There are several advantages of hiring a professional moving company, but how much do long distance movers cost? These are the prices you can expect.
Most people dislike the idea of packing up for a move. It takes a long time and then you have to unpack everything when you arrive. There’s also the issue of moving larger items like appliances and furniture.
When in doubt, there’s always the option of hiring movers. A professional moving company has the experience and the know-how to pack your belongings and ship them in the most efficient way possible. They also know how to deal with all the complications of shipping overseas.
But how much do long distance movers cost, and what are some moving tips that can help?
Challenges of Moving Long Distance
Planning a move across a great distance brings its own set of unique challenges.
First, there’s the issue of packing. The longer the journey, the more likely your furniture is to get damaged. You also risk losing or damaging your belongings if you don’t pack them correctly before shipping.
Loading your items into a truck is another challenge. It’s difficult enough to carry it all onto the vehicle by yourself. You may need additional materials such as packing pads to prevent damage in transit.
If you aren’t careful, you may end up spending more than you’d like. Renting a truck on your own is affordable, but it may take longer to unload than you’d expect. There’s also the issue of the cost of shipping long distances.
How Much Do Long Distance Movers Cost?
When looking for long distance mover costs, you have to consider the various factors that can affect them. For example, is everything getting packed in a truck or are you shipping some items? Do you need them to help pack and unpack your belongings?
As a baseline, the national average for a long-distance move is about $4,000. Long-distance moving companies usually assess prices based on weight and distance. Moving across state lines could cost as little as $800 or over $5,000, depending on those factors.
Consolidated shipping offers the most savings on your move but uses a bigger delivery window in a shared truck. Express trips are quicker but cost more. Exclusive or direct services provide a truck just for you, but it’s the more costly of these options.
There may also be additional costs such as a shuttle fee, insurance, and the price of gas.
How to Make the Move Easier on Yourself
Depending on how far you’re traveling, you may have to pay thousands of dollars to pack and deliver your items.
It’s even more complicated if you’re moving overseas to another country.
Despite the cost of hiring movers, there are some moving tips that can help make the process easier and more affordable.
Planning a Move
Planning ahead is essential if you want to cut costs and save time on your move. Develop and stick to a moving checklist for the best results.
For example, take a couple of months before the move to get rid of excess stuff you don’t need. Minimize how much you’ll need to pack later on.
Additionally, take an inventory of your most valuable items. Note what items went into which boxes so they’re easier to find when you get to your new home.
Get Multiple Mover Estimates
Before you hire a professional moving company, you should make sure to ask them questions about their experience and the services offered.
One of the most important things to do is get estimates from different companies. Find out how much their services cost and what your options are. What you pay may also change depending on if they have moving insurance and how quickly they work.
Moving Insurance
Shipping furniture is expensive. In some cases, it’s better to buy new rather than ship your old furniture.
A kitchen table may cost you about as much to ship as it would to buy it new. Meanwhile, shipping a couch will save you a lot more money than the cost of purchasing a new one.
If you do decide to keep something, make sure the movers you hire are insured.
Most professional moving companies have some kind of general liability insurance to cover accidental damage or injuries sustained on the job. You may need to purchase moving insurance if it’s not offered.
Pack Priority Items Separately to Take With You
Remember to pack essential items separately from the rest of your belongings. It’s the same mentality as packing your carry-on separately from the rest of your luggage when boarding a flight.
You may need these essentials while waiting for the rest of your boxes to arrive.
Some things to pack are toiletries, quick meals, basic cleaning supplies, and enough clothing for a week or two.
Label Boxes and Sort Accordingly
One of the worst parts of unpacking after a move is trying to remember where you put everything. Even if you put all your kitchenware in a single box, it may get mixed up with all the other boxes.
Label all of the boxes accordingly so they’re easy to find. Instead of writing out what everything contains, try color coding. Group your items by the room they belong in.
Let the Professionals Take the Wheel
A major benefit of hiring movers is that they often offer packing services in addition to shipping. This comes in handy especially if you’re shipping fragile items like vases or glasses.
If you have a lot of heavy furniture to load into the truck, movers also bring equipment such as dollies to pick them up and straps to keep them from moving.
Moving in the Lowcountry
How much do long distance movers cost, and is it worth the price tag? If you want an easier moving experience and dependable shipping, then it’s at least worth checking out a local moving company. Expect to pay something close to the average of $4,000, but always look for the best deal available.
Smooth Move is here to help in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. We’re locally owned and operated and are available every day of the year. Get a free moving quote within 24 hours and contact us if you have any questions.