Moving houses is, both physically and mentally, challenging and stressful. There are many small details that need attention. Relocation requires lots of planning, organizing, and scheduling. However, the key to a stress-free move is to plan ahead of time.
Many people are leaving Dallas post-pandemic – more than 14,000 left the city in 2021, as per data from a recent US census report. With remote work becoming increasingly popular, more people are leaving the city and moving to the suburbs. Cities like Houston, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi are also booming with opportunities. Texas attracts a whooping amount of people moving interstate.
If you plan to leave Dallas for a new home in Texas, here’s how to find a reliable moving company to get the job done.
1: look for a long-distance moving company
Moving long distances can be a tricky process. The logistics are different than moving across streets or to a different neighborhood in the same city. Long distance, weather forecasts, overnight travel, regulatory and legal permits, and insurance are essential factors to consider.
Therefore, if you’re relocating beyond the greater metropolitan area, it’s best to hire a Dallas long distance moving company for a smooth move. Doing so will ensure the moving company has the resources and services for a long-distance move.
2: Choose a licensed company
Always verify if the moving company is locally registered and licensed. A licensed company is a legitimate and trustworthy option to go for. Your local consumer affair agency can provide a list of licensed moving companies.
You can also check if the company is BBB (Better Business Bureau) certified and has good reviews. The American Moving and Storage Association’s ProMover program also has background information on moving companies you can look into to ensure the company you hire meets certain standards.
Additionally, a licensed company will provide better insurance for your belongings. This way, you can rest assured that the company will take responsibility for safely transporting your stuff and provide compensation in case of damage.
3: Look for referrals
Check the company’s ratings and reviews online. Read people’s complaints, if any, about the company you’re considering hiring and how they were resolved. This research will give you an overview of the company’s customer service.
Also, look for word-of-mouth reviews from people who have previously availed the services of any company. Ask friends, relatives, and colleagues for reviews and experiences with moving companies. You can count on the authenticity of these reviews. Based on these reviews, you can change your choices and be more aware of what to look for in a moving company.
4: Look for red flags
While dealing with a moving company, there are certain red flags you should be wary of. For instance, reliable moving companies only ask for small cash deposits upfront before transporting your stuff to your new home. Reliable companies are also open to accepting multiple forms of payments, including debit and credit cards. Some other things to consider when looking out for red flags are the following:
- Beware of extra fees and unloading fees in case of moving stuff up and down stairs
- look for any hidden charges
- Avoid dealing with companies that don’t provide proper documentation
- Steer clear of companies that don’t provide insurance
5: Get an estimate
Always inventory all your belongings and get an estimate of what it would cost you to have everything moved to your new location. With a comprehensive list, you can see the cost of moving every heavy, bulky item. Always go for companies that offer in-house estimates. Online or over-the-phone quotes can become a headache later. You should also ask about the cost of moving fragile items over a long distance.
Estimates are typically calculated by weight and distance. These policies can vary from one company to another, which is why it is also a good idea to get estimates from several companies and see what fits your budget. With an adequately estimated cost, you can set a realistic budget for your relocation.
6: Sign a contract
Long-distance moves are tricky since the costs can go upwards because of the long traveling distance and unforeseen circumstances like weather changes.
Always sign a written contract once you understand the terms and conditions. Go over every detail, particularly those regarding insurance and extra fees in the agreement. Opt for a binding contract in a long-distance move so that you know the amount you’re required to pay. If you opt for a non-binding contract, you may have to pay a little more, which may take you over budget. Always sign on the dotted line when you’re sure about the terms and conditions of the agreement.
7: Ask about additional services
Look for a moving company that can provide additional services like storage for a long-distance move. Trusted long-distance companies generally offer secured storage for items you can’t move. If your company offers these services, take advantage of them, as it’s a hassle to deal with different companies while planning a big move.
Conclusion
Moving long distances is undoubtedly intimidating and exhausting. You have a seemingly endless list of things to do before the moving day. Canceling services, planning dates and schedules, setting up services for the new house, and so forth are only a few of your concerns. You can’t worry about the packing and moving logistics amid all the chaos. So, hire a trusted and experienced moving company to help you pack and move. A trusted moving company can save many headaches, money, and time during an instate move.
