How to Ship Things Across the Country – Top 5 Tips
Relocating items across the country can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling multiple aspects of a big move. Whether you’re relocating your entire household or just sending a few important belongings, knowing how to ship things across the country is key to ensuring everything arrives safely. With a well-organized plan in place, you can turn the seemingly daunting task of cross-country shipping into a manageable and stress-free experience. Luckily for you, we already have one prepared – so read on.
How to Ship Things Across the Country
When shipping items across the country, it’s crucial to start by choosing the right method that suits your needs, whether it’s a DIY relocation or hiring professional movers. Once you’ve settled on a method, take the opportunity to declutter and reduce the number of items you’re shipping, saving both time and money in the process. Packing smartly is the next essential step, followed by clear labeling. Lastly, don’t forget your vehicle – shipping it instead of driving can make the entire relocation less stressful.
From Point A to Point B – How to Plan for the Journey
When relocating to a new state, start by creating a detailed timeline that includes all the key steps, from packing to loading, transport, and final delivery. Remember – the larger your relocation, the more time you’ll need to allocate for each step on the to-do list. At the same time, consider the distance involved. Moving across a couple of states may take a day or two, but relocating from the West Coast to the East Coast and vice versa can take upwards of a week.
Additionally, make sure to factor in any potential delays. Build a buffer in case of bad weather, traffic, or other logistical hiccups. This will help you avoid unnecessary stress if your shipment arrives a bit later than expected.
#1 Choose the Right Shipping Method for Your Relocation
When it comes to relocating to a new home across the country, deciding between DIY shipping or hiring professionals can significantly impact your move. Each option has its own pros and cons. The right choice, however, will depend on your relocation budget, time, and the amount of work you’re willing to take on.
Renting a truck and handling the relocation yourself gives you more control over the process and is a good option if you’re looking to save on relocation costs. You can pack at your own pace, drive on your schedule, and avoid paying for services you don’t need. However, it’s physically demanding and time-consuming. It also may not be that cost-effective when you factor in fuel, tolls, and potential lodging during the trip. Plus, driving a large truck long distances can be stressful, especially if you’re unfamiliar with maneuvering a heavy vehicle.
On the other hand, hiring cross-country movers is considered to be the most hands-off option. Reputable professionals, such as Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving, will handle everything from packing to transporting your items safely. While hiring a long-distance moving company is a more expensive route, it offers convenience, peace of mind, and expertise in dealing with long-distance moves. Professional movers are trained to protect your belongings and navigate the complexities of an interstate relocation, making them a solid choice for large or valuable shipments.
Packing Services
Our moving teams are trained to pack your belongings in the most efficient manner possible.
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Auto-Transport
If your first concern is having your vehicle transported safely and efficiently, enclose shipping is the way to go.
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Storage Service
Knowing what kind of surprises cross country move may hold, we offer 30 day free storage for belongings at the origin state.
Read moreKnow When to Schedule for Best Results
Timing is everything when it comes to cross-country moving, and one of the most important factors is avoiding peak moving seasons.
Typically, the summer months are the busiest times for relocation companies.
During this time, services are in high demand, which means you’ll likely face higher prices and limited availability.
Additionally, relocating during the holidays can also become tricky.
The holiday season can create logistical bottlenecks due to increased traffic and limited operational hours for movers. If you’re looking for the smoothest experience, consider scheduling your relocation during the off-season, usually fall or winter, when demand is lower. Not only will you find more flexible availability, but you’ll also benefit from reduced rates.
Last-minute bookings can also lead to frustration, as many reputable companies book up weeks or even months in advance, especially during peak times. Scrambling to secure services at the last minute often means higher costs and a reduced choice of moving companies, which can compromise the quality of your relocation. Therefore, make sure to book your long-distance moving services on time.
#2 Declutter Before Shipping
Before you start packing for a move, take your time to declutter. Relocating to a new city across the country is the perfect time to reassess what you really need. Start by going through each room and separating items into categories. Remember – the less you have to ship, the cheaper your relocation will be. Plus, fewer belongings mean less stress when it’s time to unpack after moving. You can choose to sell those extra items for a little extra cash or donate them to Goodwill or some other charity.
Make an Inventory to Stay Organized and Protect Your Belongings
Once you decide what to keep, it’s a good idea to create a detailed relocation inventory of everything you’re taking with you. If you have the time, list the condition of each item, its value, and the room it belongs in. This will make unpacking in your new home much easier, as you’ll have a clear idea of where everything goes. A well-done inventory can also serve as a record for your long-distance moving company and provide proof of what’s being shipped. In the unlikely event of anything getting damaged or lost during the relocation, you’ll have documentation to support an insurance claim.
