San Diego is home to countless interstate movers, and not all of them are as professional as they claim to be. Planning and executing a state-to-state move is vastly different than moving locally or even a few hundred miles. That’s why it’s extremely important to choose a professional interstate moving company to transport your belongings across state lines.
So what do you need to know about interstate movers? Our professional San Diego residential movers have put together some helpful tips to ensure that your long-distance relocation is a success.
1. Interstate Movers Can Save You Money and Time
Unless you’ve already tackled a long-distance household move with success, you’ll likely find that a DIY strategy won’t actually save your money or time in the long run. The expenses add up quickly and budgeting alone is a nightmare. You would need to rent a moving truck, purchase insurance, and buy packing supplies. Plus, you have to account for fuel costs, road tolls, and lodging.
Even if you manage to figure out a budget, you still have to pack, plan your route, and drive a massive truck to your new home—without getting into an accident or falling victim to road rage. If this isn’t what you envision for your interstate move, you’ll be happier with a professional moving company.
2. Experienced Interstate Movers Will Provide an In-Home Moving Estimate
One way to tell if you’re dealing with a professional moving company is their willingness to provide an in-home consultation and cost estimate. Oftentimes, a moving company will assign a relocation coordinator who will meet with you to discuss your requirements and create a moving plan that fits your family’s budget.
They should also ask about any items that require special packing or custom crating such as family heirlooms, antiques, and artwork. An experienced relocation coordinator will even look for obstacles that the movers will encounter on moving day including narrow hallways, tight doorways, steep stairwells, etc. In the end, you’ll be left with a detailed estimate of moving costs so you know exactly how much to budget for your move.
3. Interstate Moving Companies Must be Licensed Properly
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division within the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), oversees licensing for all moving companies that provide state-to-state moving services. This licensing ensures that the company has met the strict requirements of the FMCSA and that they can safely transport household belongings across multiple states.
4. Professional Affiliations are Important, Too
While some moving companies are satisfied with simply having a USDOT number, others go above the standards to obtain membership with industry-affiliated professional organizations. Overall, these companies will be more reliable and trustworthy since they are required to meet more advanced membership requirements. Two of the most well-known organizations in the moving and storage industry are the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
5. Moving Services Vary by Company
Do you want to handle the packing on your own or would you prefer a full-service option in order to free up your time? Do you have the right packing materials? How will you handle all of your heavy furniture and appliances? With a professional interstate moving company, you shouldn’t have to answer any of these questions because they’ll take care of everything.
A few of the most important services and benefits you should look for when choosing a our San Diego moving and storage company include:
- Full-Service Packing or Fragile-Only Packing Options
- Free Stretch-Wrapping of Furniture
- Custom Crating
- Specialty Shipping (Vehicles and Pianos)
- Doorway and Floor Protection
- Clean, Air-Ride Equipped Moving Vans
- Online Shipment Tracking
- Third Party Services (Assembly/Disassembly Services for Swing Sets, Grandfather Clocks, Beds, Etc.)
- Debris Removal
- Valuation Insurance Options
- Short- or Long-Term Storage Solutions
- Start-To-Finish Assistance
6. Interstate Movers Cannot Legally Transport Hazardous Materials
Safety is a top priority for any professional interstate moving company. Movers cannot transport hazardous materials such as flammable items, explosives, and corrosives. Your long-distance moving company should provide a specific list of items they are not allowed to transport. Be sure to ask in for the list in advance so you don’t waste time packing items that will need to be left behind.
Most interstate movers will also refuse to move pets, household plants, and perishable food items. In addition, you’ll need to either insure your high-value items or plan to transport them yourself.
If you’re ready to start planning your interstate move, turn to the highly trained and experienced long-distance movers at Bernardo Moving and Storage. We can create a moving package that suits your family’s unique needs and budget! Call us today to speak with a friendly representative about our comprehensive services, or fill out our simple online form to request your free, no-obligation quote.
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