Category Archives: Interstate Moving

Long Distance Moving Companies

Your key to deciphering long distance moving companies – their inner workings, and how you can save money by being in the know. Year 2021 and 2022 seem to be the “year of the moving scam.” Our staff wants to give you knowledge and help in guiding you on your decision on which long distance moving company to hire.

LONG DISTANCE MOVING COMPANIES
LONG DISTANCE MOVING COMPANIES

LONG DISTANCE MOVING COMPANIES – QUOTES

So, you’re starting to get long distance moving companies to get you a quote for your move. You will find prices ranging from $2000 – $20,000. Where do you even begin? Long Distance Quotes are determined on the distance, geographical location, size of your shipment, access within the locations and of course the quality of moving company you choose. Your total price for long distance moving depends on your location, where you are moving, how much you need to move and what type of long distance moving service you choose. If the original quotation requires the shipment of additional goods or additional removal services and the removal contractor does not comply with the original agreement, negotiate a revised, written, binding, guaranteed not to exceed quotation that includes the additional services. By far the largest price gaps between long distance movers will be if the moving company is affiliated with a third party. Any mover that has a broker, van line or other entity will be about 30-40% more expensive. This expense is simply to line the pockets of the third party and usually has mediocre service. In conclusion, make sure you hire a flat rate, private long distance moving company.

LONG DISTANCE MOVING COMPANIES – WHAT’S INCLUDED

 In addition to transporting your belongings to your new place, we offer complete packing, unpacking and other moving services to help with tasks such as unpacking such as putting together a bed or arranging furniture to your liking to make you feel at home at your new place. You can find long distance moving companies that also offer moving materials such as packaging boxes, furniture cushions, plastic sheeting, etc. Besides materials, here are the other items that should be included to make your move as easy as possible.  Your long distance movers should make sure the following are included in your move:

  • Loading
  • Unloading
  • Driving
  • Fuel
  • Mileage
  • Surcharges
  • Taxes
  • Tolls
  • Stairs
  • Elevators
  • Long Walks
  • Insurance Certificate
  • Coverage For Your Items
  • Shrink Wrap
  • Tape
  • Moving Blanket Rental
  • Storage
  • Guaranteed Delivery Dates
  • Tools
  • Assembly
  • Disassembly

LONG DISTANCE MOVING COMPANIES – TYPES OF SERVICES

In order to get the best price on long distance moving, your moving dates will be very important. There are three general types of moving services:

  1. Expedited – This long distance moving services has guaranteed dates and is the most expensive.
  2. Flex Date – Your flexible date move will be the lowest price but you may have to wait longer for your shipment.
  3. Express – Anywhere in the US in 5 days or less is at the mid-grade price range for long distance moving companies.

LONG DISTANCE MOVING COMPANIES – WHO TO HIRE

Packing a truck, loading it and driving it across the country to move takes a lot of work. While long distance movers can help you with your specific removal needs, it can be time consuming and difficult to determine which long distance moving company is right for you. You want to be sure that you are choosing the best long distance moving company that can offer you a range of services to help you and keep your peace of mind in these difficult times.   Moving long distances can be daunting, regardless of whether you are moving in a state or country, especially if you are trying to find out how to move all your belongings to your new home. 

Monster Movers is one of the best long distance moving companies offering packaging, loading, unloading and storage. The company was founded in 1999 as a full-service moving company that has evolved and innovated to meet customer needs with electronic tracking and specialized technology-related services. Now, known as the premier long distance moving company in the US. Whether you are moving to a studio or a large family home, we provide the best service at a reasonable price. Monster Movers is proud to offer its premium concierge service to customers with relocation plans. 

Learn more about making this the best long distance moving!

MOVING COMPANIES NEAR ME

moving companies near me

Moving Companies Near Me

We require our movers to be CORI-checked with a comprehensive background check and they are trained extensively before entering your residence.  We work hard to keep your personal information safe and secure and never sell your information

Ready to get a moving quote from us? You can simply get a FREE, INSTANT MOVING QUOTE by completing your move request in the form above. Please read the factors that affect a moving estimate below.

Moving Services Near Me

Believe it or not, there’s more than just one type of moving service to choose from when relocating to a new home. The different types of moving companies include full-service moving companies, self-service moving companies, and specialized moving companies.

