How To Plan Your Interstate Move
Moving to a new place in a new state is an exciting adventure, and often represents significant turning points in life. But it can also be an exhausting, overwhelming undertaking. Especially if you try to handle everything alone.
Whether you’re moving to start a new chapter in life, chase a dream job opportunity, or simply for a fresh change of scenery, an interstate move requires consideration, organization, patience, planning, and expertise. This is where a friendly, local interstate moving company can be your best, most trusted resource.
At Allegiance Van Lines LLC, we’ve created this comprehensive guide for planning your interstate move with ease.
What Is Considered An Interstate Move?
Before we go any further in explaining how to plan your interstate move, let’s go over what exactly qualifies as an interstate move. Although distance varies based on the moving company, a general rule of thumb is as follows: any move that does not cross state boundaries (up to 400 miles) is considered a local move. Any move that crosses state boundaries and goes beyond a 400-mile radius is considered an interstate move.
This distinction is important when planning your move because interstate moves are monitored by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Interstate carriers must be registered with the Federal government and obtain a USDOT number. Licensed, reputable companies are searchable via the FMCSA database.
Determine Your Needs
Now that you have a better understanding of what constitutes an interstate move, it’s time to think about making a list of everything you’re going to need. It’s easy to get swept away with the excitement, and then get overwhelmed, at the prospect of an interstate move. With so many new possibilities to focus on, you can understandably forget to do a proper assessment of everything you’ll need.
Any interstate move entails many moving parts. You’ll need to know details like the square footage of both the current home and the new one, mileage between each location, and if you own any items that will require specialty packing and shipping (like a piano, for example). During this stage of a cross country move, it’s also essential to determine a moving budget.
Other questions to consider when determining what you need for an upcoming move include estimating packing materials, establishing a timeline, and locating all the important documents to keep with you. This may include items like immunization records (even for pets), passports, leasing or closing documents, and all forms of identification.
Know Your Options
Once you’ve managed to make a list of everything you’re going to need, it’s time to start researching the available options for moving. There are basically three to consider:
- DIY Move
- Partial DIY Move
- Full-service interstate moving company
DIY Move
A do-it-yourself move means handling every single detail, you guessed it: yourself. DIY moves include locating and procuring all the necessary supplies, packing, loading, paying for a rental truck or trailer, and then unloading and unpacking once you’ve arrived at your new location. While this type of move can be beneficial for shorter distances, it’s not the most feasible choice for a long-distance move.
Partial DIY Move
For this option, a portable storage or shipping container can be used. You’re still responsible for all the work of packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking. The only aspect of the move that is taken care of for you is the transportation of the container.
Full-Service Interstate Moving Company
Full-service movers take the guesswork and much of the real work out of an interstate move. With a moving company like Allegiance Van Lines LLC, you’ll get:
- Expert move planning
- Visual surveys
- Storage options
- Wrapping and packing
- Home and property protection
- Transportation
Full service movers exist to make life easier for you. They offer all-inclusive, often customizable options to ensure every detail is taken care of. With move planning services, a moving expert can help you with every step, from determining dates to guiding you through the days leading up to the big move. Visual surveys help the moving crew show up prepared with the right tools, crew size, and materials for packing and protecting your home.
Establish Your Timeline
By now you’ve determined what you need for the move, learned the options, researched moving companies, and need to begin establishing an estimated timeline. You should have selected a moving company no later than one month prior to moving day. Don’t forget to consider all the moving parts, like the two-week notice required by an employer, school withdrawal or break dates, and when a 30-day notice on a rental property is ending.
When constructing and planning your timeline, include the driving time between locations, overnight stays, and breaks. Ideally, you’ll want to have an estimated timeline of your interstate move roughly two months in advance.
Declutter And Organize Ahead Of Time
Make sure to include decluttering and organizing in your timeline. Roughly three months before the move is happening, start decluttering your home. Let go of items you won’t need at the new location or haven’t used in a long time This is an excellent point to start organizing for the move. Grouping items together beforehand can make packing and loading easier later.
The best place to start is in areas of the house you don’t utilize every day. Think of basements, garages, storage rooms, guest rooms, etc.
Interstate Moving Company In Pompano Beach
At Allegiance Van Lines LLC, we strive to offer expert customer service every step of the way. We know how important your family, safety, security, and belongings are, and we take every precaution to ensure they are treated with the highest level of care.
When you’re ready to start planning your interstate move, contact us at 561-210-5120 for a free moving quote. See how our expert 20 years of experience can help make your long distance move hassle-free.