Long Distance Moving Tips
A long distance move is considered to be a move that is more than 100 miles
form your point of origin. Here is a list of tips to help you prepare for
your long distance move.
- Plan ahead. When you are planning a long distance move, timing is
key. You should begin preparations for your long distance move about 4-6
weeks before your moving date. This should include researching long distance
carriers, ordering packing supplies, and getting rid of all unnecessary
items that you are not planning on taking with you.
- Select a moving company carefully. Choosing a moving company is
one of the most important decisions you will make. You need to know how the
moving company operates in long distance moving. If you have any friends or
family that have recently completed a long distance move, find out what
moving company they used and if they were happy with their long distance
service.
- Get a written estimate. When you have narrowed your list of
possible moving companies down, have them send someone out to give you an
estimate for the moving job. For long distance moves, the moving estimate
will be based on the weight of the move, or total cubic feet. The moving
estimate should also be separated into total weight, or cubic feet, packing
material costs, and labor for packing if you are having a full-service move
done.
- Choosing a date to move. Remember that long distance carriers are
busiest during the end of the month and the summer. Make sure you give
yourself enough time to get everything in order. Also, if you have to move
at the end of the month, make sure you book your moving date well enough in
advance to ensure that you will be able to hire a moving company. Long
distance moves sometimes take a few days to complete, especially if you have
a large move, and you are using full moving and packing services. Most of
the time the company will take one day to pack everything up, and the next
day to load.
- Packing. Your packing should begin a day or two before the actual
date of loading. If you are doing the packing, you will want to start
earlier than that. If the movers are doing the packing, make sure that you
will be available for any questions they may have regarding your belongings.
Make sure to have the items that you do not want packed in another area of
your home so that they do not get packed by the moving company. Also, make
sure that there is no jewelry or money in any drawers because the moving
company is not responsible for these items. These items you should move
yourself. There are also certain items that cannot be packed, such as
perishable food, flammables, plants, etc.
- Clear your entrances. The day before your move, you should make
sure that your home is ready for the movers. This means having a clear
driveway and walkway, and if possible have your neighbors move their cars so
that there will be no cars in front of your home. You need to make yourself
available to the movers in case they have any questions. Make sure that you
give them directions to your new home, and any contact numbers that the long
distance carriers can reach you with.
- Check your inventory list. For long distance moves, the foreman
will create an inventory list of all the items being loaded onto the moving
van. Each item will be numbered and a description will be included. Make
sure that you check the inventory list once loading is complete to make sure
there are no discrepancies. If there is a discrepancy with the list make
sure you inform the foreman and the moving company and make a notation on
the inventory. Documentation is essential.
- Be available at the delivery, with payment. Make sure you are at
your new home at the time of delivery. Payment will need to be made before
unloading. Final payment is usually made by cash or money order, but some
moving companies will accept major credit cards. Make sure you have your
inventory list with you so that you can check off items as they are
unloaded. If anything is lost or damaged take note of this so that you can
contact the moving company to open a claim.
- Check the moving insurance. Basic moving insurance is included
with the rate of the move. This is usually $0.60 per pound per article, or
$60 for every 100 pounds. You need to decide if this is enough for you. You
can purchase full replacement coverage which usually comes with a
deductible.
These tips should help you with planning your long distance move.
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Long Distance Moving Estimate
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