Are you gearing up to search for long distance movers and feeling overwhelmed by the logistics? Look no further! In this blog post, we will guide you through everything you need to know about long distance moving companies in Austin and how to choose the right one for you.
From what makes a good mover to tips on preparing for your big move, we've got you covered on every aspect of your long distance moving needs. Let's make your long distance move a smooth and stress-free experience!
What Makes a Good Long Distance Mover?
In short, a dedicated and direct mover is a good long distance mover. Here’s why:
When it comes to selecting a long distance mover for your relocation, several key factors set apart the good from the great. Firstly, don’t go with a broker. A broker will try to middle-man every aspect of your move from a call center and will never actually put hands on your household goods or come face to face with the random strangers that come into your home to move your items.
This truck full of multiple peoples’ household goods will then go to a warehouse to be unloaded into storage vaults. This is the second opportunity where you could have your things mixed up with other peoples. We’ve heard stories of folks having half of their items sent to their final destination, while the other half were never loaded on their truck to California due to an incorrectly labeled storage vault. It happens!
Finally, it’s time to load your items back onto an even bigger truck with even more people's goods on it. You see, the broker can only make money if they can get enough customers heading from Austin to LA to fill up an 18 wheeler. Once they’ve filled a truck with up to 7 different customers, assuming they are all small one bedroom apartments with owners who all thought they found a brilliantly priced deal online, they will then head out to California.
Are your long distance movers in a race against time? Brokers will give you an arrival window of anywhere from 3 weeks to 6 months! What if you don’t have that long and you are starting your new job in 3 weeks? Maybe the broker promises you that your items will arrive in 3 weeks time, but if they aren’t able to fill the truck all the way up with shipments heading to California you can be sure they will wait until they do. They won’t care that you don’t have a bed to sleep on and you’ve got to now pay for a hotel for the next few months while you start your new job.
Yes, we’ve seen it all and this is an actual customer story we’ve heard from someone who thought they were saving money. Again, BROKERS DON’T CARE that you have to have your things at your destination at a certain time. They will, however, care about waiting until they have filled their trucks up with enough customers to make a good profit!
The nightmare is not over I’m afraid. Let’s say it does leave on time, the truck is finally full and en route to California. They will then drop off your items to yet ANOTHER warehouse in a downtown hub near your drop off location such as downtown LA. From there, your goods will switch hands yet AGAIN to another warehouse crew to be loaded into storage vaults.
From here, a crew of local movers will load these items up into their trucks as soon as their schedule allows and finally make the drop off. Keep in mind, every time they are moved there is the potential for your furniture to get damaged as well as lost. There is hardly any accountability each step along the way; all they have to go off is an inventory sheet. As long as the inventory sheet reads “one couch”, and they see a couch on the truck, they don’t care whose couch it is. Your original couch could be back in Austin or stuck in a random warehouse in LA. On the bright side, you might’ve just inherited someone else’s brand new couch!
Clearly this is less than ideal and exactly why you should go with a direct shipment on a dedicated truck. This is for the experienced customer who wants to avoid the nightmare situation detailed above. This is the one truck and one crew method that Sarver Movers has perfected. We will load your things, and only your things, onto a truck and send it directly to your new place in California or wherever you might be off to next. We keep it simple and hassle free; all you have to worry about is if you want to fly first class or economy. For more awesome nightmare stories of choosing the wrong moving company, check out this Forbes article!
What Are Some Other Things to Look for in a Long Distance Moving Company?
Reliability is paramount. Look for movers with a track record of delivering on time and handling belongings with care. You can verify a moving company's track record by checking their online reviews. In fact, check out our online reviews at Sarver Movers by heading over to our Google Business page to see for yourself how we are one of the highest rated long distance moving companies in Austin.
Communication is also key – a good mover will keep you informed every step of the way, easing any concerns you may have. This means that the company you hire should have processes in place to notify you whenever they are on the way as well as set the proper expectations for the moving job that is about to take place.
Furthermore, transparency in pricing and services shows integrity. Avoid hiring a moving company that has hidden fees or vague contracts by choosing a local mover that provides clear estimates and terms upfront. This is crucial when trying to determine who the right moving company for your particular move is as there are so many moving scams out there and the last thing you want is to fall victim to one of these scams.
