Guest Blog: What to Look For in a Qualified Cross Country Moving Company

Moving is an arduous task in and of itself. The last thing you need is to worry about whether or not your stuff will actually make it to your new home on the other side of the country. Figuring out whether or not a moving company is reputable and qualified isn't always an easy task, though. Thankfully, you do have options when it comes to determining your chosen company's reputation, and ways of putting your mind at ease as you make your way across the nation.

Scout for Reviews

One of the best ways to find the perfect moving company and to find the peace of mind you'll need to send them across the country with all of your belongings is to figure out what others have to say about their services. Ask around town, ask any friends that have had an experience with a particular company and search for reviews online. Be sure the reviews you look at are not all on the website of the moving company itself, and that the information on unbiased sites is just as positive. It's not difficult to cherry-pick testimonials for a promotional website, but having a negative review removed from a third-party site is almost impossible. Don't underestimate the power of word-of-mouth, either. If your mom’s neighbor used the moving company you’re looking into and half of his stuff got damaged, then you might want to reconsider. On the other hand, if your best friend’s roommate hired a moving company that was efficient and affordable, they may be the ideal choice.

Figure Out How They Charge

If the moving company you’re considering hiring only charges per mile, they may not actually specialize in cross-country or long-distance moves. If they are legitimate movers, they should either charge per pound or by how much space your stuff will take up in the trailer. Some will give discounts if you fill up the whole trailer, or if you’re willing to have other people’s stuff moved at the same time if those people are going in the same direction as you. Don’t worry, though; your stuff shouldn’t be left behind for those other people to enjoy, and you shouldn’t receive random pieces of someone else’s furniture. Instead, the company will keep these items separated by belts and with different colored stickers. For example, your things will have yellow stickers whereas the other person’s stuff may have green. Either way, determining how you'll be charged for the move can give you an idea of the company's reliability and experience in the realm of long-distance moves.

Find Out How They Intend to Bill You

No legitimate moving company should ever ask for a cash payment up front, and those that do may very well be fraudulent. You could potentially lose hundreds or even thousands of dollars as all of your belongings disappear into the night. One option is to put down some cash up front as a deposit, with the remainder to be paid after safe delivery, but overall, the best thing to do is hold off on any payment until you’ve received all of your stuff at the new location.

Ensure That They're Insured

Make sure the company you’re looking into has insurance. While the chances of something happening to your stuff are slim, you want to make sure it will be covered in the event of an accident. If the truck overturns on the highway and your piano fell onto the pavement, the company would cover the cost of repair or replacement. Not only will you be left with no recourse for damages from an uninsured company, but a lack of proper insurance is a good indicator that you're working with a slipshod, fly-by-night operation. Reputable cross-country movers will always carry the proper insurance.

Check Them Out With The Better Business Bureau

The purpose of the Better Business Bureau is to inform the public about companies that are not up to par when it comes to standards of operation and customer service. They keep companies ethical. If the company has a low rating with the BBB, you probably want to steer clear.

Compare and Contrast

Don’t go with the first company you come across because you don’t want to spend too much of your time searching for the right company. It’s worth the time and effort to find one that’s right for you. One company may offer a better deal than another, but you’ll never find that out if you don’t give the situation its due diligence. Chances are, there are several moving companies in your area. Have them each give you estimates, and ask them how long it might take for them to load the truck, deliver and unload. It might take one company a week to go cross country while another promises to deliver within four days. You don’t want your stuff roaming around the country for an extra three days if it isn't necessary.

Don’t fall prey to a moving company that will run off with your things or damage half of your valuables. Instead, take a few moments to really think about which company will help you the most and give you the best deals. Just because they call themselves “qualified” doesn’t mean that they actually are, so look into your chosen company and make sure that you're making an informed choice.

About the Author

I’m Amanda Kostina, a blog junkie and a writer. I work for WhiteFence.com, a platform for comparing the prices of countless service providers. We aim at providing cheaper and easy accessible services to homeowners, who are overpaying unnecessarily. Our site offers lowest prices and free quotes for home appliances, internet, electricity, natural gas and other home utilities.

Interested in Guest Blogging for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®? 

We hope you enjoyed this guest blog post. If you are interested in guest blogging with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® or have general comments or questions contact Carolyn Durkee, Marketing Manager at the Sacramento office of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® at 916-852-7411 or contact us here.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Sacramento employs a staff of over 40 Full-Time Movers and Drivers, with a fleet of 10 trucks. We have performed home and business moving services in and around the Greater Sacramento area for almost 10 years. Our award winning services include full service moving and packing services and we also sells boxes and packing supplies.

Sacramento Movers Say Asking The Right Questions Helps Consumers Hire Quality Movers

Hiring a mover can be a daunting task. With so many options to choose from, it’s hard to decide what makes one company better than another. It’s important to hire a company that’s professional, knowledgeable and accommodating.

The United States Census Bureau reports the average American moves 12 times in his or her life. And, according to the American Moving and Storage Association, nearly half of all moves are completed between the beginning of May and Labor Day.

Make sure to research the services a moving company offers and the rate at which those services are provided. It's also wise to check a state's moving and storage association to learn what regulations apply to local movers.

Consider asking these questions when calling a moving company:

·         Are you licensed?

·         Do you employ day labor?

·         What is your minimum charge?

·         How do you charge?

·         What payment options are available?

·         Is a deposit required?

·         Does your company provide worker’s compensation insurance?

·         How do you train your team?

·         How are my belongings protected?

·         Do you offer free estimates?

·         What is your cancellation policy?

·         Is there a contact number I can call on move day if there are any questions or challenges?