  • Full-service moving company — The most expensive type of mover is the popular full-service moving company. These professionals will do everything from packing your belongings, loading and unloading the truck, and transporting your belongings to the destination.
  • Specialized Piece by Piece Movers Near Me  — Specialized moving companies are trained in the proper ways to move pianos, hot tubs appliances, art, antiques and other specialized items.
  • Guaranteed Long Distance Movers – If you need guaranteed dates for long distance moves – this will greatly affect the price

Many moving companies offer both local and long distance moving services.

Why Moving Companies Near Me

So why opt for a moving company over doing your move yourself? For starters, hiring a moving company near you saves you from having to do any of the heavy lifting on moving day. This, in and of itself, is the most common reason why people choose to hire professional movers. Moving company pros know how to properly load and unload moving trucks, as well as how to move furniture without scratching the floors. Choosing a reputable and reliable moving company to handle your relocation only ensures that your move will be carried out in the most efficient way possible. It also frees up valuable time and energy that you can spend on other important to-do list items on your moving checklist.

moving companies near me now

Moving Companies Near Me FAQ

Mastodon Moving, a well known moving company in Massachusetts has given us some important considerations when looking for a moving company nearby. Mastodon Movers have won many awards in Massachusetts including: Nextdoor “Best Neighborhood Moving Company,” Angi Superprovider, and the “Best Moving Company of 2022” from www.moversnearme.com. Here are their suggestions when searching for a mover.

What moving company services are included on a long distance moving quote?

Looking for someone to handle your move from beginning to end? A full service moving company can do just that. “Full service” means the moving company will come to your house in their moving truck, load your belongings, drive them to the destination and unload your items. Full service moving companies typically offer additional services as well, such as packing, unpacking, disassembling furniture and reassembling furniture. Of course, you can always box up your own belongings and have a full service moving company do the rest. Full service moves are popular among customers who are moving at the last minute, as well as those who lack the time and ability to move themselves. While hiring a full service moving company often means spending big bucks, many will tell you that the added convenience is well worth the higher price tag.

YOUR MOVING QUOTE EXPLAINED

When movers give a non-binding moving estimate, they are giving the customer a moving quote based on the estimated weight of their belongings. However, this non-binding quote is not set in stone and will most likely change depending on the actual weight of the move. A binding estimate is a fixed cost estimate. If the customer agrees to a binding estimate, then they will pay exactly what they were originally quoted. A binding not-to-exceed estimate means that even if the weight of a customer’s shipment exceeds the original estimate, they won’t be charged anything extra. Instead, they’ll only pay what they were originally quoted. If their shipment weighs less than originally estimated, then they’ll only be charged for the cost of shipping the actual weight of their belongings.

Should I choose a binding or non-binding moving company quote?

The most popular type of moving quote is the binding not-to-exceed estimate. This type of moving quote is often called a “guaranteed not-to-exceed” estimate as well. It’s usually in the customer’s best interest to choose a binding not-to-exceed estimate because it ensures that they won’t pay more than originally quoted even if the weight of the belongings ends up weighing more than originally estimated. However, if the shipment weighs less than the original estimate, then the customer will actually pay less than the original quote.

What does a moving quote include?

If moving a long distance, your estimate should include the name and address of your mover, the tariff cost, miles traveled, minimum weight and estimated weight, any discounts applied, packing and unpacking service fees, storage charges, transportation charges, fuel surcharges, insurance surcharges, and accessorial services.

How can I save money when moving?

There’s no doubt that hiring a moving company will cost you a pretty penny. Fortunately, there are ways to cut back on costs when hiring professional movers. First, inquire about various discounts available. Additionally, many moving companies also offer military discounts to members of the armed forces. A second way to cut costs is to pack yourself for the move instead of hiring professional movers to box up your belongings. Third, choose a move date associated with lower moving rates. Avoid peak moving season in the summer and opt for a late fall/winter move when demand is lowest. Finally, you can cut costs on moving by getting rid of unnecessary belongings. After all, the heavier your move, the more expensive it will be.

