Southside Moving Blog (166)

How Do I Obtain An Interstate Moving Estimate?

Before you get ready for your interstate move in Richmond, VA, you need to prepare various things. According to experts, having all the necessary paperwork ready, understanding the costs you will be charged and knowing your rights are the most important things. You need to know how your belongings will be treated, how much this will cost you and what will happen if they are mistreated. Before you search for the best moving company Richmond VA has to offer, therefore, consider the following tips. This will help to ensure your moving experience is smooth and hassle-free.

Things You Need Before Hiring Movers Richmond Has to Offer

The first thing you need to do is get the registration numbers of the different movers you are considering through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). They may also have a motor carrier number. There are currently 28 states where movers need a DOT registration on local and state level. Also look into the complaints filed against potential moving companies through organizations such as the Better Business Bureau. Also, look into how long the company has been in business and what their overall reputation is. Furthermore, look into the people who are employed by the company. Are they permanently employed? Have they been there for a long time? Do they have to go through background checks?

Furthermore, you should get a copy of their charges. Here, you will see any items that could make you incur extra costs, such as packing tape, stair fees and long carry fees. You should also make sure get a copy of your mover's liability insurance, their bill of lading and the valuation coverage policy they offer. When a moving company takes hold of your items, whether you are using a company like Southside Moving and Storage or simply a moving company, they become responsible for these items. The lowest responsibility is known as "released value," which shouldn't cost you anything. However, if you want them to cover actual value or even full value, then you will have to pay something towards that insurance. Make sure that it is made clear to you how this works.

Get a timetable. This is particularly important if you are using a Richmond moving and storage company, as you need to know when your items are at a particular time. Your quotation should include all these details. It will also list whether the company will actually be moving the items themselves, or whether they are a household goods broker. In the latter case, they outsource the actual move. Brokers do not have trucks, can't present themselves as movers, and are not allowed to deliver quotations or estimates.

How Much Is Charged By Movers In Richmond?

It is hard to determine exactly how much an interstate (between states) move will cost. Various factors are important, including the overall distance your belongings will have to go, how heavy they are, the additional services you need (packing materials, security, insurance, storage facilities and so on), how many state borders have to be crossed and what the regulations in these states are. This is very different from an intrastate move, where your cost will generally be per hour, covering the number of vehicles and members of staff that are involved. Interstate moves usually come with better liability insurance, although this depends on the weight of your items. If you have a lot of heavy items to move, then the liability insurance is likely to go up as well.

If you want to obtain an interstate moving estimate, you should contact several different companies and ask them for a binding estimate. This is an agreement in writing that exactly states which services will be provided and at what costs. This means that budgeting becomes a lot easier, as you won't have any unexpected bills or surprises. Different Richmond moving companies have different methods of providing you with quotations and estimates. Some of these include the guaranteed value that should not be exceeded, which means that you pay the cost that is lowest out of the actual cost and the binding estimate.

In most cases, the mover's bill will be based heavily on the weight of the items you are moving. The second most important factor is the distance you will cover. The final element is based on whether or not you require extra services. The average cost, is based on an average household good weight of 7,200 pounds and on the idea that the average move is across 1,220 miles. In this case, the cost averages at $2,630.

Contact us in Richmond at:
804-887-3100 or 800-587-7474

Southside Moving & Storage
8014 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, Va. 23235

Know that Southside Moving and Storage is fully licensed and insured, operating a state-of-the-art fleet of trucks ensuring a safe and smooth ride for your household Goods. Our Richmond Movers highly-trained relocation teams provide affordable, reliable moving services across the country or around the Richmond, VA area. Whether you’re moving to Central Virginia or moving from Richmond, we aim to please with affordable, professional and convenient movers.

Proudly serving Richmond, Chesterfield, Chester, Henrico, Ashland, Hanover, Mechanicsville, New Kent, Powhaton, Hopewell, Colonial Heights, Prince George, Charles City, Petersburg, King William, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg, Portsmouth, Franklin, Isle of Wight, Surry, Smithfield,

Difference Between Interstate & Intrastate Moves

If you are planning on moving home in Suffolk, VA, regardless of the distance, you have to know what your rights are. Moving is a very stressful period in everybody's life and you need to know for a fact what you can expect and what you can do in different eventualities. Although most people move at least three times during their lifetime, very few actually know the different processes that are involved and they are even less familiar with the different terminologies. Unfortunately, without understanding these different things, you put yourself at risk of losing out on quite a bit of money and making the entire moving experience even more stressful than it needs to be. Understanding the type of move you will be involved in is the first thing you need to look into.

When you start to contact the different movers Suffolk VA has to offer, you will notice that many of them will ask you if your move is interstate or intrastate. This is quite a complicated question and not knowing how to answer it could cost you dearly. When you become educated on the issue, however, you make sure that you don't fall victim to various moving scams. Additionally, you will know what your specific rights are when you are going through your move. By understanding the difference between intrastate and interstate, and by looking into the various regulations and laws that surround these moves, you can save yourself a lot of money, a lot of time and a lot of energy. If, however, you don't know what the difference is - and most people don't - then the following information may be of benefit to you.

