Finding the right company to handle your interstate relocation requires knowing what long-distance moving questions to ask each mover you’re considering. In addition to getting the useful information you need to have a great moving experience, asking these questions also helps you get to know each company so you can pick the one you’re most comfortable with.
Each move is unique, and you’ll have your own questions throughout the research and estimation processes. To get you started on the right track, here are ten long-distance moving questions that you should ask each company.
Is your moving company licensed and insured for long-distance moves?
One of the most important things to look for in a long-distance moving company is its legitimacy. Make sure they’re licensed and insured for interstate moves by looking them up on the USDOT website.
You can also request each company’s credentials when you start talking to them about your custom estimate. The best long-distance movers in Chicago will be happy—and even eager—to share their licensing information with you.
Are you a broker or a carrier?
There are two main types of companies that can help you plan your interstate move:
- Brokers, which are basically sales organizations that take the information about the move (i.e., your home’s inventory, addresses, and moving dates). They’ll then find a third-party company to handle the actual move.
- Carriers, which are actual moving companies whose employees will provide the service, from the initial estimate all the way through the end of your move.
Put differently, brokers hire carriers to handle interstate moves.
The decision to go with a carrier versus a broker is entirely yours, and each option has pros and cons. Some people opt for a broker so they don’t have to get their own estimates, but many folks who are planning an interstate move choose a carrier because there’s more reliability, since you’re working directly with the employees throughout the process.
What coverage options are available for my long-distance move?
Several crucial long-distance moving questions revolve around your coverage options. Moving insurance can get pretty confusing (for starters, it’s not actually insurance!), so ask a bunch of questions about choosing the right coverage.
Here are a few examples of what you might want to ask each interstate mover about their coverage offerings:
- What is your per-pound coverage for released value protection?
- How much does your full value protection cost?
- When do I have to decide which moving coverage I want?
If you have particularly valuable items like jewelry, antiques, or items of extraordinary value (anything worth more than $100 per pound), you’ll likely need to obtain third-party coverage. Usually, you can talk to the same insurance agent who provides coverage for your home and/or auto for their moving insurance options.
How do you charge for long-distance moves?
A lot of interstate moving companies estimate your costs based on the total cubic footage your home’s inventory will take up in their truck. Here, you pay for the cubic footage you use. You’ll also have the option to go with a space reservation move, which essentially means that you’re paying for a guaranteed amount of room on the truck.
Because the estimate and charging method will directly affect the price of your move, this is one of the most important long-distance moving questions to ask before you formally request an estimate.
Do you offer packing service?
Most people hate the packing part of a move. You have to empty out every drawer, cabinet, shelf, and closet before you carefully wrap and box the contents. However, since packing is so crucial to protecting your belongings during the move, it’s a necessary evil.
Fortunately, most interstate moving companies offer professional packing services to take the annoying burden off your plate. The packing crew will come to your home a day or two before your move with boxes, packing paper, and any other necessary materials. You get to choose how much—or as little—they actually pack.
For example, if you prefer to pack up your own bedroom but want professional assistance with the kitchen and living room, just let your moving company know, and they’ll be happy to accommodate you.
Can you provide moving supplies before my move date?
Depending on where you’re moving from, most movers will be happy to provide you with boxes, packing paper, tape, and eco-friendly moving supplies like reusable moving totes so you can start packing and prepping for your move. There will be a delivery fee applied based on the distance between their location and your home.
Will there be additional fees for stairs, oversized items, and appliances?
When you provide your home’s inventory list to your movers so they can work up a custom estimate, make sure to ask them if they will add any extra fees. Unexpected charges can really drive up your overall costs, so this is truly one of the most important long-distance moving questions you’ll need to ask.
Here are a few examples of what interstate movers might charge extra for:
- Overweight fees for items over 250 pounds
- Oversized items like China cabinets, large corner desks, and safes
- Appliances
- Specialty workout equipment
- Pianos
If you have any items you think might incur an additional fee, send the measurements, estimated weight, and some pictures to your moving company’s customer service team. They should be able to help you figure out whether the piece might cost more to move.
How long will it take for my shipment to arrive?
Most people don’t realize there’s a delivery window for every interstate move. Depending on how many miles are between your old and new homes, the transportation itself could take a few days.
Long-distance movers have to abide by strict regulations on how many hours and miles they can drive per day. On top of that, traffic and weather could cause a delay with your shipment, so pose a few timing-related long-distance moving questions to each potential mover before you approve their estimate.
Will the moving crew help me unpack at my new home?
Moving companies will, of course, bring all of your furniture and boxes from their truck into your new home. They’ll work with you to make sure that everything is in the correct room, and they’ll remove the blankets and shrink wrap and take the garbage away with them.
However, not all companies offer full unpacking service, but there are plenty of helpful tips for unpacking after a move. If you’re looking for some help with unboxing items like your kitchenware, books, and clothing at the tail end of your interstate move, you might have to hire a personal organizer or a professional unpacking service.
In case something is damaged in transit, how do you handle damage claims?
Legitimate interstate moving companies all have a claims process in place just in case something is damaged or lost during a move. These unfortunate incidents are never expected, but since there’s an inherent vice in moving, you should ask questions about what steps to take just in case something happens.
Although it’s best to report lost or damaged items immediately after the move, you do have some time to unpack and get settled in. Ask your interstate mover about their timing and process for damage and loss, so you’ll be prepared if you have to place a claim after the move.
You Have Long-Distance Moving Questions, and Chicago’s Favorite Movers Have the Answers
Preparing for an interstate move is a big deal, and you want to have as much knowledge as possible leading up to your relocation. As you start researching potential companies to hire, scribble down a list of long-distance moving questions to ask each mover so you’ll have all the information—and peace of mind—you deserve.
Our helpful and talented team is here to answer all of your questions and help you plan a smooth, stress-free long-distance relocation. Tell us about your move today, and we’ll get started on your custom estimate!