Moving from your present home to another place, maybe to another state, is one strenuous work and to some, stressful action. There are a myriad of decisions to make, including whether or not to hire a professional moving company to assist with your move.
There are definitely many advantages and other benefits for hiring professional movers for both long distance and local moves. The inherent differences between long-distance interstate moves and local moves are not very well-defined.
Every moving company will define long distance moving differently. However, it’s typically considered to be moving more than 100 miles and across state lines. Long-distance moves are also referred to as interstate moves.
Federal regulations
Federal regulations, however, require that movers provide specific disclosures and information to interstate customers. These companies are required to have a copy of Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.
This is published by the U.S Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration exclusively for interstate customers.
Government regulations are specially crafted to help protect the public by ensuring that the companies that own and operated these trucks on public roadways follow certain rules.
The other federal regulations are intended to protect moving consumers during their interstate move. As the consumer, you must ensure that your mover holds interstate operating authority before letting them take possession of your property.
Your moving company (interstate carrier) has been assigned a U.S. DOT. Number, registered with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) and can transport goods between states. Their license is identified with an “MC” number.
Likewise, they carry adequate insurance. These interstate moving companies are required to meet certain financial responsibility requirements as a condition of obtaining and maintaining their licenses.
Finding the right movers
When you look for an interstate mover, you will have the chance to meet a number of qualified companies. While most movers you meet are usually fully-qualified, registered, licensed and operating within the bounds of law, some moving companies on the Internet are not altogether reliable.
Research reviews of your prospects on Google, Yelp and the Better Business Bureau. Here you can find evidence of their past performances and other evidence of legitimate practices..
Likewise, your moving company should freely provide information on remediation and compensation in case your possessions are lost or damaged. They can also provide information on how to access its company claims forms.
Knowing your mover
Get yourself a moving company that can cater to your unique needs especially when moving a long distance. It’s important to find a company that will reduce the stress of moving across the country, performing secure and efficient moves, no matter where you are moving.
Once you have found your moving company you need to have some things to make sure the whole process will be smooth. Here are some of them.
Full-value protection
Buy yourself a full-value protection insurance if you feel the minimum liability protection given by the company is insufficient (liability is pegged at .60 per pound). This is inadequate for covering claims for loss or damage to your belongings.
Ask your moving company representative or move coordinator to explain your valuation options. It’s your responsibility that you understand the terminology which includes minimum carrier liability, declared value, full-value protection and other key concepts.
Contact information
Write down your contact information. Write down contact information for your moving company and coordinator. This is how to get in touch with them before, during and after the move.
(Also make sure they have contact information for you, including your current address, new address and how to reach you while in transit.)
Inventory
Do an inventory of your household goods. Make sure your movers create and give you the opportunity to sign off on an official inventory on the load day. This document will be the primary account of belongings and their condition.
If items are not listed or their conditions are improperly documented on this list, this may negatively impact your ability to be compensated for loss or damage occurring during your move.
Documents / payment
Always read all documents before you sign them. This includes the estimate, order for service, inventory and Bill of Lading. You need to keep these documents with you until all charges and claims are paid and settled.
If you’ve hired the right mover, the last thing you need to worry about is move-in day. Set aside time to review the move-in plan, the inventory and payment terms before your movers begin unloading the truck.
Be ready for your payment before your movers arrive. Most long distance movers Langley will require a payment before they begin unloading.
To ensure you will have a worry-free trip to your new place, here are some practical tips for this stressful personal task.
Declutter
It costs money to move things so you need to cut down on the things you think you need moving, Donate or sell items you no longer use.
Consider using Craigslist for furniture and other lag items you don’t want to take. You lessen your burden and you make some cash you can use.
Itemize and organize
About two months or a little less before your relocation, pack up the items you won’t need until after the move (photo albums, older clothes, books, etc) label the boxes with the room and contents.
This can also give you the idea which additional packing boxes and materials you need.
Prepare your new place
Two week or so before moving, have your utilities and cable turned off at your old home and turned on in your new place. If you rent, do some deep cleaning as you pack so you have your best chance at getting your deposit back.
Close accounts, transfer mail and service the car. A week or two before moving day is a good time to cancel your local gym membership and others. You can also go ahead and fill out the mail forwarding form at the post office or online.
Personal items
Pack ahead of time your valuables and necessary items for the move. If an item is small, fragile or very valuable, we recommend that you transport it to your new home. Pack your jewelry and antiques and plan to take them in the car with you if possible.
Bring with you suitcases packed with what your family will need while on the road.
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