Congratulations on deciding to move! During this stressful and exciting time, you need all the help you can get. We have put together many moving resources to make your South Dakota move easier.
Have you yet decided if you’re hiring a full-service company or trying to move yourself? Read our article for more information about each option.
Selecting a South Dakota mover
If you have decided to hire a professional South Dakota moving company, there are a few things you need to know to make sure the mover you selected is a credible one.
First, ask your friends and family if they’ve heard of your South Dakota mover. Getting personal recommendations is one of the best ways to make sure that your moving service is reliable.
Another important step is to check that your mover is licensed. South Dakota movers are registered with the US Department of Transportation. You can check their license information and safety record by visiting the SAFER database.
There also two nationwide moving associations that your South Dakota mover might belong to. These are the American Moving and Storage Association and the Household Goods Forwarders Association of America. Each moving association has its own rules and requirements for membership. Knowing that your South Dakota moving company belongs to either association is yet another assurance that the mover was able to meet the membership requirements.
Of course, not all movers belong to moving associations – and not necessarily because they don’t meet the requirements. If you’d like even more information about your South Dakota mover, you can also try visiting the web site of the local Better Business Bureau. If the mover has frequent or unresolved complains with the BBB, it may be time to look elsewhere.
Long distance South Dakota moving
Moving long distance is a special situation, vastly different than moving within a state. All long distance moves from South Dakota – as well as other states – are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). FMCSA’s web site, ProtectYourMove.gov, has tons of information on moving from state to state.