Long-Distance Moving: Everything You Need To Know

How much should I save for a long-distance move?

The average long-distance move costs between $2400 and $5300, but prices can vary from as little as $700 to as high as $7000, depending on the moving company you choose to hire, the size of your home, and the weight of your belongings. Long-distance moving prices are variable. Before you begin the moving process, consider the specifics of your situation and look into several moving companies to see which will offer the best deal for you based on your needs.

What is considered a long-distance move?

Most moving companies consider a move to be long-distance if it exceeds 400 miles. Long-distance moves may include long-haul moving, interstate moving (depending on how far away the new home is), and international moving.

How can I prepare for a long-distance move?

You can prepare for a long-distance move in several ways. First and foremost, hire a moving company in advance. They can work with you as you determine how many of your belongings you want to take to your new location, how long you want the process to take, and more. Second, disassemble large objects whenever possible. This will help prevent the object from breaking during transportation as well as save room on the vehicle you use to transport your items. Third, pack light. You can save money on moving costs by hosting a yard sale before you move, and then use that extra money to purchase any items you need in your new location. Next, pack neatly! The last thing you want is to arrive at a completely unfamiliar place only to discover that you can't find your toothbrush amidst all of your belongings, or your pillow, or a pan with which to cook dinner. Label all of your boxes to make the unpacking process smoother. Lastly, pack safely. Use bubble wrap, newspaper, or socks and clothing to pad fragile items to prevent breakage during transportation.

What shouldn't I take on a long-distance move?

Too much clothing! Depending on the climate of your new location, you may want to go shopping for new clothes when you arrive. You may also find, as you pack for the move, that you have far more clothes than you need, many items of which you no longer wear. Rather than over-packing clothes "just to be safe," pack less than you think you need, and it will probably be more than enough. Another category of items you should avoid taking with you on a long-distance move is bulky items such as television sets, refrigerators, tables, and beds. Do everything you can to sell bulky items before the move and repurchase them in your new location.

Will a long-distance moving company help with packing and planning?

Moving abroad requires planning and logistical skills. Most moving companies will help you with packing your belongings and making arrangements to transport your belongings, and these services are generally included in the costs paid to hire them. Additionally, moving companies typically have equipment and vehicles with barn door openings, ground-level loading, and patented lift systems. These functions can help you load your belongings quickly, efficiently, and securely.

What should I look for when selecting a long-distance moving company?

When selecting a long-distance moving company, there are several things to consider. First of all, be sure to select one that offers moving services to your selected location. Occasionally, some companies advertise as long-distance movers but don't offer international moving services. Next, ensure that the company you hire has the equipment and storage space necessary to accommodate the volume of items you will be moving long-distance. Consider the number of rooms in your current home and call potential moving companies to determine if they can work with your situation. Another important thing to consider is your budget. Although it's always better to opt for high-quality, secure moving services, consider how much money you have saved and what you can afford to spend on hiring a moving company.

Should I use a long-distance moving cost calculator?

Knowing how much the move is going to cost can be very helpful when it comes to planning your move.

What is the best way to long-distance move?

To put it simply--hire a moving company. Taking a trip across the continent--or between continents--might sound intimidating. But the fact is, it doesn't have to be. If you hire a long-distance moving company, they can walk you through the process, offer you tips, and ease your stress related to packing and transportation. Hiring a moving company is the first step you should take to make your trip as smooth as possible.

How do I know which long-distance movers to hire?

Like everything in life, not all moving companies are created equally, and some have superior, higher-quality services. Some ways that you can determine which long-distance moving services are the best for you include looking through verified reviews, seeking multiple estimates, asking friends for recommendations, and checking to see how long the company has been in business and whether or not they have experience with a move similar to yours.

What qualities should I look for in professional movers?

When it comes to hiring a professional, long-distance mover, your priority should be a stress-free experience--from the packing process to the interstate move or cross-country move. You should be able to trust the full-service relocation services provided by experienced professionals, not just because they say you can trust them, but because they show you that you can trust them by being proactive in serving you. Wherever you are, you should feel confident that the full-service moving company can meet and exceed your needs.

Where should I store my belongings until I move?

The moving process and packing process can take a long time, and you may find that you want to start cleaning out your house before you're ready to make the journey. Some long-distance movers double as storage companies and storage solutions and storage services to help you with the whole process. If possible, hire movers who are willing to help with all your moving needs and who will work hard to make your moving experience a good one.

How do local movers handle long-distance moves?

Plenty of local movers offer long-distance services as well as local moving services, and oftentimes, these companies are the best to work with because of their dedication to you and their understanding of your location. Local movers are often more willing to help with the entire moving process rather than just the packing and unloading. Additionally, because of their experience with local and interstate moves, they can be extremely helpful in offering packing techniques and other tips. If you're looking for a mover, opt for one that will transport, load, move, unload, and unpack your belongings for you--you shouldn't have to raise a finger!

What should I expect when moving across the country?

Although moving can be (and often is) a very stressful event, especially when moving across the country, hiring a commercial mover should alleviate the majority (if not all) of your stress. By purchasing moving services, you should be able to sit back, relax, and watch the magic happen. Some of the tasks you can expect your mover to complete include a free quote, safe packing assistance, loading belongings into a moving truck, reliable and efficient transportation, and unloading. You should expect trustworthy, experienced labor services for all of your cross-country relocation requirements.