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Finding the best interstate moving companies for your move can seem like an overwhelming task.  When you are knee deep in the many details involved in transitioning you and your family to a new home and new routines, taking the time to research the best interstate moving companies may seem like a pipe dream.  It will be well worth your time and effort in the long run, however.

Tips for Finding the Best Interstate Moving Companies for Your Move:

1.)  Ask for recommendations.  If you have friends, family or colleagues who have moved recently, they are a fantastic place to begin your search.  People are usually very happy to share their experiences, both good and bad.

2.)  Get at least 3 estimates and really compare them.  Make sure any company you are considering hiring has an estimate that seems in line with the other estimates.  Be cautious of any company whose estimate is extremely low when compared to the others. 

3.)  Search the Better Business Bureau online for any complaints and unresolved issues for any companies you are considering.  Even the best interstate moving companies will have complaints filed against them, but you are interested in how those complaints are resolved and if it is done in a timely manner. 

4.)  Make sure any company you are considering hiring is licensed, bonded and insured.  And companies who handle interstate moves will need to be licensed with the Department of Transportation.

5.)  Make sure the company you are considering hiring has a philosophy that is in line with yours.  The best interstate moving companies will explain how they plan to pack, move and protect your belongings and your old and new homes during transportation and loading and unloading. 

6.) Any reputable interstate moving company will give you a copy "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move."  The booklet is required by Federal law for all interstate moves.

7.)  Do not do business with any company that only deals in cash. 

8.) Choose a company that you feel confident in and comfortable with.  The best interstate moving companies will be those that provide prompt, courteous and informed customer service. 

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Anyone who has had to move and pay for it himself knows that it can be a costly process.  Cutting costs when you are moving seems like a losing battle.  And knowing where to start when you are looking for self service movers, rental companies or full service movers can seem even more daunting.  A handy old school tool, however, can be very helpful in both saving you money and helping you find a moving company.  Yes, moving coupons. 

Moving coupons are a great way to save costs on moving expenses.  Hop online and do a search for moving coupons or visit the various moving companies you are considering hiring.  Many companies have moving coupons and deals listed on their main pages.  You can also find coupons listed in real estate magazines and the real estate sections in your local newspapers.  Once you have a coupon in hand, it also opens the door with the company to ask about any other deals they might have.  And, in some cases, moving coupons are a good bargaining tool with competitors.  Let them know you have a fantastic deal with another company and they will let you know what deals they can offer you too.     

Moving coupons are not only a tool for finding a great deal.  They also give you a place to start when you are researching moving companies.  For many people, finding a good self service mover, rental company or full service mover is the hardest part of moving.  Moving coupons encourage you to start the process of researching companies and getting estimates.  Ideally, you will secure contracts with the companies you plan to use for moving at least 2 months prior to your actual moving date. 

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Moving is not only a stressful event, it can be quite costly.  Many people assume that the only way to save on moving costs is to do it all yourself.  And sometimes when you make a big move across the country, doing it yourself just is not practical for you and your family.  The good news is that you can save money, even when you choose to hire a professional cross country moving company.  By planning ahead and making smart decisions, you can make moving with a cross country moving company more economical.

The best way to save money when you hire a cross country moving company is to comparison shop for the best deal.  You should always get estimates in writing from at least 3 moving companies.  Make sure you meet each cross country moving company for an in home estimate.  Do not hire any company that will not meet you in person.  Compare the estimates side by side, and it is okay to tell one company about a cheaper estimate you received from another company.  See if they have any wiggle room on the estimate.  It is important to hire a reputable and licensed cross country moving company, regardless of how cheap the estimate is.  Hiring a shady moving company will only end up costing you more in the long run.  Being flexible on your moving date can also save you some money.  If you can move at non peak times for the moving company, you can usually get a better deal.  Once you have signed a contract with a cross country moving company, getting organized and doing some legwork will save you more money.  Plan to do most (if not all) of the packing yourself.  You will have to pay for each hour the moving team spends packing.  Another great way to save is to obtain boxes and moving materials yourself.  Many people give away their boxes and packing materials for free or sell them.  Peruse the classifieds, community bulletin boards, Craigslist and watch out for boxes sitting on the curb.  You can also find free boxes at local retailers and grocers.  Using old newspapers and magazines for packing material can save you money on tissue paper.  And instead of packing blankets, sheets, towels, pillows and other linens in boxes by themselves, use them all as packing material.  Another tip for saving money when using a professional cross country moving company is to get rid of the household items you no longer need.  Do not pay to move extra things.  Take the time to sort through everything and have a yard sale or donate it all.  Being organized on moving day is the last money saving tip.  Have all boxes labeled with their contents and room they should go in.  This will save the cross country moving company team a lot of time, which translates to less hourly labor costs.  Being organized and planning ahead will not only save you money, but will make for a much smoother move with your cross country moving company. 

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