Whether you've just gotten a new job, been accepted into a university program, or want to be closer to family, moving across the country can be an exciting prospect.
But it is also a lot of work. Making sure that you work with movers who will respect your property, offer transparent billing, and get you where you're going on time isn't always straightforward. That's why you should work with long distance moving companies to plan your next move ahead of time if you want to minimize the stress and the expenses.
Give Yourself at Least Four Weeks to Prepare
Most experts will recommend that you give yourself at least a month to prepare for a long distance move, during which time you should be able to shop around between moving companies to find the one that can offer you the best deal.
Though you might be tempted to dive right in to preparing your home for packing, figuring out who will actually be doing your moving is actually more important, and may be helpful in determining how you can handle the packing most effectively.
Get Quotes From at Least 3 Moving Companies
With so much to think about, you might simply want to go with the first company that's recommended to you. But which company helps you move is the single most important factor determining how successful and affordable the move is, so it's worth taking the time to get quotes from at least three companies to make sure you're getting a good deal.
It's also a good idea to ask what options different companies offer.
Do they only handle long distance moves using vans?
Do they offer the option of using rail?
Do they have multiple branches across the country that can help reduce costs?
Answering these questions can help you make a more informed decision.
Make Sure Valuables are Insured
The further away you move, the more things there are that can go wrong. While a good moving company will do its utmost to protect your property, if you are going to be packing delicate pieces with a high cash value like art or antique furniture, you'll want to make sure the insurance covers them.
Most reputable moving companies have insurance that covers any damage that might take place during the process of the move. But this insurance doesn't always automatically cover unusually expensive items, which is why you should:
Make a list of valuables
Have them appraised
Find out whether the moving company's insurance will protect against damage or loss
If the moving company won't insure your valuables, find another carrier or have them insured privately
Even at the best of times, a long distance move is a serious undertaking that requires a great deal of coordination if it is to be successfully pulled off. And with the coronavirus pandemic making national and international travel especially difficult, long distance moving has only become more complicated.
This only makes planning ahead more essential, so if you know you're going to be moving later this year, start the process now if you want to make it as seamless as possible.
