The most important thing to know about interstate movers is that they are not all the same. Some cross-country movers are better than others when it comes to reputation, reliability, and services offered.
Interstate moving companies help people relocate across state lines. They are also referred to as cross-country, long haul, and long-distance movers. Typically, the services of an interstate moving company are hired when people are relocating to a new home that is located in a different state or more than 100 miles away from the starting point.
This guide will help anyone relocating across state lines understand everything there is to know about interstate movers that will help select the best company for cross-country moving needs.
What Do Interstate Movers Do?
Interstate moving companies provide people with the assistance, labor, and transportation to get belongings across state lines. Interstate moving companies can move just about anything from a single unit to an entire multi-room home. The most common items that interstate movers transport are:
- Furniture- including couches, chairs, tables, beds, dressers, etc.
- Appliances- refrigerators, ovens, washers, dryers, etc.
- Electronics- TVs, computers, gaming systems, etc.
- Clothing, toys and other personal belongings
Regular interstate moving services will offer loading and unloading services along with transportation services for any of these items. In addition to the actual transportation of belongings, interstate movers can also provide packing and unpacking services, as well as storage for belongings that will not fit into the new home right away.
All of these services will be included in the price quote given by the interstate moving company, so it is important to get a quote in order to have an idea of what the average cost to move interstate will be.
How Much Do Interstate Movers Cost?
Interstate moving costs vary depending on numerous factors such as the overall weight of items, the distance traveled, and specialized services such as furniture dismantling, additional stops, and storage. Generally, the cost of interstate moving will range from $2,000 to $10,000.
It is important to get a quote from at least three different interstate moving companies in order to compare prices and services. An excellent way to get free quotes quickly is to use a website that provides comparison quotes for moving companies.
What to Look for in an Interstate Moving Company
To ensure that everything on your interstate moving checklist is completed before and after the move, it is essential to look for interstate moving companies that meet the high-quality standards needed to handle the often complicated logistics of an interstate move.
First, it is important to make sure that the interstate moving company is licensed and insured. Interstate movers must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Choosing to use an unlicensed and uninsured moving company is a massive risk to your belongings and your wallet should something go wrong.
In addition, it is a good idea to search third-party websites for customer reviews and ratings detailing the moving company's professionalism, services, and rates. Getting stuck with an unscrupulous interstate moving company can be a nightmare, so it is important to do one's due diligence in order to ensure a stress-free move.
It is also essential to make sure that the interstate moving company offers all of the services needed to complete the move quickly and efficiently. For instance, if alternative storage is necessary before moving in, find an interstate mover that offers this service. The same goes for furniture disassembly and reassembly or packing and unpacking services.
The more services provided by the interstate mover, the less that will need to be done by the customer, which can save time and hassle. Those unsure about which services they should budget for in their move should use an online moving cost calculator to better understand what to expect.
When is the Best Time To Hire Interstate Movers?
The best time to hire long-distance moving companies will be at least 8-12 weeks before the move. This will provide enough time to get quotes, organize schedules, and plan for any complications.
It is also important to consider the time of year when planning an interstate move. The summer months are generally the busiest times for moving companies, so rates will be higher, and availability will be lower. Therefore, try to schedule an interstate move during the fall or winter months to get the best rates and services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need local movers if I hire interstate movers?
Sometimes it may be helpful to hire local movers at the destination should the interstate movers only offer partial services, such as loading and unloading and you want unpacking help. However, in most cases, the interstate moving company will be able to handle the entire move without the need for additional help.
Do I tip interstate movers?
Yes. Interstate movers should be tipped based on the level of service provided. A good rule of thumb is to tip 15-20% of the total cost of the move.
What should I do if something is damaged during my move?
If any belongings are damaged during an interstate move, it is important to file a claim with the moving company as soon as possible. Do not sign any paperwork until the claim has been filed and you have been given a copy. The moving company should provide reimbursement for any damaged belongings according to their insurance policy.
How do I know if an interstate moving company is reputable?
A few things can be done to verify the reputation of an interstate moving company. Firstly, check if the company is licensed and insured with the FMCSA. Also, search for customer reviews online. Finally, contact the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the company.
Where is the best place to hire interstate movers?
Online services that vet and compare interstate moving companies are a great place to start when searching for the best company to hire. These websites provide customers with quotes from multiple companies so that they can easily compare rates and services.
Make Interstate Moves Easy With Professional Movers
Interstate moves can be easy and stress-free by using a professional moving company. By doing one's due diligence in researching the best company to hire and considering the time of year and services needed, an interstate move can be executed with little hassle.