Moving Companies Near Me Quotes

Full-service moving company quotes are factored on many items, here are the most popular:

  • Actual Weight — In general, the more stuff you move, the more expensive your move will be. Not only does it take longer to load and unload a large household, but it also requires a much bigger truck. You can find out your weight with this moving calculator.
  • Moving Distance — The mileage between point A and point B affects the price of a full service move. Not only will you have to pay for gas, but you’ll also have to pay the driver for his time on the road. In general, the farther the move, the more expensive it will be.
  • Labor costs — Labor costs may vary from state to state and moving company to moving company. For local moves, you’ll be paying movers an hourly rate. Interstate moves usually include the estimated cost of labor in the moving quote.
  • Packing costs — If hiring the full-service movers to pack and unpack your belongings, be prepared to pay at least a few hundred dollars extra for the service. Moving companies will also include the added cost of disassembling and reassembling furniture in their moving estimate.
  • Liability and valuation coverage — Movers must provide customers with two valuation coverage options: Full Value Protection and Basic Protection. Full value protection is the more comprehensive option. This liability coverage states that if your mover damages or loses an item, they will reimburse you for its current cash value. Released Value Protection is the most basic liability option available. It’s included in your moving quote for free and only covers .60 cents per pound of cargo. 
  • Additional storage — If you need a moving company to temporarily store your belongings before, during or after the move, this cost will be added to your moving estimate. Storage rates vary from mover to mover, so be sure to ask about rates before agreeing to include this service in the estimate.

Moving Companies Near Me Quote

With numerous moving companies to choose from, we know the decision can be a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, with Movers Near Me, it’s easy to find, compare and book the moving company that best fits your needs. All you have to do is submit your moving details above to receive free moving quotes from a number of professional moving companies. Best of luck and happy moving!

LONG DISTANCE MOVING SECRETS 2020

long distance moving 2020
Long Distance Moving 2020

Our MOVING CREWS love to help you with moving any way we can. Whether you are moving a short or long distance, we feel honored that you would trust us with your belongings.  While we are skilled at both types of moves, long distance moves are different from local moves. Long distance moving is our specialty! Here are some secrets to moving long distance and ways to help you prepare for a long distance move.

Careful Planning and Packing

Plan and prepare for a successful and safe long distance move.  First, check out our moving prep checklist. Next, pack with a plan because your items will be traveling far and there is greater opportunity for your items to become damaged.  Packing is charged by hour plus materials for most honorable moving companies.

Packing and Moving Secrets

These packing and moving tips are not a secret. In fact, we want to share our packing and moving tips with anyone and everyone, regardless of how they choose to move.  Putting as much information in the hands of our clients as possible and our commitment to transparency have enabled us to assist in thousands of successful moves. From thinking of moving as a game of Tetris to using different colored painters tape – this will save time and money in the long run. However, this is not the most important ling distance moving secret! If you want to get the best value for your move, let the movers pack all the breakable items because they are liable for things they pack only. So, why pay to have movers put linens and easy things in boxes. You will get charged 2-3 hours and have coverage on the things that can get broken – a win, win for you.

The Cross Country Move – Moving Secrets

When moving a long distance, you should distinguish between which particular items you will need upon arrival and items that are not immediately necessary. Think of moving much like packing for a trip and leave out enough clothes, toiletries and other necessary items to last the duration of your journey to your new home.

Long Distance Moving Secret –

Moving can be stressful, especially when you will be traveling a long distance.  We hope these tips will help you plan, prepare and pack for the best long distance move possible.

You’ve got your boxes, bubble wrap, tape and labels. You’re ready to get packing, but as you look around your home you don’t know exactly where to start. Sound familiar? Well, you’re definitely not alone. Until you’ve moved a few times (or more), packing up every single thing you own into the fewest number of boxes possible doesn’t come easy. Everyone has made a box too heavy or broken a dish a time or two. But, with a few tips from Movers Near Me you can make short work of a tall order.

Long Distance Moving Secrets
Long Distance Moving Secrets

LONG DISTANCE MOVING 2020

Finding Long Distance Movers in 2020 is going to be a challenge for everyone. Here are our Top 2020 Moving Tips:

1. We suggest using movers who do not mix shipments which causes delays, missing items and more damage from shifting of shipments.

2. Guaranteed Dates are a must for long distance movers. Too many movers have only a two week window which works for a lot of moves but you will not be happy if you are waiting without any of your belongings for a week or more – not to mention the additional expenses. Long distance moving companies usually charge additional fees for an expedited or guaranteed dates but it will be well worth it.

3. Hire Movers that are able to accommodate last minute changes without enormous fees. Even when you think the sale of your home is going perfect, there are always hiccups along the way so make sure your movers can handle changes. You can do this by making sure they have lots of experience and are not a fly-by-the-night company. We recommend Movers Near Me – they have been in business for 20 years and have moved thousands of families.

