The Hidden Gem: Why Hiring a Small Family-Owned Moving Company for Long Distance Moves is a Game Changer

Embarking on a long-distance move with your family is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning, organization and execution. Believe me, having moved with three young children in tow across several states, I’m no stranger to this. Just the travel portion with a family is a daunting task, let alone coordinating the move of all of your household belongings. While there are ever increasing options and many moving companies to choose from, opting for a small family-owned business might just be the best decision you make. Let's explore the unique benefits of entrusting your long distance move to a small family-owned moving company, like ours, Elite Relocation Services.

1. Personalized Service: One of the most significant advantages of working with a small family-owned moving company is the personalized service you receive. Unlike large corporate movers, where you may feel like just another number, family-owned businesses prioritize building relationships with their clients. This is especially true for us, where as business owners, we are very involved with day to day operations and have a personal stake in the business. From the initial consultation to the final delivery, you can expect attentive service, personalized attention to your specific needs and preferences as well as care and respect for your belongings.
   
   
2. No Shared Loads: Small family-owned movers often own box trucks instead of semis. This means that your belongings will likely be the only load on their moving truck(s) so you can put your mind at ease that your household items won’t get mixed up with someone else’s. In addition, your items will be delivered from the same truck they were carefully loaded into. Some of the large corporate moving companies will pick up shipments in one truck, load them into a warehouse and then move them onto a larger truck for transport. It’s not uncommon for items to be loaded into wooden vaults and then transported as freight. Items may change hands several times, raising the risk of damage and loss. Family-owned movers will go the extra mile to ensure that your possessions arrive safely at your new home without changing hands.
   
   
3. Date Specific Delivery: Most often with large moving companies, where each shipment is combined with several others, you won’t receive a specific date for delivery unless you pay extra. You’ll typically receive a “delivery-spread” meaning the delivery of your items may be within a couple of weeks timeframe and you’ll get a call from the driver a day or so before the actual delivery. Imagine your family living in an empty house for weeks until your household arrives. Since small family-owned movers will most likely only have your items on their truck(s), you’ll have a faster move time, know exactly when your delivery will be and you’ll recognize the mover driving the truck.
   
   
4. Flexibility and Customization: Family-owned moving companies are often more flexible and willing to accommodate your unique requirements. Whether you need to schedule your move on short notice or require specialized services such as packing and unpacking, small movers are more likely to tailor their offerings to meet your needs. They understand that every family's move is different and are committed to finding solutions that work for you.
   
   
5. Supporting Local Businesses: By choosing a small family-owned moving company, you're not just investing in your own move – you're also supporting local businesses and communities. These companies are often deeply rooted in their local areas and contribute to the local economy. We sure contribute to our local Eugene/Springfield community! By choosing to support a family-owned business, you're helping to sustain jobs and livelihoods in your community.
   
   
6. Transparent Pricing & Claims Processing: Large moving companies and brokers often bombard customers with hidden fees and surcharges, leading to unexpected costs and budget overruns. In contrast, small family-owned moving companies are more transparent about their pricing and provide upfront quotes as well as clear explanations as to potential additional costs, if there are any. In addition, if something does go awry with your move and items are damaged, a small moving company will handle your claim in-house as opposed to being handed off to the claims department of a large corporation.
   
   
7. Peace of Mind: Whether local or long distance, moving is typically a stressful experience, but working with a small family-owned moving company can provide peace of mind and alleviate much of the stress associated with the process. Knowing that your move is in the hands of dedicated professionals who genuinely care about your satisfaction can help reduce anxiety and make the transition to your new home smoother and more enjoyable.
   
   
8. Community Connection: Small family-owned moving companies often have strong ties to their local communities and strive to build long-lasting relationships with their customers. At Elite Relocation Services, the bulk of our business is referral-based. Our relationships with customers, other service providers and fellow business owners is the cornerstone of our business. When you choose a family-owned mover, you become part of their extended family, and they'll go above and beyond to ensure your satisfaction. Whether it's providing recommendations for local services or offering support during the moving process, small movers like us are invested in your happiness and well-being.

In conclusion, entrusting your long-distance move to a small family-owned moving company offers a host of benefits that can make all the difference in your overall relocation experience. From personalized service and attention to detail to supporting local businesses and enjoying peace of mind, choosing a family-owned mover is a decision you won't regret. So, the next time you're planning a long-distance move with your family, consider the hidden gem of using a small family-owned moving company like ours – you'll be glad you did.

Authored by:
Claudia Schouten Jones
​Co-owner, Elite Relocation Services

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