Interstate Moves

Firstly, there are interstate moves. When moving Suffolk VA professionals explain that this is the most common long distance move. It basically means that you will cross state lines when you move, or that you cross international borders. The governing body for interstate moves is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or FMCSA. Interstate moves are long distance moves and it means that a state line is crossed at any point during the move itself. Be aware of the fact that if your moving company does not cross state lines, but your goods do, it is still classed as interstate. This could happen, for instance, if you move your items across the state lines with a train and then use a moving company to transport them from the station to your new home.

Intrastate Moves

Then, there are intrastate moves. This means that the move is completed within the same state's borders. These are also referred to as "local movers" and do not come under the regulation of the FMCSA. However, this doesn't mean that they do not have to stick to certain rules but rather that these rules are determined by your state's government, rather than federal government. This also means that the rules vary from one state to the other. You should look into your specific rights and the regulating bodies in your state before you hire a moving company. There are a number of states with incredibly stringent guidelines and they also require various licenses. Other states, on the other hand, have almost no regulation in place.

There are two things that you need to keep in mind. Firstly, you can be charged a moving fee for long distances moves even if you are engaging in an intrastate move. This is mainly because the distance between two points within one state can be very long. Hence, you need to look into whether or not your moving company will charge you any long distance fees or no.

The second thing you have to be aware of is that what may seem like an intrastate move is actually an interstate move. This happens when the shortest route between your old property and your new property crosses a state border. This is actually a very common occurrence and really highlights why it is so important that you look into regulations and licenses. If, for instance, you live in a state that has very small restrictions, guidelines and regulations in place, but your moving company is crossing the border into a more regulated state, they may have to have additional insurance and licenses. This is why it is so important that you have an understanding of the laws and regulations yourself. Secondly, before you decide to hire a certain moving company, you need to ask them which route they intend to take, so that you know whether or not they will cross state lines.

Southside Moving and Storage

1533 Harpers Rd

Virginia Beach, Va. 23454

757-234-7080 or 800-587-7474

Proudly serving Richmond, Chesterfield, Chester, Henrico, Ashland, Hanover, Mechanicsville, New Kent, Powhaton, Hopewell, Colonial Heights, Prince George, Charles City, Petersburg, King William, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg, Portsmouth, Franklin, Isle of Wight, Surry, Smithfield,

How To Find A Reputable Long Distance Moving Company

Once you know your moving and that you will need a reputable long distance moving company in Norfolk, VA, there are a few things you have to start thinking about. Because you are looking at a long distance move, you cannot simply rely on your friends and family members to just carry a few boxes each. Rather, you must be able to find a moving company that you trust with your belongings and that doesn't charge you an unaffordable fee. Hopefully, the following hints and tips will help you to achieve that.

A Basic Search

First of all, you have to take a look at which of the moving companies are actually out there. It is likely that you will find quite a large range of possibilities and each of these moving companies will try to convince you that they are the best ones. Hence, it is up to you to find out which ones are telling the truth.

Look first at their reputation. Look at testimonials, reviews and into their Better Business Bureau rating. Secondly, they should be more than willing to provide you with a wealth of information, even if you didn't ask for it. Some of the information that you should be able to get include moving tips, how to pack breakables and so on. Then, there is are legal requirements. Find out what their license numbers are, whether they have liability insurance and to what amount, what their DOT numbers are and so on.

Creating a Smaller List

From this initial search, you should be able to narrow down your list somewhat. It is likely, however, that there will still be at least 10 different options on your list, so you will have to dig deeper. Get a basic quote from each of the moving companies, bearing in mind that this is only an estimate. Also get all of their license numbers, telephone numbers and insurance information. Next, find out whether they have hidden fees, for instance, for climbing stairs, moving apartments and fuel charges. Finally, trust your gut instinct. Whenever you speak to the company yourself, you will have an opportunity to get a feel for what they are like.

Now that you have this information, you can start to compare. Take a look at the SAFER system provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to see how well they have performed in the past. Hopefully, this work will help you to narrow your list down to no more than four moving companies.

The Final Four

Finally, you need to make a decision on which moving company to choose. Contact each of the companies still on your list and ask them for a binding quote, but make sure you are under no obligation to accept. The binding quote means that you know exactly how much you are actually going to pay and what this price includes. To get this quote, a representative from your moving company will probably visit your property to get all the necessary details.

Next, you need to discuss your scheduling needs. You probably know when you have to be out of your old property and when you can move to the next one and these dates tend to be quite inflexible. Additionally, if there is a period of time between those two dates, you may also need a moving company like Southside Moving and Storage. This company offers both moving and storage services so you won't need to hire two different companies.