15 Long Distance Moving Secrets for Moving and Packing

  1. Make sure you have plenty of boxes and other necessary packing supplies. Running out of tape or bubble wrap can really slow down a productive day of packing
  2. Recruit family and friends for help! Make a task list and delegate a job for each person to do.
  3. Keep your belongings from each room together as much as possible. For example, try not to pack anything that goes in the kitchen with your bathroom stuff. This will make it much easier to unpack after you move.
  4. A box should not weigh more than 50 pounds.
  5. Pack heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on top.
  6. Use your socks, pillow cases, scarves, and small towels to fill empty space in your boxes.
  7. Boxes should not be over- or under-filled. This can result in broken belongings when boxes get stacked. Make sure your boxes can be sealed so the tops are flat.
  8. Avoid using standard garbage bags at all costs. They tear too easily and make moving harder. If you’re going to pack clothing or linens in bags, buy the thicker, heavy-duty ones to ensure they don’t rip open during the move. One advantage of packing bags with soft items is that they can be squished between larger items on the truck, taking up less space while also protecting your furniture.
  9. If you have lots of very small, loose items, like spoon collection for example, pack them in a small box or sealed bag, and then pack that into a large box. Label every box, large or small.
  10. Keep items assembled when you can. For example, when packing your silverware, keep it in its’ tray and wrap it to secure the contents. This will be easier than packing your silverware and tray separately.
  11. Tape down anything that moves! This can prevent loose items from breaking or damaging other items it comes in contact with during transport.
  12. When you disassemble furniture, keep bolts, washers, and other loose items in a small plastic bag and tape it to the furniture it came from. This will be a life saver when you put your tables and shelves back together.
  13. Keep the tools you’ll need to reassemble your furniture in a box that is clearly labeled.
  14. If you’re moving liquids, first check with your mover about items they may not move. Most movers will not take most liquids, especially if the manufacturer seal is broken. To move them yourself, you might want to put your liquid into a snap-seal container and even tape the lid closed. Put that container in a waterproof bag, then place it upright in a box. Mark the box with bold arrows and “LIQUIDS – this end up” to prevent an inadvertant spill. Usually things like unopened wine are fine to ship with your mover.  However, no chemicals, cleaners, or other liquids should be shipped in the truck. If you do decide to pack it without the movers’ knowledge, any damage caused by the liquid would not fall under the movers’ liability.
  15. When packing your boxes, label them on the side of the box. If you only label it on the top, every box will need to be unstacked to see which room to place it. Alternatively, If you label it on all the sides, you can see the labeling even when stacked. The label should include the contents and the room the box is destined for. If you are having the movers place all boxes in the garage, however, do write the room they are eventually destined and ask the movers to place the boxes with like-labeled boxes. This will save you time and frustration later.
  16. Put together some essentials that you’ll need when you arrive at your new home, like toiletries, towels, and a clean set of sheets. Label it “Load last, unload first” to ensure that you don’t have to unpack everything to find what you need after a long day.
  17. Keep important records, such as your bill of lading, with you in the car for the move. Do not pack them with the rest of your household goods.
  18. Start packing now! It’s never too early to plan, sort and pack belongings you don’t use every day.

Cross Country Moving – How to Move Cross Country

How to Move Cross Country

Moving Cross Country is time-consuming, full of surprises, and overall a pain in the butt.  Here’s a quick video outlining the steps for moving cross country:
 As you can see hiring a reputable moving company is numero uno on the list of importance when moving cross country.  Here are some things to look for and a little bit about the best cross country movers we know!
About the Best Cross Country Movers we know – Monster Movers:
Monster Movers is a long distance moving company that consists of a team of professional movers who are experts in storage, relocation, packing, and specialty shipping. Since 1999, we have been in the business of offering exceptionally prompt and painless moving services around 48 states.T his makes us stand out as the best moving company in the US. We are aware that customers will be glad if they can experience this kind of service, hence, we moved to bring their desires to fulfillment. Since we have made Customer Satisfaction our foremost priority, we always ensure to put smiles on the faces of our clients and customers by providing superior customer service support. We have upheld this principle since inception.

