If you're starting a new life in another part of the country, you'll want to make the lengthy moving process as easy as possible. Whilst moving house can be one of the most stressful undertakings you'll ever have to carry out in your life, there are a number of ways to ensure your relocation runs smoothly and relatively problem free.
Moving company or do it yourself?
Whilst it's possible to move yourself, your family, pets and belongings by hiring a large vehicle, you may find a specialist long-distance moving company a great option to make your transit easier. Crossing state lines involves strict rules with various rights and tariffs to adhere to as well as different laws for moving companies in each area. By hiring experienced long-distance movers, they can help take care of much of the work involved, reducing your stress levels ten fold.
Most long-distance movers charge by weight or cubic feet of goods to pack and load. Investigate the separate costs of hiring a vehicle, taking time off work to pack, packing materials and transit insurance and you may find that hiring a removal company works out roughly the same price or even cheaper.
One company for the entire journey
If you do decide to hire a long-distance mover, it's important to choose one that can transport your belongings the entire distance. Some less reputable companies may hire subcontractors in states outside their operating network, which means your belongings will have to be moved from truck to truck. This increases the likelihood for damage. Ask them to specify in the contract that their company will compete the entire job, or if not ask them to increase the insurance to cover the change of company and where their liability lays.
Save money on books
If you have a large library of books you may find it's less expensive to send them by mail. Books rates are cheaper than usual mail rates.
Detailed inventory
Long-distance moving companies are obliged to create an inventory of all your items packed and their condition at origin. Take the time to go through this with them in case of damage en route. When you arrive at your destination, you will be required to sign the inventory once more to confirm your belongings are received in the same condition. Do not be pressured into signing unless you are happy and make sure you check everything. Claims will not be acknowledged if you have signed to say you have accepted everything in a satisfactory condition.
Packing for long-distance
It's advisable to use specialist packing boxes for long distance moving. If you are packing yourself, put lighter items in large boxes and heavier items in smaller boxes to prevent the boxes from breaking. Be sure to wrap any fragile items thoroughly with bubble wrap and packing paper. Cover any surfaces that can be scratched with linen or bubble wrap.