Finally, you have to have the insurance in place. All moving companies will have some degree of public liability insurance, but you may want to protect yourself even more. Make sure that the companies you are considering are aware of this, as the price has to be included in the binding quote. Never start packing until you have your insurance policy as well.

You should now have your binding quotes and all the information you need, so you should also be able to make a decision. It is much easier to make such a decision by having all your paperwork and notes on your research work at hand. Compare this information to your budget, your deadlines and your gut feeling in order to choose the best company out there. You have to have faith in your own ability to make the right decision as well, particularly when you telephone or contact some of the moving companies to tell them you have decided to go with a different one. However, remember that it is your precious belongings that are getting moved, which means that you have to be sure that you trust the best moving company Norfolk VA has to offer.

Southside Moving and Storage

1533 Harpers Rd

Virginia Beach, Va. 23454

757-234-7080 or 800-587-7474

Proudly serving Richmond, Chesterfield, Chester, Henrico, Ashland, Hanover, Mechanicsville, New Kent, Powhaton, Hopewell, Colonial Heights, Prince George, Charles City, Petersburg, King William, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg, Portsmouth, Franklin, Isle of Wight, Surry, Smithfield,

Planning A Long Distance Move

A long distance move is often incredibly stressful and difficult. It involves going to a new and unfamiliar place, rather than just moving to a new house in a community you already know. Moving home is one of the most stressful things you can do in your life, after divorce and bereavement, and this really shows just how important it is that you plan your move properly. If you live in Virginia Beach, there are many things to arrange, from finding the best movers Virginia Beach has to offer to deciding which items you want to keep and those that you'll leave behind. Then, you may have to find storage as well, particularly if there is a period of time between the moving out of one property and into the next one. Also, don't forget the emotional toll this is taking on yourself and the members of your family. Here are a few tips to make planning a long distance move slightly easier and, hopefully, less stressful.

Choosing the Best Moving Company Virginia Beach Has to Offer

Firstly, you need to find the right moving company to help you cross that long distance. There are various options out there for you and it is vital that you do some research. Look into what each of the potential moving companies has to offer and how they will ensure your belongings are protected and insured. If you also need storage for a period of time, try to find one like moving company Southside Moving and Storage that is able to do both. If you have to find two different companies, you increase the chance of something getting lost or broken.

Pack Everything Well

The longer the distance between your two properties, the more chance there is of something getting broken or damaged. It is almost impossible to avoid at least some damage, but you can make sure your items are protected to keep this to a minimum. Some moving companies will provide you with all the necessary packaging materials. Others will even pack for you. The more you want the company to do for you, however, the more it will also cost you. Hence, you may want to consider doing yourself as much of the packing as possible. In this case, look up proper methods of packing your most valuable and breakable items. Always make sure your boxes aren't too heavy and that breakable items such as mirrors, picture frames and glassware are wrapped in protective material. If you do not have bubble wrap and don't have the budget to purchase some, your clothes, curtains, blankets and other fabric items make for great alternatives.

Think About What You Want to Keep

It can be tempting to simply throw everything away and start over. However, you have to also consider your budget. Naturally, the more you take with you, the more your move will cost. However, having to replace expensive items such as beds, couches and kitchen equipment can be even more expensive. Certain things are worth keeping, but at the same time you have to be thoughtful of things you really don't need anymore. As a rule of thumb, if you haven't used something for at least three months, it is likely that you won't need it anymore. If you use something at least once a week, you should keep it because you will only end up buying a new one if you throw it out.

Drive Your Own Vehicle

It is possible to ship your car through certain movers, but this is hugely expensive. You will save some money on fuel by choosing shipping instead of driving, but these savings don't generally outweigh the cost. Furthermore, if you don't drive your own car down, you will have to find another method of transportation for yourself and members of your family, which would costs some money too. Finally, when you drive your own vehicle, you can potentially put some things that you have packed in your car, keeping your moving costs to a minimum.

Plan Your Emotions

Lastly, you have to make sure that you are emotionally prepared for your move. Saying goodbye to a place that you have considered a home is always difficult, no matter how much you look forward to your new life. Once you arrive at your new place, you also have to give yourself the time to settle in, make new friends, find new activities and so on. The emotional toll of moving is huge and you should not downplay this. Make sure the lines of communication are open between yourself and the other members of your family, so you know when someone feels slightly overwhelmed.

Southside Moving and Storage

1533 Harpers Rd

Virginia Beach, Va. 23454

757-234-7080 or 800-587-7474

Proudly serving Richmond, Chesterfield, Chester, Henrico, Ashland, Hanover, Mechanicsville, New Kent, Powhaton, Hopewell, Colonial Heights, Prince George, Charles City, Petersburg, King William, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg, Portsmouth, Franklin, Isle of Wight, Surry, Smithfield,