OUR CORE VALUES INCLUDE:

INTEGRITY
To deliver all orders as promised; conducting ourselves with equality and honesty.
GOODWILL
To be open-armed to everyone from various backgrounds in the community and workplace.
COMPASSION
To be full of empathy for clients, co-staff, and community.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
To offer loyal services to all our customers while also responding to all complaints and enquires with attention and accuracy.
Our mission at Monster Movers is to continually surpass customers’ expectations in the standard of satisfaction and value on investment. We maintain guaranteed prices on all orders placed on our out-of-state moving services. Cross country moving costs are affordable because we focus on client progress. Our long distance moving services include packing of all furniture items, kitchenware, mirrors, lamps, pictures, electronics, etc. You can be sure that your belongings are safe with us!

Our professional long distance movers are also skilled at utilizing moving boxes for packaging your valuables; making sure that all items are prepared for out of state move. On pick-up day, a bar-coded inventory list of all items is made, and we will provide you with a copy. We are professional movers and are simply amazing at what we do. We provide all types of long distance moves from and to anywhere within the United States.Going new places can’t come any easier with our astute expertise in storage, moving, relocation, packing, and logistics services. Our long distance moving company is dedicated to unparalleled problem-solving.

Look no further and give us a call today!
Competetive
Cross Country Moving Company offers competitive rates for every long distance move. Many moving companies offer “low rates” laden with hidden fees and charges. We do not play that game. We provide a guaranteed rate for every long distance move. We also provide free, no-obligation consultations, so you will know exactly how much your move will cost before you even hire Cross Country Moving Company.
Efficient
At Cross Country Moving Company, we hold our services to the highest of standards and we strive to provide the customer with the safest and most efficient moving solution in the country. We take the safety of your valuables very seriously and that’s why we utilize only the finest moving equipment available. Our fleet of modern moving trucks undergoes regular diagnostic checks to ensure that no harm will come to your possessions during transportation. A fleet of modern trucks means that we can also move more often at reduced costs to our customers.
Professional
We also only hire the best movers. Everyone that works for Cross Country Moving Company is a trained, dedicated professional with years of moving industry experience. Our movers go through one of the most rigorous training programs in the long distance moving industry. We also carefully select and train our drivers and packing staff to ensure that our customer gets only the very best service. Cross Country Moving Company stands for professionalism. Each and every one of our employees is expected to uphold our ethic of superior customer service. We believe that you should be able to trust Cross Country Moving Company to treat your belongings with the same level of respect and care as we would our own. In our opinion, there is nothing more important than providing the customer with absolute best service.
Trusted
Our customers trust us to safely transport their most valuable possessions because of our reputation for unbeatable service and outstanding professionalism. When it comes right down to it our job is about making your moving day as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. Hundreds of extremely satisfied customers have discovered how easy moving can be when you have Cross Country Moving Company on your side. We have remained the most trusted name in long-distance moves and our customers continue to provide us with overwhelmingly positive reviews. When you are in need of a moving service you can trust look no further than Cross Country Moving Company.

What is the most cost effective way to move cross country?

What is the Most Effective Way to Move Cross Country

There are a few options when moving cross country – you could move yourself, use a van line or a private residential mover.  Depending on the time of year you are moving, where you are moving to and from and how much flexibility you have will also be key factors in finding the most cost effective way for you to move cross country.

Cross Country Movers
Cross Country Movers

  1. Moving Yourself – Overall, the thought of doing a cross country move alone is terrifying personally.  However, I realize there are some brave souls out there ( and hopefully those that don’t have a ton of heavy furniture) that are thinking about renting a truck themselves.  An average truck rental from New York to Texas is right around $3,000 ( including insurance, taxes, fees) during mid-season.  Here are other costs you will incur during any cross country move.  These figures are for a move of 2,000 miles in a 20 foot truck with 5,000 lbs -longer moves are more expensive:

One-Way Rental Truck: $3000 – The prices online do not have insurance added on ( approximately $100/day) or taxes

Gas: $700

Hotels and Food: $600

Tolls ( much more expensive than a personal vehicle): $250

Labor: If you are hiring labor to help unload your truck – expect to pay $800-$1600 for the load plus the unload.

