released value protection which is cheaper but only gives limited coverage. Make sure to ask about these options before you agree to anything or sign a contract.
Evaluating Experience & Expertise
Handling long-distance moves is different from local ones and requires specific skills. That’s why it’s important to look into a company’s experience before hiring them for a cross-country move. Some movers are new and mainly handle local moves, while others have years of experience managing moves across states or even the entire country.
Movers who have more experience with long-distance moves are better prepared to deal with any problems that might come up and are more likely to deliver your things on time. You can also look at whether a company specializes in home moves or business moves to see which one fits your needs best.
Reviewing Customer Feedback & References
Check the company’s website for customer reviews but don’t stop there. Visit other independent review sites where people share their honest experiences with top-rated cross country movers. If a company has a lot of reviews, compare what people are saying across different platforms to get a clearer picture.
You can also look up the company on the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints and how they were handled. It’s a good idea to ask the moving company for references too, so you can check how reliable they are and how happy their past customers were. If they give you local references, you can ask specific questions about the kind of move you’re planning.
Asking About Extra Services & Support
When talking to a cross country moving company, make sure to ask about any extra services they offer. Some companies can help with packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, white glove moving and even provide moving supplies to make the whole process easier. Others might assign you a personal representative who can answer your questions and guide you through the move.
Clearly Communicating Your Needs
Before you hire a moving company, ask them to give you a written estimate or a fixed quote. This should include:
- The company’s name and address (double-check that it matches what’s on their website)
- The names of the people you’re dealing with, like the estimator or dispatcher
- The type of move — whether it’s local or long-distance
- An estimate of how much your stuff weighs
- A breakdown of the services they’ll provide (like packing, unpacking, taking apart or putting together furniture)
- A list of any extra costs, like charges for packing supplies
If you’ve clearly explained what you need, it should show up in the written estimate. If something doesn’t seem right or doesn’t match your expectations, talk it over with the company before moving forward and ask for any needed changes. The list of services is one of the most common areas where confusion happens, so make sure to read it carefully and understand exactly what’s included.
What Are the Benefits of Using Professional Movers?
Moving can feel overwhelming — packing everything up and getting it all to your new place is no small task. You have to make sure your things arrive safely and at the same time, try to avoid injuries, broken items or any last-minute moving headaches.
A great way to avoid all that stress is by hiring a professional moving company. Here are some of the main benefits of working with expert movers:
Saves You Time and Effort
One of the biggest perks is that you won’t have to do the hard work yourself. Professional movers take care of all the heavy lifting, packing and loading, so you can relax. You also won’t need to stress about driving a big moving truck or finding your way through new places.
Your Belongings Are Protected
One major advantage of hiring professional movers is that your items are covered if something gets lost or damaged during the move. If you move on your own and something breaks, you’ll have to pay for it. But with professional movers, you can file a claim and either get the item fixed or be paid back for the loss.
Safety
Professional movers make sure your things are moved safely. You won’t have to stress about driving a big moving truck or figuring out directions in an unfamiliar area. The movers will handle it all and your belongings will reach your new home safe and sound.
Do You Need Help With Your Move?
Whatever your reason for moving — starting a new job, growing your family or just wanting a fresh start — hiring professional movers like STI Moving and Storage can make things a lot easier. As a full-service moving company, we do more than just move furniture. We’re here to help with every step of the process.
Our knowledgeable and experienced team is here to answer any questions you have and help ease your worries about packing, moving and unpacking. We’re here to guide you through every part of the move.
Contact us today for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if a moving company is properly licensed and insured?
You can visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website to look up the company’s license, insurance coverage and inspection records.
Why should I get quotes from more than one moving company?
Getting multiple quotes helps you compare prices and services, so you can feel confident you’re getting a fair deal.
What kind of insurance or coverage should a cross country moving company offer?
The company should provide valuation coverage that protects your items in case they get damaged while being moved.
What are some warning signs to look for in reviews or references?
Watch out for companies that don’t list a physical address or give contact details you can’t confirm — that’s often a red flag.
Are there any rules or standards moving companies must follow?
Yes, movers are required to give you a copy of the booklet “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the FMCSA. It explains your rights and what to expect during your move.