Moving, in general, is never a completely stress-free process. However, hiring a moving company can mitigate some anxiety. Unexpected bumps in the road are part of the process as well. We get very similar questions from clients looking to move long distances. As such, this article is to help mitigate some of these questions and concerns. When faced with a long-distance move, here are five common challenges and solutions below.
Different companies define long-distance moving differently. FlatRate moving considers anything above 450 miles between destinations as long-distance, for example. The pricing, as such, differs slightly.
Keep reading below!
1. Packing for a Long-Distance Move
Solution: There are key differences between packing for local and long-distance moves. Moving companies want to ensure the safety of your items from point A to point B. However, when traveling hundreds of miles, the risk is greater that things will be damaged.
If it’s within your budget, professional packing is your best option. Experienced moving companies use specialized moving and packing materials for long-distance moves specifically. Packing for a local move is much simple as the distances between locations are much shorter. When moving long-distance there are a variety of extra precautions taken:
- Double wrapped furniture in shrink wrap and new/sterilized moving blankets.
- Double-layered, corrugated boxes for maximum protection.
- Specialized boxes for fragile dishware, electronics, and artwork (ask about custom crating)
The organization is key here. Moving companies will generally label and barcode all boxes associated with your move. It doesn’t hurt to employ a color-coding system and label each box based on the room. If you are packing yourself, we recommend writing your full name on each box.
2. What’s Actually Moving
Quotes for long-distance moves are based solely on inventory and distance traveled. This is different from local moves, which, depending on the company could be priced hourly. It’s a great idea to compile a home inventory list before your move. This is a chance to decide what is being moved, donated, or sold.
This is where having an itemized home inventory list can come in handy (not to mention when unpacking in your new home). Your home inventory list will also be useful in making sure your items arrive at the new location. More importantly, it’s great to check that nothing went missing during transit before your movers leave at the destination.
Clients should consider donating items that are not being sold or thrown away. The Salvation Army as well as Good Will can take donations. There are various other services, especially in metro areas. We’ve compiled a few of them here!
3. Working With a Delivery Window
Clients should keep in mind that there are often windows of delivery when moving long distances. There are, however, a few options when it comes to people in a time crunch:
- Consolidated Shipping: The most basic long-distance move. FlatRate Moving labels and bar codes boxes when moving long distances. This is definitely a question to ask potential moving companies. This is a cheaper option and perfect for people whose top priority is time.
- Express Trip: Moving companies versed in long-distance moves can even offer a private truck for an additional cost.
- For an additional cost, some moving companies can even greatly narrow the delivery window or even give a guaranteed date.
4. Knowing Your Destination
Oftentimes, when moving across the country, clients may not have seen and inspected their new home from a move-in standpoint. Take a look at some things to consider:
- Are there specific days of the week that your new place allows moves in? Many buildings in NYC will only allow move-ins on weekdays. There are often specific service entrances that the moving company should be made aware of.
- Does your destination building require a Certificate of Insurance (COI)? Is this COI required for reserving elevators at the destination?
- Check with building management if there is space to pull a semi-truck into your new destination. If there isn’t a moving company may need to include a shuttle cost. To avoid any hidden fees, discuss this during the quoting process.
Ultimately getting an accurate quote comes down to the proficiency of the relocation consultant and your ability to be detailed regarding the scope of the move.
5. Storage Between Homes
Solution: It’s extremely common that clients to need storage when moving long-distance or across the country. Referred to as “Storage in Transit,” most moving companies can store your items anywhere from a few days to months or longer.
It’s important to ask whether the storage facility being used is third-party storage or owned by the moving company. If it’s third-party there is more likelihood of your items being misplaced or not handled with the same care upon delivery. Be sure to ask if the facility is safe and climate-controlled above all else.
While long-distance moving may seem like an arduous task. We’re here to make it easier with blogs just like this as well as an experienced team of professionals on hand. Give us a call or request a quote today, thanks for reading!