Why So Many Choose Stewart For Long Distance Moves

City Movers

Is this your first long distance move or the first move in a long time? We often hear the same questions from our clients moving from state to state. Read below for the answers from the pros to some of the most frequently asked questions about long distance moving:


Can I move myself?


Of course you can! You can also replace your own vehicle’s transmission, rewire your house, and preform your own hip replacement. Wait, no- never mind… maybe you CAN, technically… but SHOULD you? Moving is one of those things in life, especially when relocating longer distances, that is best left to the professionals.


What’s the difference between an Online Quote and an In Home Estimate? 


Usually the difference is accuracy. An online quote relies on you, the customer, to put everything you own into an inventory form and your quote is based on that. An In Home Estimate is preformed by a Professional Move Consultant at Stewart Moving & Storage, who is trained, plus has years of experience, knowing how much room your items will take on a truck, how many movers is best to have do the job based not only on your items and home layout, but also on time of year and how far away the truck will need to park!


How far in advance do I need to contact a moving company? 


If you need to move in late spring or summer, the earlier the better! As soon as you know you WILL be moving, even if you don’t have your new address yet. 2 months notice will allow you to get on the schedule on your preferred day, reserve your move team, before the moving company books up. If you are moving in winter, a month’s notice (or even a few weeks in some cases) is plenty of time to plan and reserve your move.


The other quote I got is a binding estimate…. 


We can bind your estimate also. But we prefer not to and that’s because it’s in BOTH our best interests not to. Moving companies work off of Non- Binding Estimates for a very good reason- if the job (your move) is completed sooner than anticipated, you pay less! If you part with more items, do more of the packing yourself, and set yourself up for a very organized move- our move teams will be able to complete your project in a faster time-frame. In this case- you 100% deserve to pay less. But if you have a binding estimate, you will not, you will pay the same. The reverse is a concern for us, the moving company- if you are not prepared as planned, didn’t part with the items you told us you would and your move takes longer, we have to pack more boxes for you; well- we need to charge you more! Non-Binding estimates are best for everyone involved and ensure you are charged and we are paid justly, at the actuality of the project.


How much does hiring a professional mover cost? 


There are a few variables that go into the cost of a long distance or interstate move.


1) How much ‘stuff’ is being moved. Long distance moves are done by the weight of the shipment and mileage between your current and new homes. During the In Home Survey process, the Professional Move Consultant will make an educated, calculated estimate on how much it will weight. Weight is then verified once the truck is loaded and ready to go to your new home.
2) Where are you moving- there is a mileage component to the cost of your move. The further away, the more it will cost, but don’t fret- it’s not an exponential increase!
3) What level of Protection you choose, Full Valuation Protection, Released Value Protection, and what deductible you prefer- these will all play a part in the total cost of your move.
4) Packing – if we handle the packing for you, that is an additional cost, per box we pack. This charge includes the boxes, packing materials, and labor to get the job done!
5) Storage- if there is a need for us to hold onto your items for a few days, weeks, months, or even years- we can do this for you and the cost will be added onto your move. First month’s storage will be paid upfront and then you will be billed monthly thereafter.


What is a tariff? 


This is the list of rules, regulations, available services and resulting charges used by all motor carriers, which provide interstate transportation of household goods. The published interstate tariffs are available for your inspection upon request. A separate tariff will apply if you move within the same state.


What happens if something is broken or damaged? 


Bring it to the team’s attention right away! They will note it on the paperwork. Then you will need to fill out a claims form, noting the inventory number (that will be on your paperwork from the driver) and we will send out a 3rd party inspection company to see how to best proceed with the repair or replacement of the item in question. Your chosen level of valuation protection will come into play at this point and each claim is handled in a case by case basis. It is always our position to make things right, as best as we can, in the event of damage or other claims- within reason and the extent our liability.

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