A few hints for moving yourself:

  1.  Always opt for the full insurance on a rental truck.  Rental truck operations are notorious for charging extreme rates due to any damage.
  2. Watch for low bridges on the way to your new residence – Boston, NYC, and even the back roads of Florida are full of low bridges.  Stay off the Merritt Parkway in CT – half the time I am driving on that road I see a rental truck that attempted this low bridge road causing traffic.
  3. If you are staying in a hotel ask if they have truck parking – some hotels will not let your truck park there overnight.
  4. Rental trucks get pulled over just for being rental trucks.  The DOT pulls them over all the time.  Make sure your rental location has put the registration in the truck for you.   If you have loaded your truck overweight – the DOT will shut you down and you will have to hire another mover/friend to get the weight legal.  Expect heavy fines if this happens to you.
  5. Rental truck operations are not responsible for anything if  your truck breaks down.  FYI – if the truck looks old and scary I would ask for a newer one especially if you are moving cross country.
  6. Rental truck agencies do not have any repercusions if your rental truck is unavailable on your moving day – I suggest leaving a few flex moving days just in case.

 

2. Hiring a Van Line – A van line will be the most cost effective option for moving cross country for those who have a small amount of items and are very flexible.  Van lines are a network of moving companies that book moves and trade and/or sell to others in their network.  15 years ago, moving companies across the country were begging to be a part of a van line – much like drivers for uber used to do.  Motivated by avarice, most van lines lost the exceptional moving companies in their networks.  Many went bankrupt and some still exist with lower standards.  An agent for a van line will be hired ( less 30% or more ) to pick up your items and bring them to a storage facility.  Eventually your shipment will make it cross country where another agent will deliver it.  Here are the approximate fees a move of 2,000 miles in a 20 foot truck with 5,000 lbs:

Line Haul 5,000 lbs x .80/lb = $4,000

Labor $500

Fuel Surcharge – $400

You may have to pay for hotels/food while waiting for your shipment

Additional fees van lines can charge:

Taxes, Tolls, Shuttle Fee, Elevator Fee, Stair Fee, Long Haul, Packing ( if your boxes are not up to par)

 

3. Using Private Cross Country Movers –  Using professional residential cross country movers is definitely the most stress-free option  for moving cross country – but is it the most cost effective.  Private cross country movers should have your shipment to its destination in 5 days or less if you are moving 2,000 miles.  The absolute convenience of rapid shipping and displacement of liability is priceless – nonetheless – here are the fees for using a private cross country mover:

Line Haul: 5,000 lbs x .80/lb = $4,000

Labor: $800

Most private cross country movers will not charge the following fees but they may try:

Fuel surcharge, mileage fee, taxes, tolls, shuttle fee, long haul, stairs, elevator

Moving Cross Country
Moving Cross Country

Overall, moving cross country is not cheap – either way you will have to pay thousands of dollars to relocate. Monster Movers are private cross country movers that have transparent, affordable pricing for any cross country move.

 

 

 

How To Save Time and Money on an Interstate Move

HOW TO SAVE TIME AND MONEY  ON AN INTERSTATE MOVE

Everyone likes to save money on moving – everybody.  Saving $20-$30 on a local in-state move is great but this how to guide could save you thousands on an interstate move – and hopefully many hours  as well. First off, this guide is for interstate ( or out-of-state) moves only.

Interstate Moving
Interstate Moving

Saving Money on Your Interstate Move

 

Saving Money on Packing for Your Interstate Move

  1. When you are moving state-to-state, your shipment is priced by the pound.  So, essentially you should find out how much “per pound” your shipment will cost.  Here are a few averages:

Movers Boston to FL or FL to MA $.75 per pound

Movers Boston to DC or DC to MA $.50 pp

Movers NYC to CA or CA to NYC $1.30 pp

Movers CT to FL or FL to CT $.70pp

Movers MA to TX or TX to MA $1.10pp

Now Having a slight idea of how interstate movers charge – you can go through all of your stuff and determine if  it’s worth keeping.  For example, if you have a statue that is 100 lbs it will cost about $100 to move from MA to IL.  Is the statue worth it?

2. Unless your interstate move is last minute, you should have a yard sale or donate everything you are not taking.  Use Craigslist for furniture.  Unless you have actual junk, there is no need to pay for a removal company to pick up your furniture, etc.  Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity will do this for free in most areas.  If you do have trash while moving, I suggest picking up a trash bag at Home Depot – they are like mini dumpsters that you can keep at your house until you call to get it picked up.

