Tips That'll Help You Prepare for a Long Distance Move and Avoid Mishaps
Congratulations! You have made the final decision to move across the state (or across the country).
Before you engage in a little daydreaming about what life will be like in your new digs, there are some things you need to begin working on to make sure your long distance move is a success.
Set Your Moving Dates
Whether you have three weeks or three months until your planned move date, today is the day you need to start looking into your moving company options. The closer you are to your desired moving date, the harder it will be to find a company that can accommodate your move out date.
Long distance haulers usually quote a "delivery window," and not a specific delivery date that you'll need to take into account when making your final moving company selection.
Develop a Moving Schedule
Now is your opportunity to create your own moving schedule and checklist. This checklist will be vital to keeping you on track during the moving process.
Create your own personalized list and assign completion dates for each task.
Set Your Long Distance Moving Budget
In the spring of 2016, the American Moving and Storage Association reported that the average cost of a traditional interstate, cross-country move of about 1,225 miles was about $4,300. The average cost of an in-state move was about $2,300 which covered four movers at $200 per hour.
Both of those were based on 7,400-pound average weight of the items to be moved. That's right; it's the weight, not the number of items moved that's going to determine the cost of your move unless you pay for additional insurance.
There are three types of cost estimates you can get from long distance movers; binding, non-binding and "not to exceed." It's important to understand what each of these is so you can correctly compare estimates.
Reputation Matters
Ranking right up there in importance to cost is choosing a reputable mover. A quick online search of a prospective company's name is bound to turn up some reviews from previous customers. For a long distance move, however, you'll also need to make sure the company you're considering can handle your move.
Even if you're moving in-state from Roanoke, VA to Virginia Beach, VA, for example, not all local movers can handle your job. Your best option is a mover that has experience in your destination area and is also or is affiliated with, an interstate carrier.
Determine What You Want To Move
Now is the time to purge.
Take a serious look around your current home. If you see things that you no longer need or use, it is time to let others enjoy them.
Sell items at a garage sale or online at sites like Letgo or Craigslist. Or, perhaps donate them to places like Goodwill or Salvation Army. Pruning your move inventory is going to be the best way to prune your costs as well.
Pack Effectively
As you pack your belongings make sure that you use sturdy boxes. Also, be certain that the contents of each box are wrapped and appropriately secured with adequate cushion. Nothing should be able to shift around inside the box.
Make sure that each box is securely closed with tape and labeled clearly with contents and room destination.
Separate Valuables
Items like social security cards, passports, birth certificates, and other personal records should be packed in a box that stays with you during the move. Consider including other documents you might need to have on hand and not want to dig for when you reach your new home.
Decide if you want to also separate valuables like jewelry, photos, and sentimental items and keep those with you too. Take care when traveling with them in your personal vehicle as well. Make sure you keep valuables out of sight and locked up.
On the Move
Every move is challenging, but long distance moves have an added layer of complication.
Make sure you have a plan and a timeline and contact us for additional help with your move!
