Now that we know we’re moving across the country again, it’s time to figure out how to make it happen. This will be our third cross-country move, but it will be different from the past.
That’s because we now have nice things. In the past, we’ve been able to call up UPack or PODS and just load up our stuff. Now we have nicer furniture that we’re not very good at moving ourselves. (It’s heavy!) We also have oddly-shaped artwork that needs to be crated.
It’s a completely different ball game now. Since it’s not about just paying for 10 linear feet on a truck, and then getting rid of everything that doesn’t fit, we’re looking for full-service moving quotes. Here’s what I’ve found:
How to Get the Best Moving Quote
Online or In-Person?
The first thing I did was go online to get an idea of what we’d have to pay. A little research showed we could expect to pay anywhere between $4,000 and $10,000 for a full-service move. With this framework in mind, I started to get a little more specific.
Of course, since I filled in information on a lead generation site, I’ve been getting phone calls and emails non-stop. One site allowed me to fill in an inventory online for a quote. I filled it in, trying to overestimate my needs. The quote for a full-service move came in at just under $3,000.
I was a little skeptical of this quote, though. I have a pretty good idea of what we’re taking — but I’m not an expert, and I can’t accurately judge everything. So when I was ready, I called one of the companies that left me a message.
This new moving company told me they’d send someone over to give me an in-person estimate. A trained moving professional arrived at my house to look over what we wanted to take. She gave me information about crating the unusual items, and gave me a good idea of how many boxes we’d need.
And, instead of providing a “base” quote — from which it could always go up — I was offered a “not to exceed” quote. This was a cap on how much it would cost, with the possibility of it costing less. This new quote was $5,600, which I think seems much more reasonable (rather than too good to be true).
Research & Reviews
I also took the time to evaluate the two companies by looking online for complaints and reviews. The moving company offering the in-home estimate is BBB accredited with an A rating, while the online-quote company isn’t accredited and has a C+ rating. The online-quote company also has far more complaints than the in-person company.
When looking for the best quote, don’t just go with what’s cheapest. Research the company’s background and reviews, and also consider whether or not you’re getting an accurate quote from a professional who’s seen your situation.
Do you have any advice for me before I make the decision?
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I agree that it is best to research a moving companies background and reviews. This lessens your possibility to encounter a fraudulent company. Thanks for sharing.
My advice is to package up as much of your belongings as possible and make sure you don’t get scammed. Another idea is to move everything your self and just hirer labor to put it into the truck.