How to Move With the Help of Professional Movers

August 26, 2024 / Posted in How-to
Maya Brown

Born in Atlanta, Maya has called many places home in her lifetime. She's a content writer and moving expert who loves to help people relocate smoothly.

Relocating to a new city? Don’t sweat it! Whether you’re trying to figure out how to move long distance or just a state away, there’s a lot you can do to make the journey a whole lot easier. But here’s the secret – you don’t have to do it all alone. Let’s spill the beans on the crucial steps to moving and how to get everything done without losing your mind.

Movers unloading boxes from a truck
Relocation doesn't have to be a dreaded chore - here's how to make it easy

Why Plan a DIY Move When You Can Get Professional Help?

Did you know that the average American moves about 12 times throughout their life? This translates to hitting the road as often as every seven years! That’s a whole lot of to-do lists for one lifetime’s worth!

But it seems like it doesn’t get much easier, no matter how many times you’ve gone through the whole ordeal. As much as 64% of people say their last interstate move was one of the most stressful events they’ve ever faced. Relocating is tough, plain and simple.

Around 8.7% of Americans move each year

Sure, organizing the move DIY-style sounds brave and commendable, but let’s face it – it’s a monumental task. You’ve got to pack up your entire life, figure out how to transport everything, deal with the paperwork, and somehow keep your sanity intact. It’s a lot! But here’s the good news – hiring cross-country movers can save you a ton of relocation stress and make the whole process way smoother.

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Speed, Efficiency, Safety – The Benefits of Booking Professionals Reach Far and Wide

Each year, over 5 million Americans rely on professional long-distance moving services to get them from point A to point B. And it’s no wonder! With the many benefits the pros offer, it’s easy to see why they’re the go-to solution for so many. Here are just some of the perks of hiring a professional relocation crew:

  • Speed and efficiency – experienced movers can pack and transport your belongings much faster than you can,
  • Expert handling – they’ve got all the relocation hacks, reducing the risk of damage by safely handling the items,
  • Proper equipment – the pros come equipped with all the necessary tools and materials,
  • Convenience – they take care of the heavy lifting, letting you focus on other aspects of this life-altering event,
  • Stress reduction – knowing everything is in safe hands can significantly reduce your anxiety about moving out.

Tap into Detective Mode to Find the Perfect Long-Distance Moving Company

To truly reap the benefits of professional help, you need to make sure you’re working with a legitimate company. There are around 17,000 such businesses in the US, which can be both good and bad. You’ve got plenty of options, but with so many companies out there, a few relocation scams are bound to be in the bunch.

To ensure your belongings are in safe hands, first check the USDOT number. Also, look into their Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating to see how they fare in customer service. Read reviews, ask for recommendations, and don’t hesitate to ask the company directly about anything you might be interested in. If they’re reliable professionals, they’ll be more than happy to answer any questions.

Happy young, curly, beautiful woman sitting on the floor with a laptop
Just make sure you do your research, and it's showtime!

Preparing to Move – There Are Still Plenty of Tasks You Need to Tackle Yourself

Hiring long-distance movers doesn’t mean you get to sit back with a piña colada and watch them do all the work. DIY enthusiasts will be happy to know – there’s still plenty to keep you busy. Relocating across the country doesn’t happen overnight, after all.

Lightening the Load – Decide What to Keep and What to Toss

Decluttering is like spring cleaning on steroids. Downsizing for a move is a fantastic way to reduce costs and start fresh in the new home. Plus, do you really need that lamp you got at a garage sale five years ago? Thought so! Here’s how to do it:

  • Begin decluttering at least a month before the big day,
  • Focus on one area at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed,
  • Label the boxes as Keep, Donate, Sell, and Trash,
  • If you haven’t used it in a year, it’s time to let it go,
  • Make some extra cash by selling items you no longer need online, or have some fun and organize a garage sale.

Create an Inventory to Know Exactly What You’re Working With

Once you’ve sorted out what’s staying, it’s relocation inventory time! Creating it will help you keep track of each and every item. It’s simple – grab a notepad or use an app to list every item you’re taking with you. This is crucial for the organization, but it will also make unpacking at the new place much easier. You’ll thank yourself later!

A woman and a mover looking at a list for cross-country moving
Create a detailed inventory to avoid any unnecessary confusion

What About the Car? Don’t Worry, a Professional Auto Transport Company Can Handle This Ride!

Driving the car to the new home might sound like a fun road trip, but it can quickly turn into a nightmare. Long-distance drives mean countless hours behind the wheel, pit stops at sketchy gas stations, and a playlist that runs out way too soon. Not to mention the wear and tear on your prized ride.

