Moving to another state can be one of the most exciting experiences in anyone’s life. There will be new cities to explore new opportunities for leisure activities, dining, and new people to meet. In many cases, it is also the opportunity to grow one’s professional career and start ascending the ladder to success.
However, moving across state lines can be a tremendously stressful experience. After all, you are heading for an unfamiliar destination – at least as a home base. Add to this the fact that you will be moving a considerable distance, and your household goods have to make their way to your new address undamaged and ready to make that empty shell into a home.
It is no wonder that many psychologists list relocation as one of the top ten most stressful situations that any person will experience during their lifetime. It is so stressful that it enters a list that includes a death in the family and divorce.
The good news is that with a bit of planning and some research, you will be able to find out of state moving companies that will make the entire process a breeze. The right moving company can provide an experience that allows you to look forward to your move with eager anticipation – rather than dread.
So, what are some of the preparations that you can make to ensure that you have the right moving company and that your move goes off without a hitch – here are some hints and tips.
The first step is to find a reputable out of state mover with experience in interstate relocations. Knowledge of the conditions in the state that you will be moving to – and the laws governing road transport in US is essential, as is a professional attitude and the right paperwork.
It is important that if you are looking for the perfect mover that you obtain quotes from between three and four different movers to make an informed decision as to which mover will best suit your needs. It is important to realize that basing your decision solely on cost may turn out to be an expensive mistake in the long run. There are plenty of marginal operators out there. It is far preferable to spend that little bit extra to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from working with a professional outfit.
So how do you make sure that the mover you are considering offers that professional service?
The first step is to go online and visit one of the review sites that provide information on movers in your area. This is where you will find opinions from consumers who have used their services in the past. Do not rely on feedback from ‘customers’ that appear on company websites. It is, unfortunately, all too common that those reviews are the creative output of marketing professionals.
For even further peace of mind, ask your potential moving company to provide contactable references. Then make a few calls. You will find that most people are more than willing to share their feedback with you.
Once you have made your selection, it is time to get the ball rolling and start the packing process. This is the perfect opportunity to get rid of goods cluttering up your place of residence but do not add value to the life of you and your family. Donate those goods to goodwill, sell them to a second-hand shop, or put them up for auction on the Internet.
With luck, you can make enough money to treat yourself and your family when you arrive at your new address. Remember – most moving companies will base their quote on the weight of what is being transported.
They photograph all the items that are going to be transported – with a time and date stamp. That way, if any goods are damaged in transit, you will have a stronger case when it comes to claiming for the damage from the moving company. The time to review the condition of your goods is as they arrive at your new address.
Any problems should immediately be reported to the management of the out of state moving company. Delays in reporting the sub-standard condition of goods may, in turn, delay any settlement.
Before the moving day, it is a good idea to get the mobile number of the driver so that you can reach out and get an update as to their progress towards your new address. This will allow you to plan to ensure that you will be at your new home when your goods arrive.
Not only is this exciting – but you will also be able to oversee where each of the individual moving boxes is placed – making the process of unpacking as stress-free as possible.
Make sure that you obtain ‘Full Value Protection‘ from a third-party insurer. Your moving company should have insurance (make sure), but that will usually only cover the minimum value of items. Obtaining more comprehensive insurance is especially important if you will be moving with a value that may be difficult to pin down, such as antiques or family heirlooms.
With some research, you will sleep easier at night, knowing that the moving company that you have chosen for your move to a new state is as stress-free as possible.
