- Plan Ahead
Planning ahead is key to smooth long distance moves. Contact or explore about local move company near me at least three months in advance of your move. You won’t need to worry about finding movers in peak season, so plan ahead. Make sure to plan ahead so you don’t forget anything before your move
- Get In-Home Moving Estimates
Be wary of companies that refuse to conduct an in-home survey. A move broker may be your best option instead of a moving company. A broker will book your company and then contract out your move to a local mover. This is usually the most affordable mover. You may have to deal with an additional middleman and not the best quality mover. To verify that your mover has a physical address and a moving truck, it is a smart idea to Google Earth search them.
- Research Moving Companies
There are many moving companies out there. To ensure that they are reliable and trustworthy, it is worth doing some research on your potential mover. It is a good idea for long distance moves to use a well-established van line like United Van Lines and Mayflower Transit. These van lines are able to haul much more than a small-time mover and will be able to send a trained crew to your home on the move day.
- Reduce your size
The weight of the goods you send will determine the cost of your long distance move. You will pay more for more items. It’s a good idea take some time to look through your belongings to determine what you need and what you can discard. You can also consider holding a garage or donating items to the Salvation Army. You might also consider whether you no longer require certain items in your new home. You don’t likely need to move your snowblower if you are moving from Michigan into Florida. However, it is possible to donate the box of sweaters.
- Take into account Furniture Placement Locations
Make sure you plan where all your furniture will be placed once it arrives at your new home. You may feel overwhelmed if your new home is smaller that your existing home. You should plan what furniture will go in each room. You should find a home for it before you move it. You should ensure that large furniture can be fit under stairs and around corners. Many older homes have narrow stairways that are not able to accommodate all furniture. For example, king-sized beds are not often possible to fit upstairs in older houses.
- Label boxes
You should label all boxes you are packing for the move. On the outside of every box, write a list listing all the items you have packed. Remember to indicate where the items should go in your new home. It will be much easier for the movers to place items in designated rooms such as “dining room” and “master bedroom”. It will save you time when unpacking and searching for the remote control for the TV.
- Know Your Rights
All long distance moves are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The Rights & Responsibilities booklet outlines the responsibilities of moving companies and yours. The valuation is one of the most crucial decisions you will need to make. Although they are required by law to compensate for any items damaged or lost in transit, the amount that they can offer will vary. You will need to pay an additional fee for full valuation protection. This coverage covers all items that have been damaged during moving. Full valuation protection means that the mover will replace or repair any item damaged during the move. Ask your mover any questions you may have about the valuation to ensure you make the right decision.
- In the Offseason, Move
Although this isn’t an option for everyone, many moving companies charge more during summer than they do in the fall, winter and spring. You can save money if you are flexible with your moving dates.
- Get to know your new area
The hardest thing about moving long distance is feeling like your new home doesn’t exist. You might have met many people in your new city, but you probably don’t know where your favorite restaurants are. We encourage you to explore your new community and see what it has to give. Yelp is a great way to find the best restaurants in your area.