3.  If you don’t want to pack everything on your own, I will have to suggest hiring movers to pack ONLY the breakables.  Hiring an interstate mover that will pack by hour+materials is highly suggested over one that pays per box.  It will save you a lot of money in the long run.

Saving Money on Interstate Movers

When most people are starting their interstate moving company search – they likely go online and start filling out quote forms.  Most quote forms will be sent to as many as 10 moving companies who will compete for your move.  You will be inundated with hundreds of calls, emails, etc from movers offering prices.  I suggest staying away from these sites as the movers involved are not the best choice for saving time and money.  Here’s what you need to know:

  1. You need to find out what your shipment will weigh.  Here is a moving calculator that will do that for you.  It is really important to be as detailed as possible when you are filling this out to get an accurate weight
  2. Next, you will need to compare moving services.  If you want to save money in hotels, extra fees, damage etc on your move, you need to find a private moving company that will guarantee delivery and pick-up dates – also one that provides flat rates.
  3. Make sure your interstate movers offer full replacement coverage.
  4.  Your interstate movers should definitely give you a delivery day – staying in a hotel while you wait for your movers is likely to drive you crazy and can rack up your bills during your interstate move.

 

Saving Time On Your Interstate Move

  1.  Having a guide to help you compare movers is a great way to save time.  This list has a few quick but important questions for you to ask to swiftly eliminate poor interstate movers.
  2. Having movers pack your breakables will save a lot of time.  It usually takes a crew of 2 less than 2 hours to pack a large kitchen.
  3. Finding efficient movers that can have your shipment at its destination in a timely manner is key.  Nobody wants to be living out of a hotel ( or worse a family’s house) while waiting for furniture to arrive.
  4. Check your interstate moving company reviews!  If there are reviews of people having to wait for their shipment – it’s not a good hire.
  5. Label boxes.  The last thing you want to do when you arrive in your new state is search through boxes to find something you need.
  6. Make a necessity bin – TP, towels, paper towels, cleaning supplies, blanket, etc. so you can access these items immediately upon your move in.

 

Not So Quick Tips for Long Distance Moving and Storage

Long Distance Moving and Storage

My top tips for long distance and moving and storage – this is a complete list of what you need to consider during your long distance move that requires storage.  If you don’t need storage – you are in the wrong place – try this

long distance moving and storage
Long Distance Moving and Storage

Long distance moving when you need storage sucks.  Sorry, but anyone who tells you different is most likely an extreme optimist ( do those still exist? ) or fibbing you so they don’t have to help you.  Okay, so now that you understand that LDMandS is a pain, here are some tips to help you get through it:

  1. There is greater chance that your things will be missing/damaged when you need long distance moving and storage in the interim.  Here is why – most movers buy/sell/transfer your move and there are so many hands that touch your shipment.  Let me put it this way – it would be really hard to prove where your things ended up missing/damaged. What can you do to protect your items?  Hire a long distance mover who doesn’t sell/trade/buy shipments. Also the best long distance movers will make sure the same crew that loaded your shipment delivers after storage.
  2. Do your research.  I really hate this cliche – like you don’t already know – check reviews blah blah blah…  Here is the insight I can provide about long distance moving and storage research.  You have to feel comfortable with them.  A nice voice on the phone isn’t the only reason to book with your mover.  And a FYI – BBB, Yelp, HomeAdvisor, Angie’s List are all PAID services.  I suggest finding long distance moving company reviews that are from third -party, verified sites like customer lobby.
  3. Make sure you store your items in the state you are moving to.  A lot of customers store items in their pick-up state they are moving from.  This gives the customer absolutely no leverage if the first move stinks.  Also, the price could change drastically – especially when using containerized storage. Hire long distance movers with flat rate long distance moving fees.
  4. Don’t use containerized storage for long distance moving and storage . First of all, per month storage fees are very high and the units are/can: easy to break into, fall apart, a nice home for insects/rodents, notorious for uncharges, billing issues, and in general horrible customer service.
  5. If you are using long distance moving and storage to move to a new climate say – from NY to FL – you should consider opting for humidity controlled storage unit or FL to NY – heated storage.  This isn’t for everyone… if the most expensive piece of furniture you own is a desk from IKEA – any type of storage should do fine.
  6. Pro-rated storage for your long distance move can save you hundreds.  Most van lines and larger moving operations will charge you for a full month of storage even if you move out on the 5th of the month.
  7. If you are moving long distance and need storage for six months or more – you will need to sign storage documents every six months and if you fail to – your coverage may be voided.  This should be the responsibility of your move to remind you of but it’s always good to be aware.