Lastly, exceptional customer service will make all the difference during a stressful move. A good long distance mover will prioritize your needs and ensure smooth communication throughout the entire process. Find a mover who has a track record of telling customers exactly what to expect as well as when to expect it. When the move is all done, find a long distance mover that can make you smile!
How to Choose the Best Long Distance Moving Company?
When it comes to choosing the best long distance moving company, research is key. Start by checking online reviews and ratings to get an idea of past customers' experiences. Look for companies with a solid reputation for reliability and professionalism. This sounds like an easy task, however, sometimes you have to sift through some unreliable moving companies in order to get to the best in the business.
Get estimates from multiple companies to compare prices and services offered. A good rule of thumb has always been to get anywhere from 3 to 4 estimates for whatever type of service or product you are looking for. But why would you need so many quotes? The answer is not to get to the lowest quote! Make sure that you are not just price shopping.
You can certainly find the lowest rate for long distance movers in your city, but are they the best pick for your moving needs? If you were to find a pair of pants for one dollar, would they be the right size? Would they fit well? Would they rip after the first time you bend over? I think you see where I’m going with this!
The best option is not always the cheapest and if you want your furniture and home to still be in one piece by the end of your move, make sure that you find careful movers with great reviews. Be wary of any company that provides a quote without conducting an in-person or video assessment of your belongings.
Ensure the moving company is licensed and insured. For more information on making sure your long distance moving company has the proper licensing, check out our blog post on “6 Tips For Choosing The Right Moving Company.” Reading this post will protect you in case of any unforeseen circumstances during the move. Ask about their experience with long distance moves and if they have the proper equipment for handling your specific items.
Communication is vital, so choose a company that is responsive to your questions and concerns. A good long distance mover will provide clear information about their policies, procedures, and timelines, ensuring a smooth relocation process for you.
How Can I Prepare for my Long Distance Movers?
When it comes to preparing for your long distance movers, organization is key. Start by decluttering and sorting through your belongings to determine what you want to bring with you and what can be donated or discarded. Create a detailed inventory list of all items being moved to ensure nothing gets lost in transit. If you picked the right, qualified long distance movers, they will also have their own inventory list.
You should be able to check your inventory list against theirs at the end of the move to make sure that you ended up with the correct number of boxes, couches, etc. If you end up with many more boxes than you started with, this means you probably decided to go with a broker and ended up with someone else’s items on a shared truck.
If you lost some boxes along the way, it’s possible someone else has your boxes of baby pictures and grandma’s heirlooms!
Pack strategically, labeling boxes clearly and packing essential items separately for easy access during the move. Notify relevant parties such as utility companies, banks, and subscriptions about your change of address well in advance to avoid any disruptions.
Arrange for parking permits or elevator reservations if needed at both your current and new residence. Communicate any special requirements or restrictions with your moving company so they can plan accordingly. Lastly, make sure to confirm all details with your long distance movers prior to moving day and have a contingency plan in place in case of unexpected delays. By taking these steps, you'll be well-prepared for a smooth long distance move.
Tips When Long Distance Moving
When it comes to long distance moving, preparation is key. Start by decluttering and organizing your belongings well in advance. This will not only make the packing process easier but also help you save on moving costs.
Research different long distance moving companies in Austin and compare their services, prices, and reviews. Make sure to get multiple quotes to find the best deal that fits your budget. Create a detailed inventory list of all your items before the move. This will help you keep track of everything during transit and ensure nothing gets lost along the way.
Pack essential items separately in a "first-night" box so you have easy access to them when you arrive at your new home. Items like toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, and snacks can come in handy during the transition period. Lastly, communicate clearly with your movers about any special requirements or instructions you may have for them. Keeping an open line of communication will help ensure a smooth and stress-free moving experience.
What to Expect From my Long Distance Movers?
When it comes to long distance moving, choosing the right company is crucial. By following the tips mentioned in this article and adequately preparing for your move, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free relocation experience.
Remember to research different long-distance movers in Austin, read reviews, ask for recommendations, and obtain multiple quotes before making your final decision. Communicate clearly with your chosen moving company about your expectations and any specific requirements you may have. Check out reviews on Trust Pilot to make sure you are working with a trusted moving professional.
