Six Insider Tips for Successfully Moving Across the Country
Moving your home to any new location is a big deal. It’s even more of a challenge when you’re picking up and moving across the country. There are a few tips that can help you maneuver through these uncharted waters. Take a look at these top six insider tips to make your cross-country move a success.
1. Pick experienced movers.
Moving across the country is best completed with professional movers, reports U.S. News & World Report. They have the vehicles, skills, and extra tools to haul your items with incredible care.
These movers should specialize in long-distance moves. If they don’t have these skills, the trip may not be worth the cost. There’s a big difference between moving a few miles or across multiple states.
2. Select an unusual moving date.
If you have some flexibility with your moving date, take advantage of it. Avoid the typical times for a move, which can include:
- weekends
- the 1st or 30th of the month
- summertime
The American Moving & Storage Association recommends an unusual day for your move. Select a Tuesday in the middle of the month during the fall or winter, for instance. You can save hundreds of dollars on premium costs.
3. Discuss specialty concerns.
GQ suggests that everyone should look for multiple quotes. Every mover will have a different cost associated with their services, especially if you have personalized needs.
These circumstances might include scenarios, such as:
- narrow stairwells
- moving a piano or other sensitive item
- disassembling a pool table
Ask the mover to visit your home for a precise quote first. You can discuss with them any specialty issues at that point. Otherwise, they’ll be added to the price when moving day arrives.
4. Know the exact route.
Discuss the best route for the move with your professional movers – usually the straightest pathway between home and the new destination. Avoid mountains and other steep terrains. Moving companies may need to charge more for these routes because of wear on the vehicles and fuel surcharges.
5. Bring a picnic.
Stopping every few hours for a bite to eat will add up in costs. Ideally, bring a cooler with sandwiches and snacks for everyone. Purchase a package of bottled water too. Convenience stores along the way will cost more than loading up your vehicle with the best bites from home.
6. Be picky about accommodations.
There will probably be at least one overnight stay during the cross-country move. Don’t select just any motel along the highway, however. Do some research. Verify if the property has room for moving trucks. Ask for a room close to these parking spots so that you can keep an eye on your belongings. These trucks tend to be targets overnight, which means that brightly lit lots and secure locations are critical to success.
Your movers should become your partners as everyone hits the open road. Don’t hesitate to discuss any concerns with these professionals. They might offer even more tips to make the trip an enjoyable ride.