There is always much speculation as to what a long-distance move is all about.
Truth is that a long-distance move can happen within the same state and a state-to-state move that is just 50 to 100 miles away from your actual destination.
A local move is very direct whereas long-distance moves take time, planning, paperwork, preparation, and so on.
This article will talk about everything related to long-distance moves. Firstly, you need to know what makes a long-distance move.
When is Considered a Long-Distance Move?
A move is said to be a long-distance move when it is more than 400 miles. Any move that is below the miles, such as 100 or 50 miles is called local moves.
It is also known as an interstate move, a cross-country move, or a long-haul move, based on the distance involved and its destination.
Cross-country and interstate moves are the moves that involve crossing state borders which are not always involved in all long-distance moves.
Types of Long Distance Moves
There is a difference in all long-distance moves. Long-distance moving companies have experience in performing any size of long-distance moves. Whether you are moving a studio or need to relocate workers of a corporation to another state, Adams Van Lines is available to help you with your next long-distance move.
Below are the different types of long-distance moves:
Small Move
In general, a small move is the one where you are moving fewer items and, in most cases, this is because of the smaller space that you live in.
We may take the types of a home listed below as small moves:
- 1-3 bedroom apartment
- 1 bedroom house
- Studio apartment
- Dorm room
- Storage unit
We may also consider the long-distance moves below as small moves:
- Distributing family heirlooms
- Moving a small shop or office
- Assisting parents to move into a senior living facility
- Sending a few belongings to a friend in another state
- Moving young adult out of the house of his/her parent
Household Moves
This needs special authority to ship customers’ belongings from one state to another. This is an authorization granted by federal regulators.
Household movers that offer interstate moving, such as Adam Van Lines must stick to regulations specially made to protect you at any stage of the move.
What is the Cost of a Long-Distance Move?
The price of a long-distance move is generally calculated by the weight as well as the size of the items. Prepare between $850 and $4,500 to move a 1-bedroom apartment. Prices will be largely different based on your location (the cost of a move from Manhattan to Los Angeles is charged at $2,500) and the shipment weight.
What are the common surprise charges in long-distance moves?
- Crowded or city areas might require transporting of your belongings to your front door using shuttle service since the moving truck is too large to fit or park closer to the destination. This can increase the final moving cost from $300 – $500.
- If your new home is not ready yet, the moving company will place your household goods in temporary storage. Based on the number of items you have, the cost can range from $150 – $1,000 per month.
- There are moving companies that offer a guaranteed delivery date. The pricing is based on the volume of household goods and the flexibility of the driver (regarding the route). This will increase your final bill by $300 – $1,500. Less availability of your moving company will lead to more charges.
How do you discover the Best Long-Distance Moving Company?
Immediately you are sure of the number of belongings you are moving with you, you can now choose a moving company. Begin your research by obtaining moving quotes for long-distance moves from many reputable full-service moving companies.
We look into the licensing and insurance qualifications of the company, so you don’t stress yourself.
Follow reviews from real customers sharing their experiences.
Moving companies should possess the right documentation, insurance, and licensing to legally provide moving services to you. These include:
- United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) number
- Interstate Commerce Commission Motor Carrier number (ICCMC) for companies established before 1995
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) registration
- State-regulated insurance card
Things to consider in a Long-Distance Moving Company you Plan to Hire
When you are in search of a mover to perform your long-distance move, there are many qualifications they must possess.
Unlike local moves, long-distance moves, especially the ones that involve crossing state lines, require a special license to move your belongings across the nation. Licenses are provided for long-distance movers by federal regulators.
If the long-distance movers you are looking to hire are providing moving services for interstates, they will be required to provide a USDOT number license issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
How Do You Get Ready To Move Long Distances?
Give yourself enough time to tell those who deserve to know that you are moving.
Begin with, a least:
- Doctors, dentists, and other healthcare providers
- Banks, credit cards, student loans
- Schools
- Employers
- Insurance providers
- the US Postal Service
- Conduct research on the requirements of applying for a driver’s license in your new state.
- You don’t have to change insurance providers when you relocate to another state, which makes the moving a bit easier.
- Switch your account about one month before your move.
- Inform them of when you would like them to turn off the services, which should normally be the day after leaving the home.
- At the same time, you also will need to inform the utility companies in your destination and set up new accounts. Utility accounts, such as water, gas, and electricity should be switched on a day before your move-in date.
- Set up your telecommunications a few days before your move-in so that you can decide where the components will be positioned in advance of drilling holes in your wall.
How Is Packing For A Long-Distance Move Done?
As your moving day draws closer, begin to make a list of all the items you need to move with you. Since your household belongings will be going on a long-distance, you will want to be very careful when packing them.
Pro Tips
Label the moving boxes you pack yourself as “Packed by Me” so you don’t get charged for packing them. But make sure you are careful when packing the boxes, as the moving company will not be liable for damaged items in these boxes. Pack suits, coats, and other items that require hanging into wardrobe boxes.
You can fold your highly durable clothing items into trash bags. Pack your shoes in their original box (if you still have them). Even though you can pack your clothes and other items yourself, the best you can do may be to let your movers wrap up and pack the following for you:
- Large appliances
- Heavy furniture
- Any oversized items
- Antiques
- Artwork
Before you load any item in the moving truck, the moving company will get your items as well as their condition before moving listed on a Household Goods Descriptive Inventory document.
The movers will ask you to review this list and sign it before moving your belongings. Get ready to move with any essential items and some necessities you will need for your first few days in the new home.
Items like the following should be included:
- Contact numbers and information of moving company
- Vital documents, such as social security cards, birth certificates, and so on.
- Medications
- Any valuable items like tablets, old photos, jewelry, and so on.
- Few changes of clothes
- Toiletries and towels
- Any other items you would need should the moving truck get delayed.
What Type of Insurance is needed for a Long-Distance Move?
Ensure that all the items you move is insured. No matter the expertise of your moving company, there is still a possibility of damage to your belongings during packing, when they are in transit, or as they are being moved into your new home.
Even though not common, there is also a possibility of complete loss of your belongings to theft, fire, or natural disaster. That is why you should ensure your goods are protected from wear and tear of moving and from any possibility of ugly incidents.
The following are to be considered before you select liability insurance:
- Determine if your current household insurance company will cover your items during your move. If so, you don’t need to spend money on supplemental insurance again.
- You can get a moving company to insure your move yourself. This may be less expensive than using a provider affiliated with your moving company.
- To get the widest coverage, you should purchase full-value protection. This service will make sure the moving company repair, replace or reimburse you with cash for all lost or damaged items, up to the current market value of the item.
Other Things You Should Know Concerning Long-Distance Moves
- Delivery plan: Check the parking regulations in your new area. If your move is headed into an apartment complex, speak with the property manager to get access to the freight elevator.
- Check the delivery for any lost or damaged items: Check everything over and over. If you notice any damage after you sign the inventory list, filing a claim and getting compensated by your moving company may be difficult.
- Tip your movers to appreciate them and give them water or other refreshments even as they work.
Final Words
Regardless of where you are moving to, a new country, city, or state, you want to know the facts. And you also will want to get support from those who understand everything about the moving process.
Moving companies are the best place to start. To get more help with your local or long-distance moves, contact Adams van Lines.
