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Compare Moving Companies
What Companies offer Interstate Moving?
There are many reasons customers use U-Pack to move to another state. Decades of experience, an impeccable safety record, excellent customer service and affordable rates are what make U-Pack the number one choice for many people. But what other options are out there? And how does U-Pack compare in terms of service and price?
Let’s start with a broad overview of the main types of interstate moving companies:
Full-Service
Full-service movers do the packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and in some cases, unpacking. All these services typically come with a premium price tag, but it’s the best option if you’re looking for a completely hands-off approach. If you’re interested in saving money without having to do everything, U-Pack can help.
Portable Storage
Portable storage companies are designed for people who need a little extra time between move-out and move-in. Most include 30 days of equipment use, which includes time for loading/unloading and transportation — any remaining time can be used for short-term storage. U-Pack transit times average 4-6 business days, and storage is available if you want it. So, if you don’t need to store, you don’t have to pay for it. And if you do, we can help.
How we compare to portable storage
Truck Rental
Truck rental companies are pretty straightforward: you rent a truck from them and handle every step of the move yourself. They’re often considered the cheapest option, but that’s not always the case. U-Pack offers prices similar to truck rental, but you don’t have to drive.
U-Pack
U-Pack is a hybrid moving service that provides affordable rates and convenient options. Save money by packing, loading and unloading, and leave the transportation part to us. Or add moving labor or storage to customize the move to meet your needs.
How to Choose a
Moving Company
Think About Your Needs
The details of your move can help determine which option is best. Traveling alone with young children? It might be easiest to drive your own vehicle. Need to move as quickly as possible? You’ll want to look for fast transit. Start by choosing the service type/types (full-service, truck rental, etc.) that most closely accommodate what you need. This will help you avoid researching a lot of similar companies to find out the basics of their service don’t work for your move. Once you’ve settled on a broad type, you can start researching the companies that offer it.
Determine Credibility
The most important step of choosing a moving company is to make sure the service is trustworthy and reliable. Low prices are great, but not at the expense of customer experience. Companies that pair quality service with a great rate are the way to go! You can do a reputation check in a few different ways, including: using consumer review sites to see what people have to say about their experiences with different companies, checking websites like the Better Business Bureau to see ratings, and testing phone numbers to make sure each company is legitimate. Ultimately, you’re looking for indicators that the company provides the service they claim to provide.
Ask Questions
How long will I have to wait for my belongings?
Transit times vary by moving company and how far you’re moving, but full-service typically takes the longest (they average 2-4 weeks to deliver your items). Portable storage companies can take 1-2 weeks, while truck rental depends on how long it takes you to drive (be sure to look at your agreement to see if you’ll be charged for extra days/miles). U-Pack transit times average just 4-6 business days.
Will my items be transferred, unloaded or co-mingled?
Some companies may transfer your belongings, which means they move them from one truck or container to another. Others may unload your belongings into a warehouse before loading them into another truck. And some co-mingle — combining multiple households into the same equipment. While any of these practices can be completely safe, it’s good to know what to expect.
With U-Pack, your things stay where you load them, and yours is the only household goods shipment in the moving equipment.
Am I guaranteed the equipment and date I reserve?
Some truck rental companies may not guarantee the truck size you reserve, and full-service providers may not confirm the move date very far in advance (they could get tied up at a job and push you farther down the schedule). If the equipment and times are important, confirm that you’re getting exactly what you need when you need it.
U-Pack guarantees the moving trailer or container will arrive on the move date you reserve. When your reservation is made, we assign the equipment to you so it can’t be double-booked.
Can I customize my move?
Because every move is unique, you may need something different than the company’s standard service. Ask about ways to make the move fit what you’re looking for — most movers will have some solutions to whatever you need. If they can’t accommodate you, it may be best to look for another option.
Compare Quotes
The last thing you’ll want to do is get quotes from any company you’re still considering. This will not only help you budget for the move but will also help you make sure you’re getting a fair rate. While each service will price moves a little differently, you should see similar quotes from companies that offer the same type of service.
Not sure what to expect? Check out our guide to moving costs to see what goes into the price and get some example rates.
Still deciding?
Have more questions about your moving options and how U-Pack compares? Give us a call at 888-891-9314 and we’ll be happy to talk through our service! Or get a free quote to see how much U-Pack will cost for your move.