What to Expect from Long Distance Moving Companies

So you're ready to move out of state or even across the United States to someplace greener or warmer or maybe just closer to your mom. Or maybe you're trying to move as far away from your mom as you can get a moving truck to go. It doesn't really matter why your moving - the point is that you are moving and a long distance move can be as complex as planning a wedding. To move long distance takes timing, patience and a lot of pre-planning to make sure it's done right.

So where do you start? Your first calls should be to a few long distance moving companies that are in your area to start getting quotes for your move. Keep in mind that the more you need the moving company to do for you the more the price tag will increase, but this isn't always avoidable.

The long distance moving companies will want to know several facts to help give you a correct estimate such as how many rooms are you moving and whether or not you have any items that will require special care such as a piano or a waterbed. And if you do own one or both of these special care items you may want to consider the added cost and effort they will take to transport and make the pre move decision to get rid of them ahead of time.

You also need to know how many square feet your current home is so the moving company can get a realistic idea on what type of moving help you will need. A three bedroom, thousand square foot home for example is far easier to move than a three bedroom home that is twice the square footage and has twice the potential to have a lot of furniture.

Your long distance moving company will also need to know what you expect from them. Do you want them to come into your home and pack your home up and move it all out into the moving truck? Or do you simply want them to load the truck with your pre-packed boxes and furniture that you packed?

Keep in mind that if you pack things yourself you are also assuming the liability for your packing. If your great Aunt Isabelle's lamp breaks in transit because you wrapped it in newspaper and not bubble wrap as recommended- you are generally considered solely liable, not the moving company that transported it.

Finally any legitimate long distance moving companies will work with written contracts that spell out the terms for your move including what they assume liability for and what they don't as well as other important facts such as when the moving truck should arrive to pack you up and when they should arrive at your new home.

If you're taking the time to prepare your move ahead of time, take the time to read your contract thoroughly before you sign so you won't have any surprises when moving day arrives.