Congrats on your big move to Santa Fe, New Mexico!
Your relocation likely involves moving to Santa Fe from another city in New Mexico, or a long distance move to Santa Fe such as from another state.
This informative moving article will tell you everything you should be looking for whether you're moving interstate or intrastate.
Your Intrastate Move — Moving to Santa Fe from Another State
If you're moving to Santa Fe from another state, the move is governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Make sure movers you use have a USDOT number, are registered with FMCSA to transport household goods between states, and have sufficient moving insurance to cover any damages.
You can do that by visiting www.protectyourmove.gov, or calling FMCSA at (202) 366-9805 for licensing. Also check out the Better Business Bureau to ensure that the moving company doesn't have a history of unresolved complaints.
Your Interstate Move — Moving to Santa Fe from Another City in New Mexico
If you're moving within Santa Fe, movers must have a Public Regulatory Commission license number. To check if a company you want to work with has one, call (505) 827-4519.
Tips for Working with Santa Fe Moving Companies:
1. Always get three-five bids from Santa Fe moving companies, and then have the movers come to your home to do an in-home assessment of the belongings that you need moved. Don't be tempted to take the low bid – this could mean additional fees and charges on moving day.
2. The estimate should include all the decisions you have made regarding what you want moved, the size of the vehicle to be used, required staffing and the mover's liability for loss or damage. Have your mover sign your copy of the estimate.
3. To help prospective Santa Fe movers create an accurate proposal, identify all the items that need to be moved. Also note any additional services that may be required at your destination, such as stair carries, long carries or elevator use.
4. Ask questions! Be sure to bring up any issues or questions you have pertaining to your move. Ask about their company history, moving equipment that they use and whether they also pack.
5. Get everything in writing; don't agree to anything promised in-person or over the phone. This will likely lead to misunderstandings on moving day.
6. If any of your items are damaged and you have to make claim, make sure it is filed with your Santa Fe mover within 90 days.
7. Your mover has a right to inspect damaged goods within 30 days of getting your claim, and must take some sort of action on it within 90 days of receiving it.
8. Before moving goods between states, movers must give you information regarding their dispute settlement program. Movers must offer a neutral dispute settlement program as a means of settling disputes that may arise for loss or damage of your household goods.
9. For an interstate move, FMCSA has no authority to resolve claims. You can file a complaint against the moving company by calling FMCSA's 24-hour toll-free hotline at (888) 368-7238, or go to FMCSA's Web Site for additional information.
