Every month, we guide an assist lot of people moving out of state. Moving out of state doesn’t have to always turn into a nightmare; it can be a relatively seamless process if you prepare ahead of time and deal with the right company.
1.- Get Quotes tu calculate the price of your move.
As the USMPO, we always recommend that shippers get at least three different quotes from verified carriers in our network before moving out of state. By selecting a USMPO-verified carrier allows us to hold them accountable and ensures they provide high-quality service. Obtaining more than three quotes can complicate and prolong the decision making process. With three quotes, shippers should have sufficient information to make an informed decision when moving out of state.
Things to Consider in Your Quotes:
When comparing quotes, one of the most important details is the accuracy of your inventory. You want to ensure that you are pricing your quote based on the same inventory or cubic feet. While there may be some variability, the difference should not be significant.
You also need to verify that each company is quoting based on the same services.
For example, if a company offers a lower price but provides reduced cubic footage and quotes for a consolidated move instead of a direct move, the lower quote may not reflect the final cost accurately. Unexpected surprises can arise on the moving day. Therefore, it is crucial to ask the same questions and ensure that the moving companies are pricing your move based on the same criteria.
It is vital to compare like with like. A quote from a verified carrier will be more reliable than one from a non-verified carrier, which may make false promises or offer unrealistic discounts.
2.- Consider all your moving options
It is crucial to understand that choosing the cheapest option is not always advisable. While there are ways to save money, relying on the cheapest moving company especially if they are not verified is not recommended.
Professional movers, although more expensive, can save you time and effort by handling all the heavy lifting. You won’t have to worry about packing or loading furniture into a truck.
If you have a limited budget and want to save money, consider renting a truck from a company like U-Haul and managing the move yourself. Keep in mind additional costs such as gas, mileage, and tolls, which can increase the overall expense of your move.
Additionally, it’s important to understand interstate transport laws if you decide to move yourself. States have regulations regarding what can be transported, and you may face issues if you are moving items like firearms, pets, or plants.
If you prefer not to drive long distances but still want to handle part of the move yourself to save money, consider a hybrid approach. For this option, a company delivers a shipping container to your location, you load your belongings, and a professional driver transports the container to your new home. Read more about this option to explore its benefits.
3.- Choose a Trusted Moving Company
If you are reading this article, finding a mover should be much easier than just navigating the internet.
As the USMPO, we have already done the work for the shipper. We specifically selected the best 3 carriers per state, chosen for their outstanding services and ethics.
To ensure you are selecting the best carrier for your move, you can use the “Find My Carrier” tool on the USMPO website and search by state. Read more about this tool.
It is also important to consider the following:
- Get multiple free quotes. Moving company pricing varies, so request a free quote from the different verified USMPO moving companies you’re considering hiring.
- Research your mover. Be sure to check their USMPO certification, profile, and insurance.
- Read the paperwork. Don’t assume all moving companies offer the same services; thoroughly review the paperwork from the company to understand what they’re offering and what they’re responsible for.
The USMPO profile will help you find the best fit for you since every moving company specializes in different areas. Although every registered move is supervised and monitored by the USMPO, we recommend reading their bio to find the best match for your needs.
Some USMPO-verified moving companies focus more on customer service, others on logistics, and some on packing. So, make sure you read the company profiles and choose the one that best fits your needs.
