Long distance moves often involve crossing a state boundary, so long distance movers are those with the resources and experience to make interstate movers. In the U.S., there are a lot of interstate moves to account for according to the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA). In 2019, AMSA tracked more than 3 million interstate moves, so there is a real demand for the kind of organization and professionalism that long distance movers bring to the job.
In any major city, there are plenty of movers to choose from, but only some of those professionals can perform long distance moves. The rest are either local movers or intrastate movers (they only perform moves inside the state they operate in).
If you’re considering an interstate (or international) move, then a long distance mover is your best bet for several reasons, including:
Long distance movers operate at a national scope and doing that means putting efficient moving processes in place. Efficiency means the crew arrives on time, gets everything loaded up quickly and wastes no time in transporting everything to the new home. This is not only convenient for clients – it also saves money.
Since long distance movers work with a variety of clients in a variety of locales, they must be ready to deal with emerging issues. Changes in the schedule or a sudden need for additional resources are two examples, but there are many more. Experienced long distance movers can manage these without derailing the process, and keep their client informed along the way.
Experienced long distance movers usually have additional resources on hand should they be needed. This includes extra, or larger trucks, packing supplies, additional manpower and special equipment for moving particularly challenging items.
Long distance movers offer all of the services that a local or intrastate mover offers and more. For example, a long distance mover may provide the following:
Most movers, including long distance movers, offer loading, unloading and transport with a full-service move. In this instance, all the client is required to do is pack everything before the crew arrives.
For an additional fee, long distance movers are also willing to pack and unpack the client’s belongings. Many people consider packing to be the most tedious and time-consuming part of the process, so leaving it to the professionals can save a lot of time. Experienced movers also know how to pack efficiently and safely, so everything arrives intact.
Long distance movers may have storage facilities as well. If a moving professional has a storage center available, this can be ideal for extra furniture or furnishings that may not fit in the new home. Anything extra can be transported to storage by the mover, so everything is handled by a single professional. This is a convenient and cost-effective option.
Experienced movers are accustomed to handling extra heavy, bulky or fragile items. This expertise will come in handy if you have something like a piano, large artwork, a safe or a billiards table to move. Such items typically require additional manpower and equipment to safely transport. They often require additional truck or storage space, too, and these resources may only be available through a reputable long distance mover.
International moves are among the most complicated in the industry. Schedules are tougher to coordinate, additional parties like a shipline or airline must be contacted for transport, and additional processes, including customs, must be accounted for. Experienced long distance movers are familiar with the process, so they can push through it without any delays.
Long distance movers regularly perform complicated moves, often over the span of hundreds or thousands of miles. It takes expertise and proper procedure to make such moves happen, so when you’re considering your long distance mover options, look for the following in the company you choose to work with:
Experience
Unlike most industries, the moving industry is one where experience counts. That’s because the industry is built on processes that professionals must learn by doing them. That means the most capable moving firms are often the most experienced ones, so that experience is an important factor.
Insurance
Reputable movers will be insured, and it is extremely risky to go without that insurance. Liability and worker’s compensation protect the client should an accident occur on the client’s property or if items are damaged in transit. Insurance is a critical layer of protection that should always be present during a move.
Open communication
The moving process is one that involves a lot of communication, especially during long distance moves. Frequent communication ensures you know where your belongings are and when to expect them, so you can stay coordinated with the mover. Consider professionals that open up communication early and make it a priority.
Transparent estimate and paperwork
The estimate and bill of lading include all your move’s terms and fees, so make sure you understand this paperwork before committing to a mover. If you’re working with a reputable professional, the estimate should be done while surveying your property (for maximum accuracy), and it should be easy to read. If it’s not, there could be hidden fees lurking somewhere in the terms.
Long distance movers operate on a national or global scale. It takes a lot of resources and expertise to pull this off, though, so you’ll need to pick your long distance mover carefully. That means choosing a professional that stands out for its experience, professionalism and organizational skills.