Though fewer people moved in 2020 than in previous years, around 10% of the U.S. population moves every year. But, the average person only moves about 11 times in their lifetime. Even less do those people utilize movers for long-distance moves.
So long-distance moving isn’t something most people are incredibly familiar with. But, with the increase in resources available to help you understand how moving companies work, you can go into your first long-distance move with a general framework that’ll make the process much easier. You can prepare for the unknown of a long-distance move by gathering an idea of it'll cost beforehand and combining that with your written estimate to find your ideal mover.
To Begin: The Walkthrough and Written Estimate
Every long-distance move is going to begin with a few phone calls. After doing some research and determining which movers you’d like to get a quote from, you’ll typically speak with a representative and get your initial walkthrough scheduled.
Your initial walkthrough with an estimator can happen in-person or virtually, and usually takes around an hour. During the walkthrough, you’ll cover factors like when you’d like to move, any special furniture items that require extra care, and everything you’re wanting moved.
Then, your estimator will be able to calculate what it’s going to cost to get your household goods to your destination.
This will be your chance to better understand the timeline and actual price of your move. It’s also an opportunity to spot any moving scams. As a rule of thumb, we recommend getting at least three moving estimates and selecting a mid-range price from a moving company with proven experience.
If you get an estimate that’s very low from movers that have been around only a handful of months, your chances of getting scammed are higher.
Also, if a mover tries to give you a written estimate without an initial walkthrough, their pricing can’t be considered accurate and you’re likely to end up paying a higher sum on moving day.
Getting your things moved across the country is complicated, so obtaining more than one written estimate will give you a better idea of what it’ll cost to move your items and how to determine whether a moving company is reputable.
What’s Included in the Base Price
Your written estimate is designed to tell you exactly what you’ll be paying for, and when you pay for it. But base pricing for an interstate move may not include elements you’d like to add to your experience.
Here’s what’s included in most base pricing of interstate moves:
- The loading of your household goods
- The transportation of your shipment from your origin location to your destination
- The unloading of everything once the truck has reached the destination
- Released-value coverage on your belongings
But there are add-on services that most customers want for their interstate moves.
Valuation
Valuation coverage is designed to provide you with peace of mind while your shipment is on its journey. With the millions of miles shipments travel across the country, things are going to happen. Accidents, rough terrain, and inclement weather conditions can all cause damage to household goods while in transit.
There are three types of valuation coverage you can insure your belongings with:
- Released-value protection: Included in the base price. Covers all household items at $0.60 per pound. The value f individual items is not determined by its purchased price, but by its weight.
- Full-value protection: This is not included in the base price of an interstate move. Added on to the price of your move, this valuation covers household goods based on their appraised value. High-value items like artwork, antique furniture, and expensive technology are listed and covered separately from general household items.
- Third-party insurance: The range of protection offered with third-party valuation varies depending on the individual company. Customers can add this onto their move instead of working directly with the movers.
For a more in-depth guide to valuation coverage, check out our blog on the topic.
Packing Services
Half of the task of moving is getting everything ready for transit. As such, many choose to add on packing services to their upcoming move to alleviate some of the stress of the move.
And there’s a lot of advantage in it. With professional movers packing your belongings, there’s a greater chance your items will be protected during transit. It saves you time and ensures your things are packed as safely and efficiently as possible.
Storage
Another optional service you can add to your interstate move is short-term and long-term storage. Whether you’re moving items and want to unpack them later or relocating items meant to live in long-term storage, some long-distance movers offer extensive storage options.
Here’s an add-on service that may factor whether an intestate mover is right for you. Using storage options directly through your movers can save you time and the hassle of working with multiple companies for your move.
Automobile Moving
There’s also the option of having your long-distance mover transport a vehicle for you. This frees you up for the potential of flying to your destination and guarantees your vehicle and household goods will arrive together at the same location.
Keep in mind not all interstate movers offer it, so this may also be a determining factor in picking your ideal mover.
How to Know Which Moving Company to Go With
After establishing what it’s going to cost for your interstate move, you’ve got the important decision of selecting which mover to work with.
Reputation and dependability, along with pricing, should be key factors in picking the ideal long-distance moving company for you. Make sure to do your research on movers and generally go with a middle-of-the-road pricing option. Also, during your initial walkthrough, make sure to let your estimator know all the services you want for your upcoming move. That way your written estimate is as accurate as possible.
Once you know who you’ll be using for your interstate move, much of the stress of moving is behind you.
