Picture this: you’re standing in your living room surrounded by boxes, and the reality of moving across the country is starting to sink in. The excitement of a fresh start is there, but so are the questions. Who can you trust to carry everything you own hundreds or even thousands of miles? How do you know which mover is prepared to handle the details that matter most to your family?
At National Van Lines, we’ve guided customers through long distance moving for nearly a century. We know the right questions can make the difference between a stressful move and a smooth one, which is why we’ve put together this list to help you choose with confidence.
1. What services should I expect from a long distance moving company?
Not every company offers the same range of services. Some movers limit themselves to basic loading, driving, and unloading. Others (like our agent network here at National Van Lines), provide a full-service approach that covers packing, unpacking, custom crating, storage, and even assistance with specialty items.
This difference matters. Imagine assuming that your movers will handle packing, only to find out a week before your move that you’re responsible for boxing everything yourself. That can add dozens of hours of last-minute work. Be as clear as possible about your needs and confirm which services are included before you book. Ask for a detailed list in writing so there are no surprises once the truck pulls up.
2. Can long distance movers handle fragile or oversized items safely?
If you own antiques, artwork, or heirloom furniture, you need movers who can pack and transport them with extra care. The same goes for bulky belongings like sectional sofas, treadmills, or hot tubs. These require specialized equipment and training to move without damage.
A reputable company will explain how they approach these challenges. For example, fragile items may be wrapped in custom crates or transported separately, while heavy equipment may require dollies, ramps, or lift-gates.
Experienced movers will also have insurance and valuation options that cover high-value items. A professional moving crew should give you confidence that your most valuable pieces will arrive safely, no matter the distance.
3. How do I know if a moving company is licensed for interstate moves?
Any mover that handles long distance relocation must be licensed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). They’re assigned a unique USDOT number, which you can verify online through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Why does this matter? Licensing means the company meets federal requirements for safety, insurance, and financial responsibility. Without it, you risk hiring a mover that doesn’t follow regulations… and that could leave you vulnerable if something goes wrong. Always ask for a mover’s USDOT number and double-check it yourself. A trustworthy company will provide it without hesitation.
4. How will my belongings be protected during transportation?
Professional movers don’t just load boxes into a truck and hope for the best. They use multiple layers of protection to keep belongings safe during transit:
- Sturdy boxes and packing materials
- Furniture padding and shrink wrap
- Secure loading and strapping inside the truck
- Climate-controlled trailers for sensitive items
Some companies also offer sealed truckloads, meaning your belongings won’t be mixed with another customer’s. This reduces handling and minimizes the chance of mix-ups. It’s also worth asking about valuation coverage, which is an added layer of financial protection if anything is damaged in transit. Knowing your movers take every step to safeguard your items makes the journey far less stressful.
5. What does the packing process look like for a long distance move?
Packing for a cross-country relocation is very different from packing for a weekend trip. Professional movers work efficiently without cutting corners. They use reinforced boxes, bubble wrap, and custom solutions for fragile or awkwardly shaped belongings.
Movers also label boxes carefully and create inventories, which makes unpacking smoother on the other end. For items like flat-screen TVs or glass tabletops, they may use wooden crates or specialty cartons designed specifically for those shapes.
Unlike DIY packing, which can stretch on for weeks, a moving crew can complete the job in a fraction of the time. Asking about the packing process helps you understand how your movers balance speed with security and what role you’ll need to play.
6. Do long distance movers also handle employee relocations?
If you’re relocating for work or moving employees, you’ll want a company that understands the unique requirements of corporate moves. These often involve tight deadlines, strict confidentiality, and coordination across multiple households.
For example, a company may need to relocate an entire department from one state to another. The mover must schedule carefully so business operations aren’t disrupted. They may also need to move sensitive files or equipment with added privacy measures.
While the basics are similar to a residential move, the stakes can be higher. The right mover will have systems in place to keep everything on schedule and reduce disruption for both employees and employers.
7. Is storage available if I can’t move everything right away?
Life doesn’t always line up perfectly with moving timelines. Sometimes you need a safe place to keep belongings until your new home or office is ready. Many long distance moving companies offer short-term storage (days or weeks) and long-term solutions (months or years).
It’s important to ask about more than just availability. Will your items be kept in a climate-controlled facility? Is there 24/7 security monitoring? How easy will it be to access your belongings if plans change? Reliable storage facilities give you flexibility and peace of mind during a hectic transition. Knowing your items are safe allows you to focus on settling into your new space.
Great Questions for a Great Move
As you’ve just learned, choosing a long distance moving company is about more than just price. A great long distance moving company will earn your trust by communicating clearly, protecting your belongings, and supporting you through every step of the move. This includes welcoming your questions and making you feel informed, not pressured.
So, as you begin to reach out, don’t hold back: Ask all the questions you need! The more answers you can get, the more empowered, secure, and confident you’ll feel come moving day.
You now have a complete list of questions to ask any long distance moving company, so that you can figure out which name might be the best fit for your needs. However, what can you expect from a pricing aspect? Keep growing your knowledge with our quick read on the five factors that affect the price of a long distance move.
