Cost of Interstate Moving
The cost of interstate moving can vary greatly depending on several factors. These factors include the distance of the move, the size and weight of the belongings being transported, additional services required, and the moving company chosen — among many other aspects. For the most accurate pricing tailored to your own unique circumstances, it’s always recommended to obtain quotes from multiple moving companies.
Interested in learning more about the factors involved in determining the price of an interstate relocation?
- Distance: The distance between your current location and the destination plays a significant role in determining the cost of professional long distance moving services. Moving across state lines typically involves higher costs compared to local or intrastate moves due to increased fuel expenses and transportation logistics.
- Weight and volume: Most moving companies charge based on the weight or volume of the items being transported. The more belongings you have, the higher the cost. Some moving companies may also consider the specific items being moved, such as furniture or delicate items, which can affect the overall price.
- Additional services: If you require additional services beyond basic transportation, such as packing, unpacking, furniture disassembly, reassembly, or storage, these services will result in added costs. It’s essential to discuss these requirements with the moving company beforehand to obtain accurate cost estimates.
- Time of year: The time of the year can impact the cost of interstate moving. Peak moving seasons, which generally occur during summer months and holidays, tend to have higher prices due to increased demand. If possible, consider scheduling your move during off-peak seasons to potentially save money.
- Access and logistics: Factors such as accessibility to your current and new residences, the presence of stairs or elevators, and the need for specialized equipment can influence the cost of your interstate move. If the movers face challenges during the loading or unloading process, additional charges may apply.
Packing for an Interstate Move
One of the most overwhelming parts of any move is packing. It can be a long-winded and tiring process, and many people dread it for these reasons. However, packing for your interstate move doesn’t need to feel like a struggle. Learn some helpful tips below!
- Start early and create a packing timeline.
- Sort and declutter your belongings.
- Gather plenty of packing supplies.
- Pack room by room.
- Protect your fragile items thoroughly.
- Create an inventory list.
- Use clothing and linens for padding.
- Don’t overload your boxes.
- Pack your essentials separately.
How to Find an Interstate Moving Company?
When completing an interstate relocation, it’s important to find a moving company you can rely on to bring you the very best results and get the job done right. Not sure of the most effective way to search for interstate movers? Discover how to secure reliable movers in just a few simple steps!
- Ask for recommendations. Start your search by requesting recommendations from trusted friends, family members, and neighbors. These people will be able to provide their honest reviews of any moving companies they’ve worked with and let you know about the quality of their services.
- Verify the credentials. After finding the names of some companies to research, verify their credentials first. They should be licensed with the U.S. Department of Transportation and be in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. Check to make sure they have all the necessary items before contacting them for an estimate.
- Check reviews online. Once you verify a company’s credentials, be sure to read through reviews online. This is a great way to figure out the general consensus about a company’s services. Online reviews can often provide a very candid picture of the solutions a company offers and any issues customers have run into.
- Request rates from several companies. As a rule of thumb, you should usually request in-home estimates from at least three moving companies. This allows you to get a better grasp of the average price your service will cost, while also shopping around for a good deal. Plus, you can find the company that has the best solutions for your needs.
- Be mindful of any red flags. Before you book your movers, look out for any warning signs they may present. Suspiciously low prices, asking for a large sum of money upfront, going through several business name changes, and many more are frequent red flags that rogue movers display. Stay aware of the various tactics these scammers use.
Moving Day Checklist for an Interstate Move
If you’re searching for a checklist of tasks before your big moving day, you’ve come to the right place. Discover our comprehensive to-do list below, and get prepared for your interstate relocation!
- Double-check logistics:
- Confirm your moving company’s arrival time.
- Ensure that you have the necessary keys to both your current and new residences.
- Prepare any required parking permits or parking spaces for the moving truck.
- Protect your belongings:
- Keep valuables and essential items with you, including important documents, jewelry, and medications.
- Protect fragile items by packing them securely and labeling their boxes as fragile.
- Clean and prepare your current home:
- Tidy each room after it has been emptied.
- Check closets, cabinets, and storage areas to make sure nothing is left behind.
- Secure your new home:
- Arrive at your new residence before the moving truck to make sure it’s ready.
- Complete a walkthrough to ensure the space is clean and to document any pre-existing damage.
- Check that utilities, such as electricity, water, and gas, are functioning correctly.
- Take care of yourself and your family:
- Stay hydrated and have snacks readily available during the moving process.
- Rest when needed and pace yourself to avoid exhaustion.
- Unpack and settle in:
- Prioritize unpacking essential items first, such as bedding, toiletries, and kitchen essentials.
- Take your time to unpack and organize each room in an orderly fashion, considering your desired layout and functionality.
Tips for a Successful Interstate Move
Looking for methods to make your interstate move as simple and straightforward as possible? Our five easy steps can improve the process and make it feel like a breeze!
- Plan and organize in advance. Start planning your move well in advance to allow yourself enough time to tackle all the necessary tasks without rushing. The more organized you can be, the better — this will make your move infinitely easier and less stressful. Creating a detailed moving checklist can help you to keep track of what needs to get done and the deadlines you need to meet.
- Declutter and downsize. Before you start packing, take the time to declutter what you no longer want or need in your home. This is the time to donate, sell, or throw away your old forgotten items and the things you never use, rather than wasting time and energy on packing them and transporting them to your new home.
- Pack strategically and label boxes. Pack your belongings in a strategic manner, starting with non-essential items and gradually moving to the essentials. You should also work through the process one room at a time, preventing items from different rooms from ending up in the same boxes. As you pack, be sure to label your boxes thoroughly so you can easily see what contents are inside.
- Communicate with your moving company. Prioritize maintaining open and clear communication with your moving company throughout the entire relocation process. Provide them with all the necessary details about your move, including any special requirements and potential challenges your movers may encounter.
- Take care of personal logistics and essentials. Transfer your utilities, such as electricity, water, gas, and internet, to your new address with plenty of time to spare. Additionally, notify important parties, such as banks, insurance companies, and government agencies, of your change in address to prevent any missed communication and to keep all records up-to-date.