Local moves are quite different from long distance moves. You may be able to load up a rental truck yourself, maybe even with the help of some friends, and save some money that way. However, if you are moving farther away, consider using the help of long distance moving companies. They may just save you time and money. So take a few moments to weigh your options thoroughly.

For example, if you need to take time off work or from other things going on in your life to do things like pack, unpack, and load the moving truck, it will probably cost you money. If you plan to take your car with you across the country, imagine the wear and tear, mileage, gas, and tolls you will need to deal with handling the transport yourself. Figure in lodging too. That is of course, if you plan to get any sleep during your travels. If you add up all these expenses alone, you can get a clear picture of what it will cost moving yourself versus using long distance moving companies.

Not all long distance moving companies are the same however. You will need to get quotes from several of them to get an idea of where you stand. Most long distance movers handle almost every single aspect of a move and know how to handle long distance moves. Besides, this is their specialty. It is fair to say that no long distance moving companies are created equal, and some of the companies will not offer the same moving services as others.

For instance, if you are interested in having the moving company handle your packing, loading and unloading, unpacking, and furniture set-up, you will need to find long distance moving companies that offer full-service moves. Remember, these are not basic services and may cost you more in addition to your transport.

You also want to make sure any long distance moving companies you are considering handle auto transport if you want to take your car with you. Some movers simply do not offer this service. The last thing you want to check into is storage. If for some reason, you know you are not going to be in your new home on time or when the moving truck gets there, inquire about getting your valuables stored. Many of the larger long distance moving companies offer storage-in-transit services. They will store your furniture and belongings in their storage facility until you are ready to pick them up. If you know you will not be able to take possession of your belongings within a 90-day period, this is a good option to take.

If you know right away that you will need to store your belongings for longer than 90-days, make sure to inquire about long-term storage options with any potential long distance moving companies you are considering. Again, not all long distance moving companies are going to offer the same services, so it is important to make sure you do your homework and pick ones that do.

To be sure all your possessions arrive intact, it’s important to hire a long distance moving company you can depend on. By asking the right questions, you can ensure your long distance moving company will take good care of your things and get them where they need to go, when they need to be there.

Building a List of Long Distance Movers

To start your search, make up a list of movers you think would be a good fit for your move. Online sites can provide quotes to give you a general idea of how much an individual company might charge. Don’t necessarily choose the least expensive companies when narrowing down your list, as you’ll want to consider other factors before making a final decision.

Once you’ve acquired several initial quotes and have narrowed down your list, it’s time to start asking the hard questions.

In-Home Quotes and Detailed Interviews

An in-home quote is the best way to determine exactly how much your move will cost. A long distance moving company can give you a general idea of cost, but until they see exactly what you have that needs to be moved, they can’t supply an exact quote.

In addition to a detailed, in-home quote, you’ll want to interview the movers with a list of detailed questions. Some questions to include are:

How much experience do you have?
Experience should include not just moving, but quoting. An inexperienced move might give an inaccurate quote, as well as not give you a quality move. This could end not only with damage to your possessions, but a final cost higher than expected.

When will my possessions arrive?
A moving company might not be able to say when they’ll deliver to the minute, but they should be able to give you a window of a day or two. If the delivery time seems too vague, too optimistic, or doesn’t take into account possible weather delays or other issues, the movers might just be saying what they know you want to hear.

Can you provide references?
If the company has done numerous moves for local business on either end (or both ends) of your planned move, these references can give you a good idea of the kind of work the company does.

How will you approach moving my (piano, heirloom dresser–insert whatever specialty item you own here)?
Most movers have a plan for moving particularly large, cumbersome, or valuable items. Many will not move pianos, but will provide references for companies who specialize in piano moving. If a company is apprehensive about moving any individual item, it might be a good idea to let them recommend someone else. On the other hand, if they are overly enthusiastic about moving your Steinway grand piano, it might not hurt to look elsewhere.

In addition to looking for the right answers, pay attention to the attitude and tone. If a moving company seems overly willing to take on any project, or dismissive of possible problems, you might want to move on to the next company on the list.