While you may have hired a moving company for local moving, long-distance moving is a lot of work.
You want to hire a moving company with years of moving experience, moving services near you, an experienced moving team, and come highly recommended to get a stress-free move.
Colorado moving services abound, and you want to ensure you hire the best movers in Parker.
Among Parker movers, a lot will do only a local move, and you have to be careful when looking at long-distance moving companies for your next move.
You want to find the Parker moving company that provides excellent service for long-distance moving that has all the tools you need for a successful move, whether you’re in Parker, Colorado Springs, or Denver, CO.
Finding the Best Moving Company for Your Long Distance Move
When you look at Parker moving companies for your long-distance journey, your best bet is to hire a full-service moving company and local movers.
What are the full services offered? Look for these things whether you’re moving your home or want commercial moving.
It pays to be careful: in the moving industry, there are plenty of scam movers that will show up with a truck, but they can’t really meet your moving needs, and often your items show up broken or destroyed if they show up at all.
They may seem like great guys, but not only do they lack moving experience, they aren’t fully licensed, aren’t professional, can’t handle last-minute requests or moves, and are far from efficient.
Some of these long-distance moving companies claim they can do your move at a low cost and give you a low free estimate.
But once you get to your destination after leaving Parker, CO, that free estimate is thrown out the window, and the cost just doubled.
Here’s what to look for in long-distance moving companies in Parker, CO, and the entire Denver area.
Does the long-distance moving company have a DOT number?
Reputable, professional movers in Parker, Colorado, and elsewhere have a US DOT number.
When a mover in Denver, Colorado Springs, or Parker, CO, has a USDOT number, that means the moving company is registered with the United States Department of Transportation and is legally allowed to provide moving services across state lines.
If the company doesn’t have a DOT number, even if they offer free estimates and a low cost, you should take a pass and get free estimates from a different company that is properly licensed.
A local moving license doesn’t mean Parker movers can move long distance
Remember, just because a Parker, CO, moving business can provide local moving services, it doesn’t mean they are a business licensed to make long-distance moves.
What Colorado moving services does the moving company offer?
It’s important to note that a long-distance move is different from local moving.
While some of the moving process is the same, you’ll want to ensure that the moving companies in Parker, CO, you contact can do a great job.
This means having a professional moving team that is efficient, hard-working, offers friendly service, and has a business that is licensed for long-distance moves as well as local moves.
Look for these services when you’re moving from S Parker Rd, Forest Keep Cir, Ashgrove Way, or elsewhere in Parker.
Packing services
No one likes to pack, so look for full-service movers in Denver that offer a packing service. Your move will be less stressful, with the advantages professional packing offers.
When you use these services, your items are packed by a hard-working team that knows the special consideration the long-distance moving process requires and everything that can happen as a truck moves across the country.
Among movers in Parker, there are those in business who provide excellent service and do packing, which means your items arrive in excellent condition after they leave Parker, Colorado.
Don’t leave your packing to chance in Parker, CO. Hire movers that offer services, so your prized possessions aren’t damaged by your less-than-professional packing skills.
A Moving company that can do short-notice moves
The moving company you choose among the many local moving companies should be able to accommodate a short-notice move in Parker, Colorado, Denver, etc., even when it’s across the country.
Last-minute moves happen, and you want to deal with moving companies that offer movers services that meet your needs with a team that can get the job done efficiently and offers the services you need, no matter how fast you have to move.
Do you have items in a storage facility?
Some moving companies in Denver, CO, don’t like picking up items from storage facilities and will charge extra.
Or, if they do pick up from your storage unit, they leave a mess behind, so you want to ensure that when you get quotes from moving companies in Parker that they will provide cleaning services.
Do they offer labor services?
It may be that you decide to rent your own truck in Denver, CO, and only want movers that provide a team to do the job of packing, loading, and unloading.
Some movers are in business only to do full-service moves and don’t offer this type of service.
So, you want to find movers that offer a professional team that can get down to business and do the job efficiently, even if you aren’t using their truck, so you can get on your way to your new location.
Finding a Highly Recommended Moving Company
With the internet, it’s easy to find a highly recommended moving company that offers the level of service you expect and will do a fantastic job.
Check Google reviews
There’s nothing like personal recommendations. A moving company in Denver that has bad reviews isn’t one you would want to do the job.
But when you’re looking at Parker movers customers’ reviews, look for details, not just someone saying they did a good job.
What is the level of service? How did their price compare with other movers?
Also, look for recent move reviews from customers. If someone left Denver five years ago, personnel change, and current customers might not get the same level of service.
If a company has no reviews or little or no online presence, that’s a big red flag.
Have a checklist and ask questions
When it’s time to leave Denver, you want to make sure you’re getting the best movers, the best job, and the best service.
You don’t want a company that can’t meet your needs or is working as a moving scam.
So here are some questions customers should ask movers to make sure they are hiring the right team for the job.
Does your company have the proper licenses?
Long-distance movers must have an active USDOT and MC number from the FMCSA to operate state-to-state moves.
How long have you been A Mover? Can you provide recommendations?
Companies new on the scene can be dependable and provide good service, but movers that have been in business for a while are the ones with lots of experience and plenty of reviews that you can find online.
It is always smart to read testimonials and reviews to get the real picture of their moving service and how they deal with customer issues, like damaged items or things that go missing.
What insurance can I purchase?
Accidents can happen, even with great movers. That’s why it is essential that the movers you select are insured and have the right level of protection available.
The liability protection you get when you sign a moving contract is usually 60 cents per lb. per item.
This usually won’t pay to replace high-value items. When shipping items of value, purchase a higher level of insurance, either from your mover or find a third-party provider.