You can find the best long distance moving and storage operations along the east coast by doing a search for your local Monster Movers.

How Much Does Moving Cross Country Cost?

How Much Does Moving Cross Country Cost ?

Moving cross country can be a daunting task to undertake.  Packing up everything you own and carting all of your boxes and furniture across multiple states to a new and intimidating city.  Easy Peasy – when you hire a great cross country moving company that is.  The first thing to consider during your cross country moving process is the actual cost of moving cross country.

Moving Cross Country Costs will be dependent on a few factors:

  • Time of Year You are Moving Cross Country  – Traditionally the least expensive months of the year to move cross country are January, February, March and April.  May – November – expect at least a 15% increase in cross country moving company costs.
  • The Weight of Your Cross Country Moving Shipment – Moving shipments are charged by weight.  There are times when your cross country move can be less money the more it weighs!  Ask your mover if they have weight categories.  For example, if your cross country moving company charges 40 cents per pound for 2000-3000lbs but $.38/lb for anything over 3000.
  • The Pick-Up/Delivery Dates for your Move – If you need your shipment picked up and delivered on specific days, this could cost more.  Van lines do not offer guaranteed dates on cross country shipments so, if you do need guaranteed dates it is best to hire a private cross country moving company.
  • Miles You are Moving – The more miles you are moving – the more expensive your cross country move will cost.
  • Additional Cross Country Moving Services ( aka. if you need full packing, hoisting, crating, etc) – Don’t be confused by additional cross country moving services ( packing, full replacement coverage and piano fees) and junk cross country moving fees that you should never be charged for ( mileage fee, shuttle fee, fuel surcharge, taxes, tolls, energy charge, etc).
  • Quality of Cross Country Moving Service – The best long distance movers may be more expensive than an unestablished moving company that you cannot trust.
  • Where You are Moving To and From – If you are moving from Connecticut to Florida, it will generally be more expensive than moving from FL to CT.  The main reasoning for this is because more people move from CT to FL than the other way around.

Cross Country Moving
Cross Country Moving

Cross country moving costs vary drastically and are contingent on the type of moving company you choose.  The easiest way to get guaranteed, flat rate cross country moving estimate is to fill out a moving request on the best cross country moving companies website.

Moving From State to State

Moving From State to State

It is common knowledge that moving from state to state can be taxing.  When looking for an out of state mover, this simple advice can shave hours off of your search as well as keep some dollars in your pocket.

1.  Below is a simple state to state relocation pattern – granted this is for 2011 but similar trends are said to continue for the next 10-15 years.    The moving flow into a state  means more people are moving there.  If you are moving from a state where many move out of and to a state where a lot of people are moving to – expect to pay higher rates per pound.  I am sure you remember this “supply/demand” concept from your middle/high school economics course.  To put this into perspective:

moving from state to state
Moving From State to State

 

Moving from Boston to Florida is a very popular for those moving from state to state.  Therefore, you can expect to spend a little more money for your state to state relocation.

On the flip side, if you are moving from Florida to Rhode Island – not as popular, and not as expensive per pound.

2.  Long Distance Moving is least expensive during off peak times of the year.  If you can plan your state to state move in say February or March, this will greatly reduce your moving fees by up to 20%!

3.  Another kernel of advice is figure out if all of your furniture is “worth” the out of state moving fees.  Sure, some items are sentimental and can’t be given a declared value per se.   You can expect on average of $.50/lb for an interstate move.  So, you have an ikea table that you have had for 3 years – scratched.  At $.50/lb x the tables weight say 150lbs. That equates to $75.  You have to decide if the table is actually worth $75.  Thanks to various outlets like craigslist and the Salvation Army, donating furniture is easier and may be a better option than moving everything from state to state.

4.  Packing for your state to state move is extremely important.  Here are some state to state packing tips.  Remember to ask you long distance mover if they provide complimentary materials to help you start packing.

5.  Finding the best moving company for your state to state move starts with comparing movers.  This is a quick link to a printable spreadsheet to compare movers for your state to state move.

6.  Organizing your state to state move is incredibly important.  A helpful tool is a moving state to state checklist to assist in the organization.  Of course, everyone will have their specifics to add to this list but it is a great start.