Moving is stressful – there are very few people who would tell you differently. Many psychologists believe that moving homes can provide as much stress as a death in the family, losing one’s job or a divorce. There are so many micro-processes to it. There’s selecting the right mover, packing up the home, the day (or days) of the move itself, and then unpacking acclimatizing to new surroundings. This can be made even more stressful if you are moving across state lines.
The rules governing your interaction with state government and other service providers (tax, health, insurance, etc.) may be different, and even the social structure of your new neighbourhood and the way that people interact with each other can be a source of anxiety. It is no wonder that many people view the very idea of moving cross country with absolute dread.
The good news is that with a bit of planning, even a cross country move can go so smoothly, a process that will fill all members of the family with eager anticipation of a new life in a new place and meeting new people and enjoying new experiences without being worried about the cost of the cross country move.
Let’s take a look at some proactive ideas that will make your move a pleasure rather than a pain.
First and foremost, choosing the right mover can make a huge difference when it comes to how smoothly the move is going to go. Get quotes from at least three movers to ascertain the cost to move across the country. But always remember – don’t focus exclusively on price. This is one of those instances where you pay for what you get. A great mover might be slightly more expensive than competitors, but you are assured of getting exceptional service from a professional. There is plenty of fly by night operators out there – make sure that you are making the right decision.
One of the ways that you can make sure that you are dealing with a professional is to go online and check reviews of the company. Online reviews of moving companies in your area should be widely available. It is also a good idea to ask the moving company for contactable references – and give them a call to ask about their experience.
Make sure that the moving company that you are considering has all the necessary paperwork to ensure a stress-free experience. Make sure that they are licensed movers (and that licensing includes permissions to operate across state lines) and that they have all the necessary insurance to give you peace of mind that should the unexpected occur that the value of your goods will be covered.
Next, make sure that you take photos of all of your valuable items. This will ensure that should damage occur in transit; you will be able to supply evidence of the condition of the goods before the move. This will avoid the headaches of the backward and forwards with the moving company as you argue about compensation – and in the worst-case lengthy (and potentially expensive) litigation. Make sure that the photos are time stamped.
When you take delivery of your household goods at your new home, scrutinize everything. That is the time when any damage should be noted and brought to the attention of the moving company. Failing to do this can also make the process of claiming for damages needlessly complicated.
Even if the company that you choose has up to date insurance, you should consider taking out specialized moving insurance. Take a look at your current insurance cover and if it lacks in this area, approach your broker, and get more information on insurance that will cover your goods during the moving process. Remember that your mover will have insurance that usually will cover only the bare minimum – taking out ‘Full Value Protection‘ might be a good idea, especially if you have assets such as antiques, which can be difficult to value accurately should damage occur.
This may seem like a no brainer – but get a contact number for the driver him or herself. The moving process, especially when it is a cross country move, can be a lengthy one – and you will want to know the status of their progress towards your new home. In some cases, the moving company will contact the driver on your behalf, and there are even those who will allow you to track progress using an app. It adds to the fun and excitement of the process – and gives you that all-important peace of mind.
Moving cross country should not be stressful. It should be a process of eager anticipation of a new life in a new place. With a bit of planning, you can make this ideal a reality.
