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Taking the Leap: How to Pick the Best Interstate Moving Company

June 9, 2024


Moving to a new state can be exciting but stressful. You must pack your belongings, do bucket loads of admin, say goodbye to your friends and family, and so much more before starting your new life. 

But first, you need to find a reliable moving company that can handle your move safely and efficiently.

So, how do you choose the best interstate moving company from the hundreds of options available? 

The answer is simple: do your homework.

To make things even easier, we’ve put together a few tips to follow to find the best interstate moving companies for your needs and budget.

Know Your Moving Needs

Understanding your needs is the first step to finding the best interstate moving companies. This will help you narrow down your options and compare them more easily. Some of the factors you should consider are:

  • The size: How much stuff do you have to move? Do you need a large truck or a small one? Do you need special equipment or services for bulky or fragile items?
  • The distance: How far are you moving? How long will it take to transport your belongings? Do you need storage or delivery options?
  • The time frame: When are you moving? Do you have a flexible or fixed schedule? Do you need expedited or guaranteed delivery?
  • The budget: How much can you afford to spend on your move? Do you need full-service or self-service options? Do you need additional services like packing, unpacking, or cleaning?

Get Multiple Moving Estimates

The second step to finding the best interstate moving companies near you is to get multiple moving estimates from different providers. This will help you compare their prices, services, and quality. 

You can get moving estimates online, over the phone, or in person. However, the most accurate way is to get an in-home estimate, where a representative from the moving company visits your home and assesses your belongings.

When getting moving estimates, ask for a binding or not-to-exceed estimate. This means the final price will not exceed the quoted amount unless you request additional services or change your moving details. 

Also, get a written copy of the estimate and check for hidden fees or charges.

Check Their Moving Services

The third step is to check their moving services and see what they offer. 

Depending on your needs and preferences, you may want to look for:

  • Packing and unpacking: Some moving companies offer packing and unpacking services for an extra fee, saving you time and hassle. 
  • Storage: Some moving companies offer storage services for an extra fee. This can be useful if you need to store some of your belongings before or after your move.
  • Insurance: All moving companies must provide basic liability coverage for your belongings. However, this may not be enough to cover the full value of your items. 

You may want to purchase additional moving insurance from the moving company or a third-party provider.

Read Their Customer Reviews

The fourth step to finding the best interstate moving companies is to read their customer reviews and see what others say about their experiences. 

You can find customer reviews on websites like Yelp, Google, or Better Business Bureau. Also, ask the moving company for references and contact their previous customers.

When reading customer reviews: 

  • Look for positive and negative feedback and common themes and patterns. 
  • Pay attention to how the moving company handled issues, complaints, or damages. 
  • Be wary of fake or biased reviews by the moving company or its competitors.

Verify Their Licensing and Credentials

The fifth step to finding the best interstate moving companies is verifying their licensing and credentials and ensuring they are legitimate and trustworthy. 

Check their website, call their phone number, or visit their office. 

You can also check their records with the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

When verifying their licensing and credentials, look for the following:

  • A valid USDOT number: This is a unique identification number issued by the federal government to interstate movers. 
  • A valid MC number: This license number is issued by the FMCSA to interstate movers transporting household goods. 
  • A valid insurance certificate: This document proves the moving company has adequate insurance coverage for your belongings. 
  • A valid arbitration program: This program helps resolve disputes between customers and movers in case of damages or losses. All interstate movers are required to have one by law. 

Where to Find the Best Interstate Moving Companies

Now that you know how to vet them, you may be wondering where to find the best interstate moving companies, so you can enjoy a smooth and stress-free transition. 

Through JNA.org, of course! 

JNA.org is a global leader in intelligent customer experiences. 

We will connect you to the best moving companies that match your needs and budget. With JNA.org, you can find thousands of options and one perfect solution for your move. 

Visit us today, and let us help you find your way home!