#3 Pack Smart and Ensure Everything Arrives Safely
The simplest way to pack for a move is to get packing services. However, if you’re against it, you must pack strategically and stay organized so your belongings arrive safely. Therefore, rather than tossing items haphazardly into boxes, focus on thoughtful planning. Here are some essential packing tips for keeping your relocation hassle-free:
Packing Room by Room
Begin with rooms you use the least, such as guest bedrooms or storage areas, and gradually move toward more frequently used spaces like the kitchen or master bedroom. This method not only simplifies the process but also ensures that everything has its place when you arrive at your new home.
Gather Supplies on Time
If you want your household goods to arrive intact on the other end, you need to choose the right packing materials for the job. Invest in durable, reinforced boxes that can withstand the wear and tear of a long-distance relocation. Bubble wrap is your best friend for packing fragile items like glassware and electronics, providing an extra cushion to absorb any impacts. In the end, consider adding packing paper and foam peanuts to fill in gaps, ensuring that nothing shifts around during transport. Additionally, keep tape, scissors, and markers close.
Distribute Weight Evenly
Start by placing heavier items at the bottom of the box, ensuring they create a stable base. For example, if you’re packing books, stack them at the bottom and then layer lighter items, such as clothing or towels, on top. This not only prevents boxes from tipping over or breaking under the weight but also keeps fragile items on top, away from any heavy pressure.
Wrap Fragile Items Individually
For each delicate piece, wrap it individually in bubble wrap, packing paper, or even soft clothing like T-shirts for extra cushioning. Plates, glasses, and ceramics should be wrapped one at a time. A layer of protection should be placed between each item to prevent them from clinking against each other.
Pack an Essentials Box
The last thing you want to do after a long day of moving is frantically dig through multiple boxes trying to find your toothbrush or a fresh pair of clothes. That’s why packing a box or a bag with relocation essentials is a lifesaver. This box should include all the must-have items you’ll need right away, like toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, chargers, basic kitchenware, and important documents.
#4 Lable so Your Boxes Don’t Get Lost in the Mix
Clear labeling is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to ensure your relocation goes smoothly. By clearly marking each box with its contents and the room it belongs to, you can prevent any confusion during both loading and unpacking. Long-distance movers will know exactly where each box should go, and when you arrive at your new home, you won’t have to guess where to start.
For delicate items, make sure to use special “fragile” labels on multiple sides of the box. This alerts movers to handle these boxes with care, preventing damage to your most precious belongings. For items that you’ll need right away, like your essentials box, use a “priority” label or mark them with bright-colored tape. This ensures movers know to load these last, so they’re easy to access when you arrive at your new home.
#5 Don’t Forget About Your Car
Your car is yet another item that needs to be shipped to a new state – that is, if you opt not to drive it all the way there. While driving your car to your new home might seem convenient, shipping is often the smarter choice for several reasons. First, shipping spares your vehicle from the wear and tear of a long road trip, especially over rough terrain or through harsh weather conditions. A cross-country drive adds miles to your car, which can increase the need for maintenance down the road.
Second, shipping saves you the time and hassle of a multi-day journey. Instead of dealing with the logistics of lodging, meals, and unexpected delays, you can focus on the other important aspects of your move. It’s also safer, as long road trips can lead to fatigue, especially if you’re not used to driving long distances.
Getting Your Vehicle to Your New Location Safely
Selecting the right auto transport company is critical to ensuring your car arrives safely and on time. Even better, you can choose a company that offers car shipping as a part of their additional services. However, if you go with separate shippers, make sure to follow the tips we provided for choosing movers, in order to secure reputable professionals.
Preparing Your Car for Shipping
If moving a car to another state is on your relocation checklist, keep in mind that it needs to be properly prepared for the journey. Before handing your vehicle over to a car shipping company, you’ll need to make sure to:
- Give your car a thorough cleaning, inside and out
- Check if the car’s fluids are at the appropriate levels,
- Inflate your tires to the correct pressure,
- Leave the gas tank about a quarter full,
- Remove all personal items from your car
Make Your Move Easier With Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving
A cross-country relocation involves many steps and parts, and while organizing and preparing can help, the process can still be time-consuming and stressful. This is where hiring reliable professional movers truly makes a difference – and where Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving comes into the picture. Not only will we bring the expertise to handle your items with care, but we will also take the logistical burden off your shoulders. With professionals managing the packing, transport, and delivery, you can have peace of mind knowing your belongings are in good hands. Contact us today end secure a smooth and efficient relocation on time!
