Making a Long-Distance Move? Follow These Tips!

If you’re planning a move across the country or even across your state, you may have noticed that the process is a bit more complicated than moving within the same metroplex. One of the biggest differences is time. While a typical move might be completed in one day or over a weekend, a long-distance move can take up to two weeks to complete.

With all of the different factors you need to consider in your long-distance move, it’s important that you plan ahead and get organized. Here are some tips to ensure your long-distance move goes smoothly.

Hire a Reputable Moving Company

When you’re trusting professional movers to transfer all of your belongings across the state or country, you want to make sure it’s a reputable company. Before you even ask for a quote, you should read reviews and confirm that the company is licensed through the FMCSA to ensure you aren’t falling victim to a moving scam.

Once you’ve narrowed down the field to real, trusted moving companies, take the time to request quotes and see how much experience the mover has in managing long-distance moves. The key is to hire a mover backed by a national company like Allied, so you know they have the resources and reach to handle your long-distance move.

Some factors to consider when looking for a long-distance mover include:

• References provided by the moving company, like a Better Business Bureau accreditation
• In-home or virtual estimates which provide a more accurate quote by inspecting the actual items that need to be moved
• Proper licensing, permits and insurance to relocate across state lines

It’s critical to hire your moving company as soon as possible to give them ample notice. Typically, you should schedule an estimate about six weeks before the moving date and officially book the mover at least four weeks in advance, especially if you plan to move during the summer’s peak moving season.

Beyond the basic services your mover provides, you may also want to consider paying for a full service move that includes packing and unpacking. While it may cost a little more upfront, you gain a lot of time back to handle any other logistics involved with your long-distance move.

Plan, Plan and Plan Some More

Unlike a standard move across town, a long-distance move doesn’t make it easy to go back and forth between homes to get everything situated. You need to take the time to plan out a schedule and get everything organized before the movers show up.

Here are some of the logistics you should sort out for your long-distance move:

• Create a timeline. Start with the date you plan to be at your new place and work backwards to determine your schedule for when to book the movers, when to start packing and when to cancel or transfer utilities. Check out our recommended moving timeline.
• Label everything. If you’re handling the packing yourself, label all of your boxes clearly so it’s much easier to organize and unpack at the new place.
• Set aside clothes. It may be up to two weeks before your moving truck of belongings shows up to the new house, so make sure to separately pack some clothes, toiletries and anything else you’ll need for that transition.
• Plan for pets. If you have any pets, consider finding a daycare or pet sitter for days when the movers are at the house. You’ll also need to plan for travel. Research how to travel with pets by plane if you’re flying to your new home, or book pet-friendly hotels if your travel includes a multiple day road trip.
• Donate unwanted items. Moving is a great time for a fresh start. While you’re packing, consider whether you want to donate any of your clothes or furniture. Allied Van Lines has partnered with the Salvation Army to donate your items with proceeds going to families recovering from addiction. Allied can also donate any unwanted food items to your local food pantry through our partnership with Move for Hunger! You can lighten your load, reduce the cost of your move and give back to those in need.

Simplify Your Long-Distance Move with Allied

Long-distance moves can seem overwhelming, but they’re a lot more manageable when you break everything down into steps and work with a knowledgeable moving provider to help you along the way.

Allied has been helping people move across town and across the country for more than 90 years. With reputable moving agents nationwide, we have the resources and availability to make your move as seamless as possible. Learn more.