Are you planning on moving to another state soon? What a great idea! New environments always bring new experiences. You will get to meet new people, go to places you’ve never been before, jump-start your career, raise your kids, or do whatever it is you’re planning to do. But before all that, you will have to book an interstate moving service from one of the full service long distance moving companies near you.
But don’t worry – answering the question of What are the best long distance moving companies doesn’t have to be scary, and neither does the move itself. As long as you know what awaits, you shouldn’t have any problems. That’s why we’re here to help with some things you should know about moving cross-country before embarking on this adventure.
What Are the Best Long Distance Moving Companies?
Once you’ve decided where and when you want to move, it’s time to start looking for the right interstate moving service provider. There are a few simple steps you can take to make sure you avoid scammers and hire movers that match your needs and budget.
What Is Considered a Long Distance Move?
Are you not sure what is considered a long distance move? If you’re planning a move to another state, you can be sure this will be a long-distance move. Whether the other state is a few dozen miles away or on the opposite coast doesn’t make much of a difference. If, however, you’re staying within the same state, this will most likely be classified as a local move.
Ask for Recommendations for Interstate Moving Service Providers
Now that you know you need to look for long distance movers, it’s time to gather some recommendations. Ask your family, friends, and coworkers if they have moved recently and know any good moving companies.
Do Your Own Research on the Recommended Companies
Compile a list of all recommendations you got. Check each company against a number of criteria:
- Find their USDOT number and run it through the FMCSA database
- Check if they offer the services you need (e.g. packing, storage units, or car shipping)
- Read their reviews on Google and Yelp
Get Quotes From Full Service Long Distance Moving Companies
By now, you’ve likely narrowed down the list to registered, full-service companies with a good reputation. Your next task is to find out how much these long distance movers cost. Contact at least three of them and ask for price estimates. Make sure to provide all the information they ask for because that is the only way to get a precise quote. Lastly, choose the best long distance moving services and book the date.
Word of warning: Don’t fall for suspiciously low estimates – this is a dirty tactic scammers often use to lure customers.
Preparing for the Interstate Moving Service
So you’ve found the best one among full service long distance moving companies and booked the relocation date with them. However, your job is not done just yet. There are still things you need to do to prepare for the long distance move.
Keeping Everything Organized
Relocations, especially cross-country ones, are basically a pile of smaller tasks all bundled up together and happening simultaneously. To stay on top of things, our best advice would be to use to-do lists, checklists, or schedules. Some tasks to put on there include:
- Put together and keep track of the moving budget
- Declutter your home and get rid of things you’re not taking with you
- Pack your belongings (unless you’re also booking a packing service)
- Clean the old place and conduct minor repairs (especially if it means getting your deposit back)
- Cancel utilities and set them up at the new place
- Change the address at the USPS and notify other concerned parties
- Make sure the new place is move-in ready
Packing for the Move
Packing is the most tiring and time-consuming part of any relocation. Generally, full service long distance moving companies offer some basic packing as an integral part of their long distance moving services, which covers large furniture and appliances. However, unless you book separate packing services, you will likely have to pack most of your belongings yourself.
Label Your Boxes
This task is not as simple as putting your stuff into boxes and sealing them. Aside from learning how to pack fragile items and looking for packing tips, you should also come up with an efficient labeling system. Every box should be labeled on three sides, clearly marking the contents of the box and the room it goes to. You can also number or color-code the boxes if that is more convenient.
Bag of Essentials
A bag of essentials is a bag you should pack separately from all your other stuff. This bag will travel with you instead of the moving truck, and it should contain all the essentials you’ll need in the first few days in the new home, especially until the moving truck gets there. This includes:
- Toiletries and towels
- Basic clothes
- Meds
- Basic kitchenware
- Bed linen
- Valuables (jewelry, laptop, phone, money…)
- Important documents
If you’re not moving alone, each family member should have their own bag of essentials. If you have pets, don’t forget to pack their essentials, too.
On the Moving Day
The moving day itself will likely be at least a little hectic, no matter how well you prepare. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Book a babysitter or pet sitter for that day if necessary
- Wake up early to be ready when the movers arrive
- Do a final walkthrough of the house and see if you skipped anything
- Create a path for the movers (remove all cables, boxes, toys, or anything else that’s in the way)
- Stay hydrated and don’t forget to eat
- Prepare some food and refreshments for the moving team, too.
How Long Do Long Distance Movers Take?
How long it takes for your stuff to get to the new address highly depends on the distance of the move, as well as logistics. In general, most interstate moving service providers will take one to two weeks to deliver your household belongings. However, this window of time can be considerably shorter or longer – up to three weeks. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so make sure your bag of essentials has enough stuff to last you a few weeks.
Time to Book the Interstate Moving Service!
Now that you know the answers to the questions How long do long distance movers take, What are the best long distance moving companies, and What is considered a long distance move, it’s time to embark on your journey. Good luck and we wish you a great start to the new chapter of your life!