If you are moving halfway across the country, then it is probably safe to assume you have quite a lot of questions. So let’s get started answering them.
Moving Company Or Move Myself?
This is the most critical question you can ask yourself. If you decide to move yourself, you must rent a truck, pack all of your belongings, protect your furniture, hire friends or workers to load and unload the truck, drive it 2400 miles yourself or hire someone to drive it for you. All of this work will be on top of; selling your house, maintaining hours at your job, the responsibilities of your kids, parties with friends to say goodbye and whatever other demands on your time. If you decide to move yourself, you will want to be aware of any road construction, closures, weather issues, and other occurrences like tolls that may affect your route. Pay close attention to the U.S. Department Of Transportation (USDOT).
If you decide to hire a moving company, you can have them handle as much or as little as you like. They will even come in a day or two early and pack up your entire house for you. Though the decision is up to you, it is highly recommended that you hire a reputable moving company if you have anything larger than a two- or three-bedroom house.
While a Google search for the “best moving companies” will yield many answers, but do not be deceived. Google’s rankings can be purchased, and many moving companies do just that. At all costs, try to avoid van lines, they often hire out third parties to do their work if they are overbooked, and are usually of lower quality than smaller private companies.
Moving Costs
The more you are willing to spend, the better the experience you are going to have. Rule of thumb, according to cheapmoversdetroit.com, is to collect at least three quotes from different moving companies. This will give you a good idea of the range you can expect to spend. Of course, your costs will be directly dependent on how much stuff you have for them to move. Translation, the longer it takes, the more money it will cost. Most legitimate moving companies will also offer what is known as transit valuation. This is essentially insurance on your belongings while they are in transit. It is entirely optional, but an excellent idea. Many renters’ and homeowner’s insurance policies cover accidents involved with moving as well, check those policies first.
Most moving companies have a dedicated interstate team. This allows them to pass on savings to you by grouping your shipment into a trailer with many other shipments if space allows. Generally speaking, a three-bedroom house will fill a 26-foot straight truck, the kind you can rent yourself from Penske or Ryder. This, of course, assumes that you have professional movers load the truck. A five-bedroom house, along with all the accruement, basement, garage, shed, patio, etc., is usually enough to fill most of a 53-foot trailer.
The Day Of
The day of your move can be either the most important and most stressful day of the move or the least important and least stressful day of your move. If you were diligent in packing and left nothing loose, you will be in good shape. If you procrastinated, you are going to hate yourself. Most moving companies will sell you boxes and tape and packing supplies. They will even suggest the types of boxes and how many of each you need based on the contents of your home. Often, they do not require you to move with them to purchase packing materials from them. Do not rely on your judgment. Believe it or not, there is a lot of science to moving, and the guys who have done it for a while are truly professional. They know what they are doing, and they take pride in their work.
Costs
It is hard to discuss distinct costs, that is why we suggest you get multiple quotes. It is crucial to keep in mind that local moving costs can differ largely from interstate moving costs. This is because local moves are generally charged on an hourly rate, whereas interstate moves are more regularly charged with a binding estimate. On average, two men could load a three-bedroom house in eight to ten hours.
In the end, moving is all about preparation. Be diligent in the days, weeks, and months leading up to your move, and you will thank yourself thoroughly.