Depending on the circumstances, a long distance move can be an extremely mental and physically draining process. There could be a multitude of reasons that an individual, couple, or family will have to uproot to move a considerable distance away from where they currently live. Sometimes this move will be from a place where a person has lived for awhile or most of their life and to a place they’ve only been a few times, if at all. When the dynamic of time sensitivity is involved along with having to transport a great deal of possessions to new a location, the situation can become more like a challenge than anything else. The major influencing factors to be aware of when making a long distance move are really just 3 to 4 things: what determines a move as long distance, how to prepare for a long distance move, if you’re going hire a long distance moving company and if you are how do those companies determine their pricing?
What determines a move as long distance
In the moving service industry, there is actually a widely accepted distance of what determines a moving job local or long distance. To be considered a long distance move the relocation project is typically 400 miles or more. Long distance moves go by several names in the industry also. With interstate moves, cross-country moves, or out of state moves among some of the main terms that a person may hear from different professionals in the moving business. Depending on the state in which you’re moving from and to, there may be regulations in place as well that will influence how you are able to transport your possessions in and out of state. It is good to be aware of those regulations and to find that information a person just needs to contact the Department of Transportation (DOT) or better yet visit Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration . On their website they have a database of regulations that you can look into to ensure safety to yourself and other travelers that you may share the road with. If you do use a moving company they should be aware of these regulations and also will have the necessary documentation that DOT requires a long distance moving companies to have. It is imperative that if you do use a moving company for that job that you ask questions in regard to compliance of those regulations. A moving company that is legally allowed to relocate your belongings out state will have a USDOT number. Ask them about it. It will tell you everything you need to know about whether they are qualified to handle any occurrences that may arise during your interstate relocation.
How to prepare for a Long Distance Move
It’s important to consider a few important things when moving cross-country or out-of-state. Those being the effects of certain possessions packed inside of a vehicle for more than a few hours and in some cases for several days. The type of climate that those items will be exposed to can cause unexpected changes to those items that are being transported for longer than normal durations. For instance, freezing temperatures could make certain glass items more susceptible to cracks and or fissures. Especially if there is any moisture trapped that a person may be unaware of. Of course it depends on the quality of the glass but for sensitive materials measures can be taken for how those items are stored in the vehicle to help mitigate heat loss or drastic temperature changes. High temperature or thermal changes will have other effects on other types of items when they are enclosed for a long period of time. Not to get too deep into chemistry, but as we learned in school, heat causes materials to expand. This effect can cause certain items to become warped or misaligned. This also depends on the type of organic materials that compose those items along with the quality but it is something that may be important to consider for some of your items that may have sentimental value to you. Those items could be older pictures, frames, plastics or albums. An experienced moving company will have a process if you’re transporting any type of liquid substance as well. Without professional guidance, an individual should definitely exercise caution and do research on how to properly transport liquid substances if it is something that they must do.
Hiring Long Distance Movers
One thing for sure is that there is no shortage of moving companies vying for the business of those people looking to move long distance. So it may be difficult to determine who is the right company for the job if that is the route you are looking to take. It is imperative that this decision isn’t based solely on price. It should consider trust, experience, and the company’s ability to provide the proper licensing and insurance for the job. Anyone with a box truck or a U-Haul rental can promote themselves as a professional capable of doing a long distance haul across the country. But the truth is that legally, there are compliance measures that a moving company must have to ensure that a person’s possessions are covered. There is great risk in hiring just anyone to transport your items without the experience and insurance in place in the case of any mishap. A professional mover will not just have moving expertise but will provide insurance coverage for any unexpected events that may happen during an interstate move. It is usually recommended by professional moving companies that insurance coverage be purchased, especially for moving long distances. According to the American Moving & Storage Association, 80% of all moves have no claimed filed.
It is apparent that hiring the right moving company for a long distance move can make a big difference on how smoothly that moving job will turn out. With a professional mover you help to reduce a considerable amount of risk involved with interstate moving process by transferring the liability of some of the damages that could possibly happen. As stated before a professional mover will know how to avoid most of the risks involved with moving. Keep in mind that these companies for the most part will have other charges associated with a long distance move, such as fuel charges and charges based on weight or price per pound. Sometimes a long distance moving company will calculate charges based on a price per mile rate. So be sure to ask the moving company that you plan to hire, how they come up with their pricing. Needless to say, it is therefore a good practice to call and speak with the moving company that will be hired as well as ask them some questions regarding the things mentioned above.
JD Johnson Moving Company is a licensed professional moving company that is equipped for long distance moving. Whether you’re moving within the state of North Carolina or out of the state, rest assured that JD Johnson Moving Company can handle the moving process for you with the ease of a seasoned veteran in the field. We’re licensed and insured to do that for you and we’re here for you at a moments notice. Call us today for a free quote or to learn more about the services we provide at 704-746-4444.