How to Make Shipping Large Items Across the Country Easy

October 15, 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.

Unfortunately, big things don’t just move themselves. Shipping large items across the country can feel like playing Tetris in expert mode – with furniture that doesn’t want to cooperate. But whether it’s a couch that’s too cozy to leave behind or a fridge that’s somehow become a family member, there’s a way to do it. Here’s everything you need to know.

Two professional long-distance movers lifting a couch
A lot of heavy lifting is involved when it's time to relocate

The key to shipping large items is to plan ahead, choose experienced long-distance movers, and use the right equipment. Disassemble larger furniture, wrap it securely, and label everything clearly to make reassembly easier. Consider hiring professionals for packing, storage, and even custom crating if needed. With the pros on the job, you’ll have one less thing to worry about.

Size and Weight Mean the World in Cross-Country Moving – Here’s Why

Interstate relocation is basically a real-life stress test, and anyone who’s done it knows it’s no picnic. According to a survey done by Forbes Home, as much as 51% of respondents said that moving furniture is the most anxiety-inducing part of the whole ordeal.

And really, it’s like trying to wrestle with your own living room – everything suddenly seems bigger, heavier, and way more stubborn than it ever did before. Honestly, who wouldn’t stress over trying to fit a couch through a door that’s clearly too small?

But what makes furniture such a headache? Well, it’s all about size and weight. Moving large items requires special handling, more manpower, and sometimes a lot of creativity. And in cross-country moves, these factors play a huge role in determining costs, time, and overall sanity. After all, the bigger the item, the bigger the puzzle.

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Oversized Shipments Pose Plenty of Challenges

With this hefty task, you’ve got to think about doorways, staircases, and truck space, and let’s not forget the extra weight that makes everything more complicated. From needing special equipment to figuring out if it’s even legal to ship that monster-sized item, challenges are around every corner. But hey, every game needs a challenge, right? Let’s see how to play it.

A woman pushing a dolly
You'll need special equipment for this hefty task

Big Stuff, Big Hassle? Not Anymore!

Sure, maneuvering giant furniture feels like an unsolvable puzzle, but humans have been solving tricky problems since the wheel was invented. Today, even a grand piano can be transported safely across the country. Somehow, people have found a way to relocate just about anything.

Freight Shipping Is Specifically Designed for Monumental Tasks Such as This

Enter freight shipping – your knight in shining armor for all things oversized. It’s specifically built for hauling big, heavy, awkward items across long distances, those that don’t quite fit in a regular moving truck. All in all, if you’re worried about relocating heavy furniture, this is the method that will help you have a stress-free move.

A large freight truck on the highway, followed by other vehicles
These chunky items require an equally as chunky mode of transportation

The Best Way to Ship Large Items Across the Country? Bringing in Long-Distance Movers

Sure, you could try to ship a massive pool table across the country all by yourself – but really, why would you? There are people who are pros at this kind of stuff! Booking long-distance moving services will help you transport those heavy, awkward pieces without breaking a sweat (or your back).

Hiring movers comes with plenty of perks, like faster and more efficient moves, insurance coverage for your precious cargo, and the simple peace of mind that you’re not the one trying to wrangle a 400-pound couch down a flight of stairs. Let the pros handle it – they’ve done this dance many times before. But before you hand over your prized possessions, you need to make sure the company is the real deal. Here are a few things you should check:

  • Reputation – read reviews, ask for references, and check their track record,
  • Licenses and insurance – make sure they’re properly licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and offer insurance,
  • Experience with large shipments – make sure they’ve got experience in handling heavy and oversized items,
  • Transparent quotesrelocation scams usually come with unclear pricing, so request an estimate upfront and see if it clearly states all the details,
  • Customer service – good communication and support throughout the process are key.

Some Relocation Companies Offer Storage as Well

Got a couch that won’t fit in the new place yet? No worries – a professional long-distance moving company will offer storage services, too! These aren’t your everyday storage units either. We’re talking climate-controlled, 24/7-monitored fortresses for your belongings.

Think of it as a safe, cozy hotel for your furniture while it waits to join you at the new home. You can sleep easy knowing your stuff is well-protected from both burglars and bad weather. The pros have really thought of everything, right?

Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving offers 30 days of free storage

Find an Auto Transport Company and Even Your Prized Ride Can Join the Journey

One more thing – you don’t have to hire a separate car shipping company! Some movers like Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving handle auto transport too! Whether you’ve got a shiny sports car or a family SUV, they can arrange for your vehicle to tag along.

