Moving down the street is hard enough, but moving across the country can seem like a downright harrowing experience. However, if you’re prepared, even a long distance relocation can be smooth sailing.
Because a longdistance move can be an anxietyprovoking situation, we thought it might be helpful to outline a set of tips and tricks that will ensure a stressfree relocation. From packing properly to addressing all the necessary paperwork, let’s check out what it takes to make your move a smooth one.
1. Prepare for Bumps in The Road
After a long winter, many highways (especially up north) are riddled with potholes. If you accidentally hit one of those divots at 65 miles an hour you’ll swear you just drove over a mini-Mariana Trench. For this reason, be sure your belongings are packed tightly, fragile items are well-cushioned, and containers are well-sealed.
For furniture with delicate surfaces, you should wrap the piece in paper, corrugated cardboard, plastic, packing blankets, or depending on the piece, a mix of all the above. For cushioned furniture, use shrink wrap, micro-foam, and blankets to protect the legs and upholstery.
However, bear in mind that shrink wrap shouldn’t be used directly on leather pieces, as it can cause sweating and ruin the hide. In this case, use micro-foam, clean packing blankets, and tape to protect your leather furniture. If you have furniture that’s upholstered in exotic fabrics, contact an experienced moving company that can help you.
2. Insure Your Property
At B.F. Fields Moving & Storage, an award-winning agent for North American Van Lines, we track our driver’s handling performance through a Quality Claims Ratio Program to ensure a smooth move from origin to destination. Additionally, all of our drivers meet—and even exceed—the Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety (FMCSA) Regulations. So, while it is extremely rare, things can happen in a long distance move.
Because of this, it’s important to consider insuring your belongings. Under federal law, all interstate movers must offer at least two different liability options:
- Full/Maximum Value Protection
- Released Value/Basic Liability protection
- As the name implies, Maximum Value Protection (MVP) means your move is liable for the replacement value of the belongings you have shipped. At minimum, the value you declare must be equal to $6.00 per pound times the total weight of your shipment.
On the other hand, released value/basic liability protection only covers $.60 per pound per article. If you’re traveling with valuable items, especially artwork, electronics, or fragile collectables, this is not the plan for you.
If you want more assistance selecting the appropriate level of protection, consult your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy for recommended coverage levels and consult with a professional moving service for guidance.
3. Manage Your Time
Manage your time wisely by delegating tasks clearly, staying organized, and being realistic about what can be accomplished in your timeframe. To reduce moving stress, know what belongings are coming with you and which are traveling with the moving company. To keep the transition running smoothly, we suggest:
- Clearly labeling each box
- Designating packing areas in each room
- Making a schedule
During a relocation you may have a lot on your mind. If you’re moving with a professional moving company, outline questions in advance to ask your Relocation Consultant, especially if you have any special requirements.
4. Eliminate Unnecessary Items From Your Move
No event highlights just how much excess “stuff” we have than moving to a new home. By eliminating some of the unnecessary items from your move, you’ll not only save money in weight, but you could also have the opportunity to make a few bucks in the process.
We suggest having a garage sale prior to moving. You’ll be amazed at how much “stuff” you’re willing to part with. If you don’t have time to organize a garage sale, try selling your items on Facebook Marketplace or good ol’ Craigslist.
5. Keep Special Items Accessible
During the move, it’s important to know which items are coming with you and which are going with the movers. Be sure to clearly mark boxes and communicate with your Move Coordinator as to what is staying with you.
If you have children, we highly recommend allowing them to pack a few favorite toys, games, or books to help them during the transition. Items we recommend keeping with you to make your journey smoother include:
- Cash
- Cell phone
- Cell phone charger
- Collectables
- Credit card(s)
- ID/Driver’s license
- Important personal documents
- Jewelry
- Medications
- Mover’s documents/contact information
6. “Fra-gee-lay…It Must Be Italian”
Be sure to ask a professional moving company about your fragile items. Special preparation should be taken for flat-screen televisions and monitors as well as glass or porcelain pieces. Wrap fragile items in newspaper or Styrofoam before packing it.
Be sure to also clearly mark “extremely fragile” on the box or carton in which it’s packed. When boxing up computers and other electronics be sure to:
- Backup computer files
- Consult your user manual for any additional instructions
- Detach all connecting wires
- Remove and inks and tones from printers
If you’re unsure or uncomfortable with packing fragile items, leave it to the pros. B.F. Fields will pack all of your breakable items with the appropriate packing materials and handling care to ensure they arrive at your destination safe and sound.
7. Some Things You Just Can’t Pack
While a premier moving company will help you move everything they can, there are a few items that are off-limits. It may seem obvious, but compressed gases, corrosives, explosives, flammable liquids, oxidizers, poisons, and radioactive materials are prohibited. Other more typical items that can’t be moved include:
- Automotive Maintenance chemicals
- Fireworks
- Gasoline
- Lighter fluid
- Matches
- Nail polish remover
- Oxygen bottles
- Paints and paint thinners
- Propane cylinders
- Radio-pharmaceuticals
Move with a Professional
Relocating across state lines can be a difficult transition. This is especially true if you have children, pets, and a lot of valuable items to move. To greatly reduce the stress of your relocation, contact B.F. Fields Moving & Storage to do the planning and heavy lifting.
Moreover, as an agent for North American Van Lines, we have a network of agents and a fleet of trucks to relocate your belongings around the corner or anywhere in the world. If you have a vehicle to ship or a treasured family heirloom that needs special consideration for moving, our professional staff will find solutions that best meet your needs.
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