We all know that when it comes time to move, there is a lot more to do than just packing a few boxes. Making the decision to move is not one to be taken lightly. The list of things needing to be done seems endless. Hiring a long-distance moving service should be a part of your moving plans. But when do you call them?
Below is our list of things ‘TO-DO’ in addition to hiring a long-distance moving service.
Moving Checklist:
- Start researching long-distance moving services. It's great to give yourself some time to thoroughly explore the different options. You want to find the best long-distance moving rates and services for your budget.
- Declutter and downsize. Moving is the best time to sort through your belongings and get rid of items you no longer need or use. Things like clothing, toys, and books are common things people ditch when decluttering. If you have larger items to dispose of like furniture or gym equipment, you may want to have a garage sale or sell things online. If you're really lucky, you can even make enough money from selling your things to pay for some of the moving costs!
- If you have kids, call their school. Be proactive and get report cards or progress reports sent over to the new school they will be attending.
- Start packing. Start with the least used spaces. Then start packing up all items in each space. Use proper moving materials and label each box as you go.
- Do a change of address and notify your bank, doctor, and dentist and any magazine or newspaper subscriptions you may have, about your move.
When to Call A Moving Company
Ideally, 2-3 months before your moving date, contact the long-distance moving service of your choice. Get several quotes before deciding. Most moving companies can also accommodate a last-minute move, so if you have less than two months before your moving date, don't be too worried. It's just better for everyone to have as much time as possible to be prepared. Especially when moving long-distance.
At Total Distance Solutions, we call every client the day before moving day to confirm all the details of the move. Most reputable moving companies will do the same. It’s important to firm up plans as sometimes circumstances can change and there may be an extra piece of equipment needed for the move, or there may be unforeseen circumstances that have altered plans. Our moving company is very flexible and will do our best to accommodate our customers to the best of our ability.
Best Long-Distance Periods
If you have the option of what time of year to move, the best long-distance periods are during the off-season. That is August-April. Obviously, moving during the winter months presents weather-related challenges and is not always ideal either. If you are able to move before or after the snow starts to fly, you will get the best of both worlds: good weather and best long-distance moving rates.
If you are unable to choose to move during the best long-distance periods, then moving companies will be busier as May-July is peak season. Book your moving company as soon as you can. If getting the best long-distance moving rates is your goal, and you have some flexibility in your moving schedule, then book your move during our best long-distance periods. Regardless of what time you move, great moving companies like Total Distance Solutions will always try to get you the best rate for your budget.
Best Long-Distance Moving Rates
If you have a few months before you need to move, spend as much time as possible doing your research to find the best long-distance moving rates.
A reputable long-distance moving service is transparent with their pricing. Check out their websites to see what you can find about their pricing. A trustworthy long-distance moving service will also offer you a free quote. This quote should be more than just a standard, cookie-cutter price. They should ask specific questions about your moving situation.
Get up to 3 different quotes from 3 different companies. This will give you a sense of who offers the best long-distance moving rates and when are their best long-distance periods for moving. Make sure to read other customers’ reviews. This gives you a good sense of what type of moving service each company offers, from a customer’s point of view.
Remember that the cheapest price isn’t always the best option. Be clear on what services are offered in the estimate. Oftentimes spending a bit more to take advantage of the professional moving services offered (like expert packing and unpacking, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and using proper packing materials) can cost more upfront but save you more in the long run.
Make sure the moving company offers insurance. If they don't, this could be a red flag that they are not trustworthy professionals. There are a lot of pop-up moving crews that offer to move you from point A to point B but do not use best practices. Sure, they could be cheap up front, but you may end up paying more to replace your valuables due to damage or theft. That is not a situation anyone wants to deal with.
Many moving companies will only ensure boxes backed by their professionals. Paying for this service not only offers you the security that your items are insured in the rare case of damage, but you can also rest easy knowing your valuables have been properly packed and, the best part, you didn't have to do the momentous task yourself! That, in itself, is worth its weight in gold!
Why Hiring A Long-Distance Moving Service Is A Smart Choice
If you shop around for the best long-distance moving rates and find yourself a great long-distance moving service, you can check off the most important task on your “To-do” list. Hiring a reliable and high-quality long-distance moving service, like Total Distance Solutions, allows you to feel secure about your move. There are enough things to worry about while moving, let the experts take care of the hard part.
