Do you pay long-distance movers before or after the move? This is a common question that our potential customers have when planning a long-distance move. The answer to this question depends on the moving company that you hire.
The Types of Long-Distance Moving Companies
There are three types of long-distance moving companies in the moving industry:
- Major Van Lines: Allied, United, North American, Mayflower, Bekins, Graebel, Wheaton, Arpin. etc.
- Family-owned moving companies: Eden’s Moving Services, Fischer Van Lines Moving & Storage, Amazing Moves Moving and Storage.
- Moving Brokers: Budget Van Lines, Colonial Van Lines, Allegiance Moving and Storage, All Coast Moving Group, etc.
Please use this government website to find more information about long-distance moving companies serving Colorado and other states.
What is a Reasonable Deposit?
Most long-distance moving companies will require a deposit before the move. A reasonable deposit upon reservation is up to $200 regardless of the cost of your long-distance move.
What if the Movers Ask for a Bigger Deposit?
If the long-distance moving company you hired asks for a deposit that is more than $200, then you should be very careful. When long-distance moving companies as for 20% or more upon reservation, it is a red flag that you might be dealing with a moving broker.
Booking with a moving broker means that your long-distance move will be subcontracted to another moving company that you know nothing about. In most cases, the deposit is non-refundable even if you cancel the move.
Important Tip: Never pay a deposit using cash apps like Venmo or Zelle!
Do I pay Anything on the Moving Day?
That depends on the long-distance moving company you choose. Major van lines don’t require any additional payment on the day of the move. Family-owned long-distance moving companies usually require 60% of the total cost of the move to be paid on the day of the move. At this point, moving brokers are out of the picture because they will have already collected their commission when you put down the deposit.
When Do I Pay the Remaining Balance?
If you move with a major van line, you will pay the entire amount upon delivery and before unloading your household goods from the moving truck using certified funds such as a cashier’s check. The same rule applies to family-owned moving companies since these regulations are by the United States Department of Transportation.
What if I Can Only Pay With a Credit Card?
You can use a credit card to pay for your long-distance move, but most long-distance moving companies will charge you an additional 3%-5% fee. This is because credit card companies charge businesses a processing fee for each transaction. Some moving companies do not accept credit cards!
Call Your Credit Card Company Before the Transaction Occurs
If you’re paying with a credit card, we recommend that you call your credit card company in advance and let them know about the charges incurred so that they don’t flag the charges as fraudulent.
Get Free Quotes From Licensed Long-Distance Moving Companies in Denver, CO
Now that you know how the payment process works, it’s time to start looking for long-distance moving companies. At Eden’s Moving Services, we recommend getting free quotes from at least three different long-distance moving companies before booking your move.
When you get a quote from a long-distance moving company, make sure that you understand what is included in the price and what is not. The last thing you want is to be surprised by hidden fees on your moving day.
If you are ready to start looking for long-distance moving companies, we recommend that you fill out our free online moving form or call us at (720) 370-3455. We will set up a free in-home consultation and provide you with a binding moving estimate for your long-distance move.
Eden’s Moving Services – Where Your Move is Our Top Priority!
