{"id":12929,"date":"2018-05-21T20:25:16","date_gmt":"2018-05-21T20:25:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/louisvillehomesblog.com\/?p=12929"},"modified":"2023-08-14T15:35:39","modified_gmt":"2023-08-14T15:35:39","slug":"7-steps-about-cross-country-moving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trepryor.com\/blog\/7-steps-about-cross-country-moving\/","title":{"rendered":"The 7 Steps to Cross-Country Moving"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A long move can be a logistical nightmare.<\/em> To mitigate the risks of something going wrong during cross-country moving<\/a>, follow the steps below to make sure you choose the right movers<\/strong> to transport your stuff to your new home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Photo<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

1. Ask Around for Recommendations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s nothing like an honest recommendation<\/strong> from someone you trust. Ask co-workers and friends, real estate agents<\/a>, and your neighbors for reputable movers near your home. Look in the phone book as well, so that you leave no stone unturned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Photo<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The plan is not to get an estimate from your peers but to have a bunch of names with which to start before narrowing down<\/em> to the perfect cross-country moving company like American Van Lines<\/a> to handle your big move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bigger does not necessarily mean better. So, don\u2019t automatically trust big names. Run away from websites that offer to mediate or “find you a mover.” Avoid taking up household goods brokerage services on their offer to find a mover for you. These are not bound by the same regulations as movers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You want to find and deal with your movers yourself.<\/em> By so doing avoid numerous scams associated with this particular service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Do Some Surface-level Screening<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Photo<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Armed with your recommended list, it\u2019s time to do some surface-level screening in order to identify the real contenders. Check with the Better Business Bureau<\/a> by phone or through their website for some credibility stats. Or, email the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) to see if a particular mover is a member. Being a member means that the company abides by the association\u2019s published tariffs and arbitration program. AMSA membership is voluntary. However, a lack of membership should not count as a strike if a company checks other key points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other sites that can help you with a quick background check include MovingScam.com<\/a>, which has a blacklist of companies with a history of customer complaints. Ripoff Report is another site that has a searchable database.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Create a Short List of Companies for In-home Estimates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Photo<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Reach out to the moving companies on your shortlist. Ask for an in-house estimate<\/strong>. Do not agree to an estimate over the phone. Because you’re cross-country moving, the companies will give you a binding estimate or a binding-not-exceed estimate, which is even better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n