Ask movers for a complete breakdown of insurance coverage so that you know the difference and exactly what you’re purchasing.
Do you have packing services available?
Your long-distance movers should offer packing services. When you don’t want to deal with or can’t handle the packing, make sure you ask about the packing services they offer and their cost.
Can you give me a written estimate when you are on-site?
Reputable movers in Denver should be able to give you an estimate when they are either on-site or do the inspection via a video call. Do not accept a quote provided over the phone or by email unless they have seen what you are moving.
These quotes are unreliable, and you will likely find yourself paying extra charges when your items are delivered.
It’s a two-way street: point out things that might make the move challenging, such as stairs with tight turns or things that are oddly shaped.
When there is a video survey, try to give an accurate weight estimate. Also, talk to your movers: what did they base their quote on when it comes to the total weight of the shipment?
If you add items to your move, call your local movers in advance for an updated moving quote, so you don’t get any surprises. Make sure your written estimate includes:
- The company name, address, and phone number
- An estimate of the charges
- Payment methods for all steps of the process
- The moving dates (including the delivery date)
- The date the estimate was signed
Avoid scams:
Moving quotes are based on either weight (lb) or cubic feet (CF). Both are acceptable in the moving industry.
But when someone comes to your home and takes a good look at what you are moving before giving you an estimate, you can likely trust that team.
Will you inventory what I’m moving?
How does the company determine the price on your estimate? Make sure they inventory every box as well as your belongings. The inventory should include all the important characteristics of your belongings.
Protect yourself
Even if the Denver moving company provides an inventory, take the time to create an inventory of your own, take photographs, and add details.
Don’t forget to take pictures of your boxes, so you have photographic or video evidence of their condition if something gets damaged.
Which services are “extra,” and what is the cost?
Sometimes movers will add charges.
Don’t sign that contract before you ask if there are any extra charges and where they apply. You don’t want to be shocked by unexpected expenses.
You can eliminate as many additional charges as possible by doing things like reserving a parking space for the semi-truck and making sure everything is ready to move.
What if I have to cancel?
This is always a good thing to ask Denver movers. When is a deposit refundable, and how much? How much notice would you need to give to either cancel or reschedule to get a refund? How much will you be refunded for cancellation or rescheduling if it’s the company’s fault?
Are there restrictions on how I pack or box types?
Some movers will only load your boxes if they are in good shape when they are picked up. Boxes offer less protection when they are used over and over again, and a flimsy box can mean your belongings face more risk of damage.
Just in case, look for one that provides packing supplies for a cost. Supplies may be included, depending on the level of service you select.
How long will my move take?
Cross-country moves naturally take longer than if you were moving locally in Denver. Be sure to get your new place ready in time.
Most movers can’t guarantee or will guarantee delivery for an extra fee. If the movers can’t give a clue about how long things are going to take, you’ll be better off choosing another moving company.
How can I pay for my move?
If a moving company accepts only cash, that’s a huge clue that you should pick another. Businesses you can trust take all sorts of payment.
Before you choose, about paying your deposit: when it’s due, how much, and how much you will have to pay when your stuff is delivered.
What if my items are damaged, or I have a complaint?
You always hope everything arrives in good condition, is handled properly, and is delivered on time.
But things happen, so it’s always a good idea to ask what happens when there’s an issue or a complaint. The company should have a policy for such circumstances.
If they can’t or won’t give you details of the damage or complaint process, look elsewhere.
Spotting moving scams
A long-distance move is a big deal, and you want it to be as stress-free as possible.
Any move can be overwhelming, and figuring out how to choose the right mover can be overwhelming.
This makes it especially important to find a reliable long-distance mover.
In addition to asking the questions above, pay attention to the following to avoid being scammed.
You pay a deposit, but the movers never show up
The simplest scam involves you getting a quote and paying a deposit, but on moving day, no one shows up.
Or, when a mover quotes a price based on weight, after loading, they tell you that your belongings are over the weight estimate and so you’ll have to pay more.
They hold your stuff for ransom
Possibly the most heart-wrenching scam is this:
The movers quote a price, get there at the agreed arrival time, and load your belongings. But then the truck doesn’t show up at your new home.
Your belongings are either gone forever or are held hostage until you pay more money to have them delivered.
Watch for signs the movers are “fly-by-night”
Avoid moving companies with no address or information about licensing or insurance.
Another red flag is if the phone is answered with “movers” or something else generic instead of the moving company name.
Also, be wary if the mover uses rented trucks, doesn’t do an onsight inspection, and does an estimate over the phone.
Make sure everything is in writing
Get a written contract and read all the terms and conditions and the limits of liability.
Keep an eye out for any disclaimers of responsibility.
Pickup and delivery dates should be specified, and how the rate is being calculated should be clearly spelled out.
Never pay cash, don’t prepay, and don’t make a large deposit–it should never be more than 25% of the final price.
Make sure you understand all the terms of insurance coverage.
Most importantly: Ask Questions
Long-distance moves are not cheap. There’s no such thing as too many questions; you must understand all the ins and outs.
If the movers either can’t or won’t answer your questions, it’s time to look for another mover.
DTC: Your Highly Recommended Movers in Parker
For the best possible experience for your move from Parker, CO, to another state, choose DTC Movers.
We’re fully licensed Parker movers with a hard-working professional team with years of moving experience.
We offer movers and packers, full packing service, storage solutions, and a ton of great reviews from our customers.
Last minute? No problem. We’re efficient and flexible.
Let’s start planning your future moves. Get a free estimate today from Parker movers. Give us a call at (720) 370-2707 or fill out our quick form.
