screening moving companies – part 2

Screening Moving Companies – Part 2

Learn what to ask and when looking for
a moving company – part 2

Screening cross country moving companies

Screening Moving Companies - Part 2


One of the most important things you can decide on for you move is which moving company to use. Learn how to screen them properly.As you start your screening process, try to divide your process into two main parts. In the first part, do a short research of local companies that serve your geographic area. This step is important to help you save valuable time.

After gathering a list of moving companies follow these steps to perform your initial screening:

  1. Look at each company's website and learn about the services offered. While some companies provide both local and long distance services, some offer either local or long distance services.
  2. Check all companies on your list for proper licensing and insurance. To do so you can check the company's website and write down license numbers and insurance coverage.
  3. Check each company's file with the Better Business Bureau and remove companies with unsatisfactory rating.

    Please note: a company Better Business Bureau file does not always reflect the company's service. You must take in consideration the volume of work, the company performs, its start date with the bureau, and complaints history.

    For example, if a moving company performs 100 moves per year and its file is only one year old, chances are that the rating will be satisfactory. However, if a company performs 10,000 moves per year and has a 10 years old file, it may seem unsatisfactory. It does not necessarily mean that the first company is better.

After minimizing your list, you now have a shortlist companies that meet your basic requirements. Assuming you finalized your moving date, this is the time to start interviewing these companies and get written quotes and estimates.

Before you contact the moving companies on your shortlist, take a minute and gather a list of requirements: what do you expect from your moving company and what are the services required. Consider the following:

  1. Moving Date
    Will you be moving on a weekday or weekend? At the beginning or towards the end of the month? Remember that moving companies are usually busier at the beginning and end of the month, on Fridays and on weekends. This fact may result in different rates (often more expensive on the busier times).
  2. Packing Services
    Will you need help with packing and if so what type of service? Partial packing or a full service? If you choose to pack yourself you will need packing materials. Do you want to purchase packing materials directly from your mover and if so does he deliver?
  3. Storage
    Will you need to store your items for a while? If so, does your moving company offers storage on both origin and destination? How long will it take to deliver your household goods from the time you notify?
  4. Insurance
    What coverage is offered by your moving company? Who is the insurance provider?

Storage Locations

Los Angeles
5698 Bandini Blvd B.
Bell, CA 90201
P: 888-680-7200 Ext. 102
CA - NY Express Cross Country Movers Los Angeles
Movers from LA to NYC
San Francisco
745 85th Ave
Suite L. Oakland, CA 94621
P: 888-680-7200 Ext. 135
CA - NY Express Cross Country Movers San Francisco
Movers from SF to NYC
New York
210 Meadowlands Pkwy d,
Secaucus, NJ 07094
P: 888-680-7200 Ext. 131
CA - NY Express Cross Country Movers New York
Movers from NYC to SF & LA

Business Hours(PST)

Monday: 8am - 4pm
Tuesday: 8am - 4pm
Wednesday: 8am - 4pm
Thursday: 8am - 4pm
Friday: 8am - 4pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Shannon L.
Shannon L.
Jan 5, 2024

Movers who packed my things up in NY were great. I was also very impressed with how clear everything was, how fast the move coordinator Eric was with getting back to me. Read more testimonials

Danielle
Danielle Francisco
Feb 11, 2024

Terrific experience with Andres and his team. They were quick, efficient and very knowledgeable. Read more testimonials

Ria B.
Ria B.
Jan 10, 2024

Everything went smoothly with CA-NY Express Movers. They packed up my apt in NYC in no time, put it into storage for me while we found our new house. Read more testimonials

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