There’s the option of open transport (your car’s out in the open, enjoying the breeze) or enclosed transport (for those who like a little extra pampering). Either way, your ride’s in good hands, and getting it across the country will be as easy as possible!

Open carrier on the road
Need help with the four-wheeler? Movers can handle that too!

Shipping Large Items Across the Country – You Can’t Just Wing It!

Big stuff requires a big plan – without it, you might find yourself trying to squeeze a sofa through a door frame Houdini would struggle with. So, create a comprehensive to-do list and come up with a clear strategy to make the whole process smoother, quicker, and far less headache-inducing. Trust us – future you will be thankful.

Get the Right Supplies or Have Your Cross-Country Movers Bring Them

Packing furniture and other large items isn’t as simple as grabbing some bubble wrap and hoping for the best. You’ll need heavy-duty tape, protective padding, and probably enough wrap to mummify the entire living room. And don’t forget those moving blanketsthey’re crucial for preventing scratches from happening along the way.

You could also skip the hassle of gathering these packaging materials by booking packing services with your movers. They’ll bring everything needed to safely cocoon the different pieces – no need to hunt down endless rolls of tape or figure out how to wrap a dresser. You’ll have one less thing to stress about!

Custom Crating Is Always an Option, Too!

Got something that’s extra fragile or uniquely shaped? Enter custom crating – the ultimate protective armor for those prized possessions. Whether it’s an antique mirror or a gigantic sculpture, custom crating ensures these items are snug and secure for the journey ahead.

Open storage and a dolly
From storage to custom crates, movers have all the tricks under their sleeves

How to Ship Large Items Across the Country – Tips & Tricks for Safe Transport

This whole ordeal might seem like a daunting quest, but with the right packing tips, it’s more like a smooth road trip. The goal? Make sure they arrive at the new place in one piece (literally). Here’s how you can be the ultimate pro at packaging anything that comes your way:

Take Each Piece Apart if Possible

That massive wardrobe might look impossible to move, but once you take off the doors and remove the shelves, suddenly it’s not so scary. The same goes for tables, beds, and anything else that can be broken down into smaller, more manageable pieces. Just remember – you’ve always got the option of having movers handle it for you.

Wrap Each Component Like a Pro

Wrap everything in protective padding – bubble wrap, blankets, and plastic wrap are your go-to. Cover sharp edges and delicate surfaces like they’re about to take the most adventurous ride of their lives. Wrapping isn’t just about keeping items clean – it’s about making sure they don’t get banged up on the way.

Label Everything for Easier Handling

Once everything’s packed up, don’t forget the all-important labels. And we’re not talking about a scribbled marker note. Make sure your labels are clear and specific, especially for those disassembled pieces. Knowing which box holds your table legs and which one has the hardware will save you from a DIY puzzle later. Plus, it helps the movers know what’s fragile, which way is up, and what needs special care.

Receiving Your Large Shipment – Time to Reassemble!

The big day has arrived! Your oversized shipment is finally at your doorstep. But hold up – it’s not over yet. Now comes the final stretch – getting that couch, table, or gigantic mirror safely inside the new home. Luckily, your movers are there to handle the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to wrestle with door frames.

Once everything’s inside, it’s time to reassemble your furniture. Remember, putting it all back together might take some time, but soon enough, you’ll be able to make the new digs feel like home.

Inspect Everything Before You Sign Off

Before you give the movers the thumbs-up and wave goodbye, it’s crucial to give the items a once-over. Think of it as the final exam – check for any dings, scratches, or missing pieces. This is the moment to make sure everything arrives in one piece (literally). And if there’s any trouble, don’t worry – with the right movers, you’ve got insurance coverage.

A chair wrapped in plastic wrap
Now all that's left to do is make the new digs nice and cozy

See? It’s a Mission (Not So) Impossible

So, you’ve got the game plan, and your oversized items are ready for their cross-country adventure. It might feel like you’re about to tackle a mission impossible, but with the right strategy (and some muscle), you’ll have everything in place before you know it.

Need help getting started? Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving has got you covered! Whether it’s that enormous sectional, a vintage car, or an entire living room, we’ll handle all the heavy lifting (literally). So why stress over logistics when the pros are just a call away? Contact us, and let our team turn this mission into a smooth ride!

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