How to Prepare for Moving Across the Country

There are a lot of reasons that people move across the country. Some people get a new job or promotion, and others do it to be closer to family. Whatever the reason, moving across the country is a large undertaking. Even when getting the help of a moving company, there are still a lot of things you have to do and understand before you ever get to hit the road. Since moving across the country is not an easy task, making plans and preparing for the move are of utmost importance.

Making preparations to move

When preparing to move, it is essential to start making your plans as far in advance as you possibly can. Finding the right moving company can be a daunting task, and you will want to have enough time to interview and receive quotes from your top choices. You will also have to know when you want the move to happen. The earlier you start the process, the less stressful it will be.

How do I know what moving company to choose?

A lot of different resources exist on the internet to help you look into moving companies. These moving companies will often have testimonials on their sites, and you can find pages like Yelp to help you see other user reviews and comments. Word of mouth should provide you with a good look into the legitimacy of a company.

When you are getting quotes from companies, check to see what full-service options they have. See if they have packing professionals who can assist in your move and how much their rates are. Paying a professional to pack your home may be cheaper than buying the packing supplies on your own.

When getting a quote, a representative from the moving company should come and visually see what you need to be moved. The reason moving companies do this with moves across the country is that these moves are made based on weight and not the number of rooms. The company cannot provide you an accurate quote without visually looking at your belongings.

The companies that you look into for your moving needs should be able to produce their licensing to you when you request it. Only go with moving companies who are fully insured and licensed. This is for your protection and the protection of your items.

Never settle for the first quote that you get. You want to find a company that is fair in its pricing and competitive. Not all moving companies are made the same, and if you try to get the cheapest deal, you may also be getting the cheapest quality. You don’t have to worry about that if you choose Three Movers for your moving needs. Being in business for over 20 years has given the company a competitive edge, and they know what clients want.

Declutter and Document

Moving across the country is the perfect time to get rid of things that you no longer need or use. It doesn’t make any sense for you to pay to move it if you aren’t going to use it. Before you receive your finalized quote, either sell or donate the items, you aren’t going to take with you on your move. You can also set them aside and let the moving company know that those will not be included in the move.

For the items you do plan on moving, make sure you begin documenting them. Take pictures of items that are higher priced so that you can compare them after the move to make sure nothing was damaged. Having this prepared ahead of the move will also help if you need to file an insurance claim, should there be any damage. It may be a good idea to get extended insurance coverage if you discover you have items that total more than the payout provided.

What will a moving company NOT ship?

The contract that you sign with a moving company should prepare you for the items that they will not ship. If they have other preparation tasks, those will be included in your paperwork as well. Pay close attention to the items that your professional moving company will not transport from your current location to your new one.

• Hazardous materials
  • Corrosives
  • Ammonia
  • Bleach
  • Nail polish removers
  • Acetone
  • Paint thinners
  • Other chemicals
• Combustible and flammables
  • Paint
  • Aerosols
  • Lighter fluid
  • Propane tanks
  • Kerosene
  • Charcoal
• Pets
• Plants
• Explosive materials
  • Fireworks
  • Ammunition
• Food
  • Perishables
• Valuables
  • Jewelry
  • Cash
  • Checkbooks
  • Credit cards
  • Personal and financial documents
  • Medicines

For things that can be replaced, like cleaning supplies and perishable foods, moving companies won’t move these because they pose a threat to the items in the truck if they go bad or explode. Some plants are not allowed to cross state borders. Soil contamination or insects could be transferred in plants so to cover all areas, and they generally aren’t going to be allowed in the moving truck.

As for your pets, they would not fare well in the back of a moving truck. You wouldn’t ride in the back of a moving truck across the country, why would you expect your pets? Your valuables are important. Even the ones that are only sentimentally valuable should be moved with you and not in the back of a moving truck. If it is something that cannot be replaced, it shouldn’t be put in the truck.

Finalizing Your Move

Once the moving day arrives, you should have your plans laid out on how you are getting to the new place. You may be flying and staying at a hotel until your things arrive and having the moving company tow your vehicle, or you may be making a road trip out of it with the family. Whatever your decision is for getting to your new home, make sure that you and the driver exchange information. If something is holding you up and you won’t arrive on time, you will want to make sure they know. They should do the same for you.

Using a company like Three Movers will help you know what is going on every step of the shipping process. Moving experts, like ours, handle your belongings as if they were moving their own. The comforts of home are brought to you by our efficient moving procedures. No move is too big for Three Movers, call for a quote today.