That’s why reputable companies such as Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving offer car shipping, too. They use specialized carriers to safely transport the vehicle, whether it’s a sleek sports car or a trusty old sedan. You can choose between open or enclosed carriers, depending on how much protection the ride needs. The best part? It arrives at the new place without a scratch, and you don’t have to worry about a thing!

A Great Chunk of Figuring Out How to Move Is Planning the Budget

There’s a common trend when a person asks themselves – how can I move? It’s the fact that most of the confusion comes from money. Yep, the stuff that casts a dark cloud over any plans you might have. That’s why nailing down the relocation budget is crucial. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of budgeting without making it a total snooze-fest:

Cross-Country Moving Services - The Big Item

Professional movers aren’t cheap, but they’re worth every penny. Get quotes from multiple companies to find the best deal and make sure you know exactly what’s included. Are you getting full packing services, or do you need them just to transport the stuff? Is there moving insurance included? Knowing these details can help you budget accurately and avoid any financial surprises on the big day.

Additional Travel Expenses - It's Not Just a Road Trip

When planning the budget, remember that the whole process isn’t just about transportation. You’ll need to account for travel expenses like gas, food, and maybe even plane tickets if it’s necessary. It’s like planning a mini-vacation but without the beach and cocktails. Make sure you have enough set aside to cover all the travel costs for you and your family.

Unexpected Costs - The 'Oops' Fund

No matter how well you plan, unexpected costs can pop up like unwanted party guests. Maybe you need extra packing materials, or perhaps there’s an emergency repair at the new place. Having a cushion for these “oops” moments can save you from a lot of stress. Set aside a portion of the budget for these unexpected expenses so you’re prepared for anything.

Moving Day Madness – What to Expect When You’re Expecting (Movers)

Moving day can feel like stepping into a whirlwind of chaos. The house is a maze of cardboard boxes; everyone’s asking where things go, and you’re just trying to keep your sanity. But don’t worry! There’s a general outline of how things usually go:

  • Movers typically arrive early, ready to get started while you’re still on that first cup of coffee,
  • They’ll do a quick walkthrough, confirming what’s getting transported,
  • Expect furniture to be wrapped and floors to be covered to prevent damage,
  • Movers will expertly pack the truck, fitting your belongings like a real-life game of Tetris,
  • Before they drive off, you’ll need to sign some paperwork, so keep a pen handy,
  • You’ll do a last-minute check of the house to make sure nothing is left behind.

Here’s How to Stay Organized Through All the Chaos

Amidst the moving day mayhem, staying organized is your secret weapon. First, create a survival kit with essentials like snacks, water, important documents, and phone chargers. Keep a relocation checklist to tick off tasks as they’re completed.

Assign specific roles to family members or friends to avoid confusion – everyone should know their mission! And most importantly, take deep breaths and keep your sense of humor intact. After all, you’ll soon be laughing about the chaos from the comfort of the new home.

Movers loading the truck
As movers work their magic, make sure you stay on top of it

New Digs, Who Dis? Settling Into Your New Home With Style

The relocation and car shipping company team has left, the boxes are everywhere, and it looks like a cardboard jungle. But guess what? The real fun is just beginning! Now, you get to transform this maze of boxes into a dream home. It’s time to channel your inner interior designer and turn that empty space into a cozy haven.

Unpacking Essentials – Here’s What to Do First

When it comes to unpacking, it’s all about priorities. Start with the essentials – the things you need to survive the first few days. Unpack the kitchen first because nobody wants to dig through boxes just to find a coffee mug in the morning.

Next, tackle the bedrooms and make those beds – nothing beats collapsing into a comfy bed after a busy day of unpacking. Don’t forget the bathroom – you’ll definitely need those toiletries. Finally, set up a cozy spot in the living room with a few comforts of home, like your TV or favorite chair. This way, you’ll have a relaxing area to retreat to when you need a break from the chaos.

A happy woman unpacking boxes
Like with most things, the fun part is at the end

Home Sweet Home – The Final Steps to Relocation Bliss

So there you have it – the complete lowdown on making relocation as smooth and stress-free as possible! From planning to settling in, you’ve got all the tips and tricks to handle every step like a pro. Remember, relocation doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore – with the right preparation and a little help from the experts, it can be a seamless transition to a new adventure.

As for those experts, Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving has got your back. Whether you’re relocating a few states away or clear across the country, our professional movers will handle all the heavy lifting. Need the car shipped, too? No problem! Contact Flat Price today, and let’s get down to business!

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