Moving and Storage Companies

Moving across country can be a huge pain in the patootie. For most people, they will simply pack everything up into a rental truck and then hit the road. When they get to their new home, they unpack and move in just like any other kind of move. However, there are times when you simply have to move now.

In those situations, where you have to move blind, choosing the right moving and storage company is an absolute must. If you don't have the right company your possessions can easily find themselves scattered halfway across the country. Use these guidelines to help you choose the best possible moving and storage company for your needs.

• Call around. The very first thing that you should always do is to call around and get as many different price quotes as you can. Make sure that you find out what the movers' transportation ranges are. Many movers charge based upon the distance, types of materials, and how close it is to your moving date. Call ahead to the new city you will be moving to and compare the different storage facilities, if they will have space for all your possessions, and how much it will cost to store it. Be sure that you ask if the movers will be able and willing to move your stuff into the storage bin.
• Compare services. Write down the answers to the questions you ask. This allows you to compare all the available services later on and make a more informed decision. Keep in mind that some moving companies will charge more if they have to do the packing themselves or even if they have to place the packages into the moving truck themselves.
• Insurance. Most reputable moving and storage companies will offer some kind of insurance for you, the customer. If they do not, be very hesitant to use them.
• Reputation. Call the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for the town that you are moving to and see if there have been any complaints about the companies that you have called. For the moving companies it would be best to call the BBBs for the town that you are moving to, as well as the one that you currently live in. That way you can get a more accurate idea of how the company works both coming and going.
• Regulations. Make sure that your potential movers are completely familiar with all the regulations that cover movers. If they do not know the regulations, and are not able to provide you with a copy of the federally mandated booklet, Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move, then drop them like a ton of bricks.

Finally, take the time to look everything over before making a commitment. Compare all the answers you have gotten and base your decision off of who can provide you with the most comprehensive service for the least amount of money.