Moving across the country is no simple task. From packing up your stuff to coordinating the move to changing your address to settling in your new home, there are so many to-dos that need to be considered to have a successful move. To help you have an easy time, here are a couple of tips that’ll help bring some sanity into the entire process.
1. Lighten Your Load as Much as Possible
Are you planning on using a moving company? It is essential to keep in mind that the cost of your cross country move will primarily be dependent on how much your belongings weigh. The more things you move, the more it will cost you to move. Considering that most cross country moves cost several thousand dollars, saving money where possible is essential. To lighten your load, contemplate donating some rarely used items to Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill and Salvation Army. You could also sell some of your item through an online marketplace or consignment store.
Take safety seriously, moving companies have had to adjust in a number of different ways to the Coronavirus pandemic. Because of this, it is critical that you make sure that the movers you are working with take every precaution to keep you and your family safe during your move. This includes not only wearing masks and social distancing while moving but a number of other industry best practices as well. It is advisable to call several movers and ask them what kinds of safety procedures they have in place. Compare their answers to a complete online checklist detailing how to move safely during Covid.
2. Find Helping Hands and Assign Tasks
Moving across the country with a family is not easy, and having extra sets of hands can prove useful. As you start packing up your home, ask your kids and spouse to help you. However, you should teach them how to pack moving boxes properly before they start packing. School-age children can assist with packing their rooms. When it comes to it, start by packing non-essentials and items that you will need in the weeks before the move, and then pack essentials last.
3. Get Quotes from Three to Four Movers
Offerings, pricing, and special services vary from one moving company to the other. If you want to hire a mover that offers the solutions you need at a price you can afford, interview three to four movers and compare their quotes.
4. Make Travel Arrangements Beforehand
Do not wait until the very last minute to start booking your travel arrangement. When planning a cross country move, take the time to research and schedule your travel details beforehand, at least a month or so in advance. From hotel reservations to airplane tickets, these travel arrangements are critical to having a successful move.
5. Rent a Portable Moving Container
Apart from hiring a mover, there are other options to cross country relocation. One such alternative involves renting a portable moving container. The good thing about moving containers is that they also can work as storage pods, and quite useful to people who need storage before, during, and after the move. Popular companies that provide moving containers include U-Haul’s U-Boxes, ABF’s U-Pack Relo-Cubes, and PODS amongst others.
6. Find out If the Moving Company is Insured and Licensed
When moving across the country, the last thing you want to do is to work with a rogue mover. Luckily, moving scams are quite easy to spot as long as you know some of the things that raise red flags. Apart from too good to be true moving estimates, most rogue movers will often not be insured or licensed. To check if a mover you are considering is licensed, make time to look them up using their DOT number in FMCSA database. Also, make sure to check if the company is insured. A professional mover should not have a problem providing you the documentation that proves this.
7. Get Moving Insurance
When hiring a mover, take the time to study your valuation coverage options. The free, basic protection most movers offer only covers the bare minimums. If you want more protection, then spend a little more and get Full Value Protection. I recollect getting the same advice from my long-distance movers when I moved for the first time. With this option, your mover is held accountable for the cash value of your items. For a more comprehensive cover, purchase moving insurance from third-party insurers.
8. Document the Condition of All Your Belongings
As you pack your things, consider taking videos or photos of all your items to document their condition before the move. This way, should anything get damaged or breaks while in the hands of the moving company, you’ll have proof that your things were mishandled. Documenting your move can help with filing claims and seeking compensation for damaged items.
9. Bring Valuables and Important Paperwork with You
Do not pack valuable things like family heirlooms and jewelry with the rest of your items. Instead, pack them in a separate bag. The same applies to essential documents and paperwork like your marriage license and birth certificates. Personally carry such items when making a cross country move to guarantee their safety.
10. Pack an Essentials Bag
On the day of your move, make sure that you pack a moving essentials suitcase or bag. The bag should include everything you will need before, during and a few days after the move. These include things like toiletries, medication, important documents, clothing, baby necessities, trash bags, bottled water, toothbrushes, wallets, pet food, extra shoes, and a tool kit.
11. Ask Your Mover for a Contact Number
Cross country moves can take up to a week or even more. To know the status of your moving truck, consider asking the movers for their driver’s contact information. Whether it is by email or phone, Harlem movers or movers from Timbuktu your mover should provide a way you can track the driver. In most cases, a representative of the moving company will keep in touch with the driver and update you on the progress.
12. Examine Your Items Once They Arrive
When unpacking your belongings, carefully examine each item especially valuable or large items like crockery, furniture, and antiques. If any of your items are broken or damaged while in transit, you can file a claim and get compensated. Remember to compare the condition of all your belongings with photos you took before the move.
13. Change Your Address
The good thing about changing your address is that it is easy to do, thanks to technology. Changing your address today is as easy as visiting USPS.com, inputting your new address, choosing a date you want your mail to begin forwarding, and waiting for it to start being delivered at the new address. Changing your credit card billing and bank account address can also be done online.
Cross country moving is not that easy, but with proper planning, it shouldn’t be too much of a hassle. Consider following this Harlem moving infographic, the tips provided here and plan everything to have a smooth move.
We wish you all the best!
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