If you’re dealing with a relocation company, chances are that your belongings will be placed onto a truck that will have several stops (unless your home is big enough to fill it up completely). You may have an additional stop as well, especially if you will need to place some of your items into a self-storage unit. When you have all of these stops going on, how do you make sure your items reach your destination and don’t get left at one of the multiple stops that may be on the list?

First, make sure you use a reputable company, and get at least three quotes. There are many cross-country moving companies that specialize in packing, shipping and moving things from one destination to another without a hitch. Take the time to read the reviews, loss reports that are available and overall business reputation. Make sure the company is fully licensed and insured and check to see what services are offered. If they have a variety of services that are nationwide, chances are you may have found a winner.

The next thing you should do is read the contract that is offered. What type of insurance coverage is available for your things? Does it differ if you allow the moving company to pack your things instead of pre-packing? How much does the coverage allow in damages? Do they provide the entire service, or are there certain things that will be required of you?

National moving companies are very tech savvy and have software that can alert you to any storms, any glitches or delays. Investing in a company of this caliber could be well worth it, especially if you have items that cannot be replaced. Having peace of mind is more precious than a few extra dollars. Also check their social media. Are they engaged with their potential clients? If you have any additional questions, do not hesitate to call the agent and ask. Any reputable company would welcome questions to put you at ease. If they are skirting around answers or cannot give you a thorough explanation, you may want to put that company on the back burner.

When you finally make the decision, do not overlook the small things:

• Get their route
  Get contact numbers and provide yours for emergencies
  Introduce yourself to the driver and any accompanying individuals

You will be surprised the amount of information that is available on national moving companies that can assist you in making an informed decision.

Being safe is better than having woes in the end. Your items are valuable. Make sure you are comfortable with the company you choose. It is not uncommon for a large chain to have multiple stops, especially if they service the military, but it’s how they handle the merchandise during those stops that is most important. Last but not least, evaluate their customer service from the very beginning. Great customer service usually means you’ve found a great company to work with.

About the Author: Allaire William is a professional writer for the Self Storage Blog and specializes in SEO content marketing. When not writing, she is helping clients find the best storage units from self storage facilities in Los Angeles to self storage in Miami.