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Sacramento employs a staff of over 40 Full-Time Movers and Drivers, with a fleet of 10 trucks. We have performed home and business moving services in and around the Greater Sacramento area for almost 10 years. Our award winning services include full service moving and packing services and we also sells boxes and packing supplies.

With comments or questions contact Carolyn Durkee, Marketing Manager at the Sacramento office of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® at 916-852-7411 or contact us here.

Sacramento Movers and How To Safely Transport Your Tree

How in the world do you move your beloved tree to your new home or new backyard spot safely and without it dying!?

(Photo Credit: Blackpinky)

Moving your tree (or bushes) can be a difficult task. Thus, it is important to be prepared for the move!

Before you start digging your tree out, first make the ground soften by watering the ground where the new location will be at. Do the same for where the tree is already at. Having the ground moisten with hose water will make your job much easier and less stressful. After the dirt is soften, dig a hole where you want your tree to be at. Depending on the size of your tree, make the hole an appropriate size so your tree will fit securely.

Now, you are ready to dig out your tree. It is important to note that you shouldn't dig very close to the tree. It can be hard to determine where the roots are. As a green rule of thumb, dig around 3 feet from the base. That way you can preserve as much of the tree as you can. After that step is completed, start sinking your shovel towards your tree. Make the dirt looser and it will give you an easier time when moving your tree. When your tree is able to be removed safely, lay a piece of large tarp near you. Lift the tree (with the help of others as needed) and lay the base onto the tarp.

Carry (or drive) your tree to its new location. It is important to note that it's vital that you bring the old dirt to the tree's new location. Put as much as the old dirt in the new hole as possible. Now your tree is in its new location! But your job isn't over yet! It would be wise to purchase landscape mulch. Spreading the mulch around the base of the tree will promote circulation and keep rodents away. Lastly... be sure to water!!! Water your tree as much as you can so that it will continue to thrive as it once did.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Sacramento employs a staff of over 40 Full-Time Movers and Drivers, with a fleet of 10 trucks. We have performed home and business moving services in and around the Greater Sacramento area for almost 10 years. Our award winning services include full service moving and packing services and we also sells boxes and packing supplies.

With comments or questions contact Sarah Chally, Marketing Assistant at the Sacramento office of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® at 916-852-7411 or contact us here.

Sacramento Movers Reveal The Hidden Costs Of Moving Yourself

Many people assume they will save money by moving themselves rather than hiring a professional moving company. However, when considering other potential costs, they may be surprised to learn it’s often more expensive.

(Photo Credit: PropertyPanel)

While renting a moving truck might seem like a great way to save money, the experts at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® remind consumers of the hidden costs they may not have considered, such as:

• ·         Time to pack, load and drive belongings to the new destination – plan to take time off work to complete these time-consuming tasks.
• ·         Time (and headache) trying to recruit friends and family – understand there’s no guarantee everyone will show up on move day.
• ·         Renting or buying proper moving equipment – remember the furniture pads, ropes, stretch wrap, dollies and straps to protect belongings during packing, loading and unloading. 
• ·         Time to collect enough boxes to pack an entire home or business – avoid used boxes – no one knows what critters are living inside or if the boxes are strong enough to carry items.
• ·         Replacing or repairing damaged items – Consider the cost of replacing damaged items handled by acquaintances verses trained movers. Not only do professionals handle heavy and unusually shaped pieces day-in-and-day-out, there is also valuation coverage applied to every move. This coverage is required by law, protecting the client with a basic protection in case of loss or damage to their items. If a friend breaks something, you are the one to pay, however if a moving company were to damage a piece, that company would be responsible for reimbursing you at least a fraction of the cost of the item.
• ·         Doctor’s visits after a rough move – research proper moving techniques to be able to train friends and family members how to move heavy furniture without injury.

It may seem like moving yourself will cut down costs but when you add up the hidden costs of completing a move, most people will agree it’s less expensive – and much more convenient – to hire professional movers to take on the work and responsibility.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Sacramento employs a staff of over 40 Full-Time Movers and Drivers, with a fleet of 10 trucks. We have performed home and business moving services in and around the Greater Sacramento area for almost 10 years. Our award winning services include full service moving and packing services and we also sells boxes and packing supplies.

With comments or questions contact Carolyn Durkee, Marketing Manager at the Sacramento office of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® at 916-852-7411 or contact us here.

Sacramento Movers Share How To Properly Move A Plasma TV

How on earth does one properly move a plasma TV!? Here are some easy steps to ensure you that your TV will stay safe during your next move!

(Photo Credit: BubbleWS)

The first step would be to see if you still have the original box that your Plasma TV came in. If you do, place it gently back inside the box, along with bubble wrap, securing it with tape on the outside. Having the original box will make things less complicated for you during your move. It will have the right size and dimensions making your TV more secure. But for most of us, we toss out the original box. For those who no longer own the original box, the first step would be to lay a blanket on the ground. Next, go to your television set and remove all the cables and label them all so you will have an easier time putting them back in. Next lay your television gently on the floor and tape the blanket around your TV. If your blanket is not thick enough, wrap another blanket around it with tape as well. Now you are ready to move it to your car! It is important to note that when transporting a television, it is best kept upward. If your car is not large enough to have your television sit upward, have your TV laid against the backside of the TV. Be sure it’s not leaning against the front or the TV’s own weight will destroy the glass! If you do not feel comfortable with moving your expensive television set with only blankets, you can always buy or rent out a Plasma TV Moving case.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Sacramento employs a staff of over 40 Full-Time Movers and Drivers, with a fleet of 10 trucks. We have performed home and business moving services in and around the Greater Sacramento area for almost 10 years. Our award winning services include full service moving and packing services and we also sells boxes and packing supplies.

With comments or questions contact Sarah Chally, Marketing Intern at the Sacramento office of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® at 916-852-7411 or contact us here.