Moving is a stressful time for even the most organized of people, and when the move is from one city to another over long distances, it becomes a daunting task. The checklist of things to do is a mile long, and it is made worse when the move is last minute. Care must be taken to not miss any details because forgetting something important is made worse if the mistake is realized two states away.
A moving company helps remove many of the stresses of moving to another city. Full services movers step in and take much of the work of packing off your shoulders, and they even tackle the arduous task of connecting and disconnecting appliances. If you are taking on a long distance move, consider hiring a professional long distance moving company. It will make your life much easier.
Benefits of Moving Companies
Hiring professionals provides numerous benefits when moving any distance, but especially long cross-state distances. Movers often provide high quality moving supplies and can pack your items safely and efficiently. Beyond that, there are numerous reasons you should consider a moving company.
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Peace of Mind – Movers are experts at navigating roads and challenging terrain in a large moving truck. They keep your belongings safe and protected.
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Saves Time – Movers save you time by taking on some of the tedious moving tasks, such as packing and unpacking or loading and unloading. They can also provide decluttering and cleaning services.
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Cost-Effective – There is a misconception that moving companies are more expensive than going it alone. With the time, energy, and packing materials needed, plus the moving truck, all of these things add up to be more expensive and exhausting.
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Safer and Prevents Injuries – Movers are trained professionals with the proper gear to handle the heavy lifting. If you are not used to lifting and moving heavy furniture or appliances, you risk significant injury or damage to your belongings.
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Efficient – Movers get more done in a quicker time frame. This is especially important if you have a short timeline in which to move.
Services Moving Companies Offer
The most basic service long distance moving companies offer is moving a person's belongings from one home to another. Usually, they will load and unload the truck, which can be the hardest part of a move. Moving companies offer to add on services that can help people even further depending on their needs and budget. These services usually come with additional costs.
Packing and Unpacking – Moving companies can help you professionally pack your belongings and provide the packaging supplies needed. Once you arrive at your destination, they can help unpack everything as well.
Disassembly and Reassembly – Movers can take apart your furniture for easier moving and help put it back together at the new location. This is especially helpful if you are not handy with a tool set.
Moving Bulk Items – Heavy items are the most challenging to move in a home, such as a piano, hot tub, or pool table. Moving companies have crews that can professionally and safely move large items from one location to another without injury to themselves or your property.
Appliances – Some movers can handle complex disconnections and reconnect them at the new location. This saves you time and money since you do not have to hire a contractor to come in and connect everything. It also allows you to start using your appliances right away instead of having to wait for your scheduled hook up day.
How Much Do Moving Companies Cost?
Moving companies do not offer flat-rate services. The cost of moving depends on various factors, and they will offer general quotes.
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Most costs are based on the distance between the two locations, including gas mileage and wear and tear on the moving truck.
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The company also considers the weight of the household goods, which determines the labor needs and the amount of gas used.
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If you add on any additional services, expect to pay more in addition to the cost of moving your items. Many companies allow you to request additional services, supplies, or storage of your property.
Moving Companies Available
There are two types of moving companies: moving container companies or full-service movers. The following list offers you both types. In general, if you are moving within the United States, then the full service mover will be the type of company you want. However, if you are moving from coast to coast, or outside of the U.S. then container shipping companies are more economical.
American Van Lines offer local and long-distance moves and handle all moves within the company instead of outsourcing. They offer full-service moving, including dismantling furniture, packing, transporting, and reassembling your furniture at delivery. Storage is an additional feature, and allows you to store your belongings in secure, private locations located across the country.
International Van Lines provides long-distance, international moves, and auto transportation. They offer full-service moving, and includes packing and supplies, insurance, debris removal, storage, disassembling and reassembling furniture.
U-Box is a moving container option that provides containers to a person's current residence. Then you take your time packing the container with items from your home. When it is ready, U-Haul comes and transports the boxes to the new location. U-Box offers moving supplies and the ability to use the boxes as storage at one of their many U-Haul locations across the United States or on the homeowner's property. The size of the box needed will determine the cost along with the distance traveled and the storage costs, if needed. U-Haul provides a service to help find local movers that act as an add-on service, if you need help to pack and load your furnishings into the U-Box.
Mayflower Transit provides local, international, and long-distance moving services. They are a full-service moving company that offers removal of trash and debris, packing and unpacking, disassembly and reassembly, as well as furniture placement. Depending on where you are moving, you may want to also utilize their move coordinators, and get insurance as an add-on service. Mayflower Transit offers storage options through branded and third-party options.
PODS is a popular moving container option that offers DIY moving services through multiple size options of moving containers. They transport the PODS locally or long distances and provide storage if needed. PODS hire local moving companies to help with additional services such as packing, loading, and unloading.