Best Movers For Your Moving Needs
Learn the best tips for moving long distance, including how to make a moving checklist. Discover the top long distance moving companies.
Moving is normally a difficult process, but it becomes more challenging when you are moving long distance. There are many more considerations during a long-distance move. Moving experts recommend you start planning about two months before the move to ensure a smooth transition. A great way to prepare for a move is to compile a checklist and create a schedule. Start by planning the basic logistics. Determine what items you want to take with you and start getting rid of whatever you do not need.
If there is furniture you do not want, speak with your realtor or landlord and see if you can leave the items behind for whoever moves in. With smaller items, consider trying to sell them online or hosting a yard sale before throwing them out. Once you know what you are taking, you can estimate how much space you need. With this information, you can start hiring long distance movers.
Calculating Moving Costs
On average, it costs around $2,000 to hire local movers, but the price is nearly doubled for long distance moving. There are a few different factors which determine how much you are charged. Distance, when you are moving and the weight of your belongings all factor into the total costs. There are also additional services to consider, such as hiring movers to pack and unpack, temporarily storing items or purchasing moving insurance.
Moving During the Pandemic
Moving has become more complicated due to Covid-19. First, talk to your movers and ask if there are any Covid policies you must be aware of. If you are present during the move, you may be asked to where a mask or gloves. It is also important to maintain social distance guidelines and stay six feet apart from your movers. Many moving companies are no longer providing free or recycled moving boxes. You are also encouraged to pack everything up at least a day before the movers arrive, to minimize how much contact movers have with your items.
Limit the number of people present during moving day. While it is common to invite friends or family members to help out, the less people present, the easier it is to social distance. You should also limit your own involvement in the move. You may feel guilty for not doing more to help, but it is easier to step back and let the movers safely do their job.
Creating a Moving Checklist
A great way to simplify the moving process is to create a checklist. About two months before you move, start looking for a moving company. Get quotes from multiple moving companies, and be sure to look up reviews of whatever companies you are considering. If you are moving valuable items, ask about insurance policies. Some moving companies provide coverage for your belongings, while others require you to purchase a policy.
Once you know what items you are bringing, you can start packing. Begin by packing up whatever items you do not need in your day-to-day life. Keep these items stored in a separate area. As you get closer to the moving date, finish packing up the rest of your belongings. If you are not keeping any items and are unable to sell them, consider donating them to a thrift store or nonprofit group. Thrift stores are also a good resource if you need to pick up packing materials, such as old towels or sheets to protect your belongings.
You also want to update your records as part of your move. Make sure any medical, insurance, bank or property policies are updated with your new address. If you have children, contact their old school to transfer any records to the new school. Go to your post office and file a change of address form, so you can have any mail correctly forwarded to your new address.
A month before you move, you must contact your utility providers to end your services. If you received any items, such as a cable box or modem, make sure you return them to your provider, otherwise you will be charged a fee to replace them.
International Van Lines
International Van Lines is one of the largest moving companies in the United States. They have over 3,000 partners and are available in every state. While they offer local moving options, the company is better known for long distance moving services. They are upfront with your final bill, letting you know each individual charge before you commit to hiring them. In addition to moving services, they also help with trash and debris removal. The company also has limited storage services if you need to temporarily hold items while waiting for your property to become available.
International Van Lines also provides furniture assembly and disassembly services. They provide car moving services as well as boat transport. The company is also equipped to move specialty items, such as hot tubs or pianos.
Mayflower Transit
Mayflower is another popular moving service available in all 50 states. Mayflower does not have as many options as International Van Lines, but they do provide car shipping and instant online quotes. They also have a generous cancel policy, allowing you to cancel their services up to a day before your scheduled move.
American Van Lines
American Van Lines offers flat-rate pricing, so you know exactly how much you are paying when you hire them for a long-distance move. This is especially important for long distance moves, since many companies charge extra based on fuel costs, so you do not know the total price until after the movers arrive. You also avoid hourly moving fees, which is helpful during the pandemic, since moving often takes longer due to extra safety and cleaning precautions.
U-Pack
In terms of price, U-Pack is frequently the least expensive option. U-Pack only offers long distance moving services, with the company specializing in moving large items using storage containers. Smaller items are stored in cubes, which are significantly less expensive than using a trailer. U-Pack is also a storage company, so there are plenty of options to store your items until you are ready to move.
