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Moving across the country can seem like a monumental undertaking.  Choosing a cross country moving company should be the first task on your to do list.  You will be entrusting your belongings to the company you choose, so want to take the time to research companies and compare the estimates you receive.  It is best to get at least 3 estimates before you settle on a cross country moving company.  It is extremely helpful to prepare before you get those estimates, so you can have a good handle of what each company is offering you.

Preparing for an estimate from a cross country moving company:
1.)  Get rid of the things you no longer need before you receive estimates.  It is difficult for the cross country moving company to estimate the size of truck needed or the weight or your belongings when those items are still scattered throughout the house.
2.)  Make a list of all the rooms you will be moving and the contents of those rooms.  Include furniture, lamps and artwork.  Make a guess as to how many boxes for each room will be moved, as well (for example, 2 wardrobe boxes of clothing for the master bedroom).  Do not forget to include the garage, basement, attic and yard. 
3.)  Make note of anything that might require special attention.  For example, you may need the cross country moving company team to disassemble and assemble a crib or use special packing materials for an heirloom vase.
4.)  Make note of things in your current or new home that will need to be protected during moving, such as an antique wooden banister or leaded glass windows.
5.)  Let the cross country moving company know of the entrances they are to use for loading and unloading and challenges they might face.  Taking a dresser through a window, because it will not fit through your small twisty staircase is important to know.
6.)  Look up the license number and proof of insurance before you meet with a cross country moving company.  That information is usually listed on their web site.  If not, ask for it when you first call.
7.)  Have your desired moving dates nailed down before you meet with any cross company moving company. 
8.)  Know what you plan to pack yourself and what you plan to have the moving company handle.

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Moving to another state or across the country is a huge step.  Unlike when you make a local move, you need to rely on the cross country moving companies you choose more.  You cannot simply make multiple trips with your car to carry artwork and fragile items to the new house like you can with a local move.  You need to trust that the cross country moving companies you hire will handle and transport those items with care.  Having to rely on someone else to move more of your belongings also means that it will cost you more.  Doing your research, planning ahead and doing some comparison shopping will help you on your path.

Finding reputable cross country moving companies that will fit your budget can seem challenging when you are faced with the many other details of a long distance move.  But finding a good company is the most important step in your moving process.  That company will be entrusted with your personal belongings.  A good resource for finding reputable cross country moving companies are friends and family.  You can also check neighborhood classifieds, bulletin boards and ask your realtor for recommendations.  Do your research and check the backgrounds of all cross country moving companies you are considering.  Ask the company representatives if the company is licensed and insured.  Cross check that information with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) web site.  Then do a search with the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any unresolved disputes with the cross country moving companies you are considering.  Moving is a tough business; there will be complaints filed.  You care about how those complaints have been resolved and if they were done in a timely manner.  Ask the companies for a list of references and call them. 

Planning ahead will be your ally when trying to find reputable moving companies that also fit your budget.  The more lead time you have, the more time you have to comparison shop and bargain with companies.  The more time you have, the more likely the moving date you want will also be available.  Get at least three estimates from cross country moving companies.  Compare the details of those estimates and be wary of those that seem ridiculously low next to the others.  Evaluate the customer service of the different companies.  You want a company that promptly returns your calls and whose representatives provide informative answers. Once you have done your background research and comparison shopping, you would ideally have a contract with your moving company secured 6 to 8 weeks prior to your moving date.

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You have a huge move ahead of you.  You did your research and found the best interstate moving company for you.  You know moving is expensive, but you still want to save money.  Is that even possible? 

Yes, you can save money even if you have already decided on the best interstate moving company for your move and do not want to look any further.  Your first way to save money is to be flexible.  The weekend and the end and beginning of the month are the most popular moving times.  Additionally, the summer months are peak moving times.  If you can move when the moving company has down time, you can often get a better deal.  Secondly, pack yourself.  You will have to pay by the hour for a moving team to pack your belongings.  Additionally, if you can find your own boxes and packing materials, you can save a bundle.  Even the best interstate moving company will add the cost of those materials to your bill.  The third tip for saving is to lighten your load.  Take the time to go through your belongings and decide what you no longer need.  Often people forget about basements and attics and end up having the moving company move a lot of unnecessary items.  This will cost you.  You will have to pay for the time it takes your best interstate moving company to load and unload those unnecessary items and the weight of those items will add to your overall shipment weight.  You can make your wallet even happier by either holding a yard sale with those items or donating them for a tax write off. 

There you have it.  3 easy ways to save money with the best interstate moving company.  Be flexible, pack yourself and lighten your load. 

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