While most of us have relocated locally or helped our friends and family switch homes, we typically have a lot more gray area when it comes to long-distance relocations. A. Frisella Moving and Storage has been a reliable long-distance mover in the St. Louis area for over a century, so we've fielded our fair share of questions from customers about what to expect during a long distance move or how to go about finding the right company to work with.
Read on to hear our top long-distance moving tips, and answers to frequently asked questions about nationwide relocations.
When Should I Start Planning My Move?
This is one of the most commonly voiced questions by those relocating a long distance, as the moving timeline varies greatly from local relocations. You should begin the process about six weeks ahead of time, unless you factor in the time it takes to find the right moving and storage company—then you can tack on another 14 days for a total of eight weeks.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers?
Long-distance relocations require a larger budget, falling anywhere between $4,000 and $10,000, depending on things like how many belongings you're moving or the distance to your new address. Ask at least three different affordable long-distance movers for estimates to ensure you're getting the best price for your move.
Don't let price intimidate you, though! There are ways to cut down on your moving costs. Some helpful things to keep in mind include:
- The best time to move cross-country is between October and May, excluding major holidays.
- Movers typically charge lower rates for weekday relocations.
What Questions Should I Ask Potential Moving Companies?
A lot of questions folks have about long-distance moving revolve around selecting the right moving company. Some questions customers should be asking companies when calling around for quotes include:
- Is your business properly licensed? It is legally required that interstate movers have a DoT number and are registered with the FMCSA.
- Are you accredited by any major organizations? Look for things like accreditation with the BBB, membership with the ATA Moving and Storage Conference, recognition from Angi's List, or complaints formally lodged against the mover on the FMCSA website.
- What other related services do you offer? If you want assistance with packing or storage options, ask your mover if they provide these services as well.
- Can you handle all aspects of my relocation? Some movers may not be able to handle your large grand piano, or assist with furniture reassembly at your destination, so it's best to ask this question upfront.
What Type of Insurance Coverage Will I Get?
Interstate movers must cover damages to your personal property at a rate of .60 cents per pound. Typically, though, movers offer additional liability options that you can opt-in for like full-valuation protection that covers repairs, replacements, or cash settlements.
You can ask your long-distance movers about their arbitration program as well, which is required by law. These programs act as an agreement between the mover and the customer and outline how the company will handle disputes. This allows disagreements to be settled outside of court and without lawyers, so it's wise to know what that will look like in case anything happens on moving day.
Is My Relocation Estimate Exact or Approximate?
You'll need to double-check with your moving company if their estimate is binding or non-binding. A binding estimate is an exact cost that you can expect to pay at the end of the process, unless you have added on extra services. A non-binding estimate is an approximation, and the actual cost could vary slightly. Ask your mover for a written estimate, and what type of estimate it is.
How Should I Pack for a Long-Distance Move?
It can be hard to keep track of where you packed various items during a relocation, which is why you should consider how to pack for a long-distance move ahead of time. We suggest making a moving day bag with items you'll want to have accessible at all times, such as:
- Medications
- Important Documents
- Toiletry Items
- Change of Clothes
It's also a good idea to label boxes with other essential items so you can identify and open them straight away after moving.
Do I Need to be There In-Person on Moving Day?
You should absolutely be present at your home on moving day when the professionals show up. This ensures everything goes the way you expected it to and allows for the fastest experience as you'll be able to answer any questions straight away, or voice any concerns of your own.
A. Frisella Moving and Storage's cross-country moving advice comes from over a century of experience in the business. We are accredited with the BBB along with several other organizations, including the ATA Moving and Storage Conference and Angi's List, so you can always expect licensed and insured professionals to show up at your residence on moving day.
Reach out to our team today for a complimentary, no-obligation estimate on your long-distance relocation, and learn more about what to expect on moving day, and all the ways we can help!
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