Whether you're moving across the street, to a different city, or even to a new state, relocation can be a stressful experience. With the right planning and resources, however, it can be much more manageable. This guide provides detailed information about moving and relocation services in the U.S., including helpful tips, the best moving companies, and the latest trends to make your move easier and more cost-effective.
Types of Moves and Their Challenges
Understanding the different types of moves is key to planning a smooth relocation. There are several kinds of moves, each with its own unique set of challenges:
Local Moves: Moving within the same city or state is often the most straightforward type of move. However, it still involves organizing logistics, packing, and loading, which can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Long-Distance Moves: When moving to another state or region, long-distance moves require more preparation, including securing transportation, scheduling, and navigating interstate regulations. Additionally, long-distance movers often charge by weight, distance, and the size of your belongings.
International Moves: International moves involve the most complex logistics, requiring coordination with moving companies that specialize in international shipping, customs clearance, and handling import/export paperwork. You’ll need to account for travel time, customs laws, and the potential for customs fees and taxes.
Corporate Relocation: When moving due to a job transfer, corporate relocations often come with more support, including paid moving services, temporary housing, and help with settling into the new location. However, they still require attention to detail in terms of timing and moving costs.
Preparing for Your Move: A Step-by-Step Guide
Successful moves start with detailed planning. Here's a timeline and guide for preparing for your move:
8 Weeks Before the Move
Start decluttering: Begin sorting through your belongings. Donate, sell, or discard anything you no longer need.
Research moving companies: Get quotes from at least three moving companies to compare prices and services. Ensure they are licensed and insured.
Create a moving inventory: Keep track of all your items, especially valuables. Take photos or videos of fragile or high-value items for insurance purposes.
6 Weeks Before the Move
Finalize moving company: Confirm your moving date with your chosen company and request an estimate. Consider purchasing moving insurance if needed.
Start packing non-essentials: Begin packing seasonal items and things you won’t need until after the move.
Notify important parties: Inform your landlord, utility providers, banks, and any subscriptions of your move. Set up your new utility services at your new location.
4 Weeks Before the Move
Pack your home: Start packing the rest of your belongings, labeling boxes by room. Be sure to pack fragile items with care.
Arrange for help: If you’re doing a DIY move, recruit friends or family members to assist with loading and unloading. If using professionals, make sure the company has a team ready for the move.
Confirm travel arrangements: If you’re relocating long-distance, confirm your travel plans, including flights or road trip routes.
1 Week Before the Move
Final walkthrough: Check your current home one last time for any items you may have missed. Make sure everything is packed and ready to go.
Prepare for moving day: Pack a suitcase with essentials for the first few days in your new home (clothes, toiletries, medications, etc.).
Keep important documents handy: Ensure that you have important documents like your lease, ID, and moving-related paperwork easily accessible.
Top Moving & Relocation Services in the U.S.
There are many moving and relocation companies across the U.S. that specialize in different types of moves. Here are a few top-rated services:
1. Allied Van Lines
Overview: Allied Van Lines has been in the moving business for more than 90 years and offers a wide range of services for local, long-distance, and international moves.
Specialties: Household moving, corporate relocation, storage services.
Pros: Comprehensive moving packages, flexible scheduling, and robust customer support.
2. U-Haul
Overview: U-Haul is a well-known company that offers truck rentals for DIY moves, along with moving supplies and storage.
Specialties: Truck rentals, moving supplies, self-storage.
Pros: Affordable pricing, numerous locations, flexibility for DIY movers.
3. Mayflower Transit
Overview: One of the oldest and most trusted names in the moving industry, Mayflower offers a wide range of moving services for both residential and commercial clients.
Specialties: Long-distance and corporate moves, full-service packing, and unpacking.
Pros: Nationwide coverage, customizable moving plans, and specialized moving services.
4. Two Men and a Truck
Overview: Known for its friendly and reliable service, Two Men and a Truck offers local and long-distance moving services, as well as packing and storage solutions.
Specialties: Local moves, home and business moving, packing services.
Pros: Excellent customer service, transparent pricing, flexible options.
5. PODS
Overview: PODS offers a unique approach by providing portable storage containers for people who want to handle their move at their own pace.
Specialties: Self-storage, local and long-distance moving, temporary storage solutions.
Pros: Flexibility, convenient delivery, and pickup of containers, ideal for DIY movers.
Costs of Moving and How to Save Money
The cost of moving can vary significantly depending on the distance, size of the move, and the level of service you choose. On average, the cost of moving a 2-bedroom apartment locally ranges between $1,000 to $2,000. For long-distance moves, the costs can increase significantly, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the size and distance of the move.
Ways to Save Money:
Get Multiple Quotes: Always get estimates from multiple moving companies to find the best deal.
Move During Off-Peak Times: Moving during weekdays or off-season months (e.g., fall or winter) can save you money, as rates tend to be lower.
Downsize: Reduce the amount of items you move by donating, selling, or discarding unwanted belongings.
Pack Yourself: Save on packing costs by doing it yourself, or consider hiring professional packers only for delicate or complex items.
Use Free Boxes: You can often find free moving boxes at local stores or from friends and family.
Common Moving Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure a smooth move, here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Last-Minute Planning: Failing to plan early can result in higher costs, fewer available moving dates, and additional stress.
Underestimating the Cost: Make sure you account for all potential moving expenses, including packing materials, tips for movers, and temporary storage.
Overpacking: Overpacking boxes can make them too heavy and difficult to manage. Stick to manageable loads and clearly label each box.
Neglecting Insurance: Ensure that your belongings are covered during the move. Either opt for the moving company’s insurance or consider purchasing additional coverage.
Not Checking Reviews: Don’t hire a moving company without reading reviews or checking its Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating.
Post-Move Tips
After your move, here are a few tips to help you settle in:
Unpack Strategically: Begin with essential rooms like the kitchen and bedroom, and tackle other areas as you have time.
Change Your Address: Update your address with the USPS, banks, credit cards, and any other institutions to ensure your mail is forwarded.
Explore Your New Neighborhood: Take time to familiarize yourself with your new area—find grocery stores, medical facilities, and public transport routes.
Get to Know the Local Utilities: Ensure you set up electricity, water, internet, and other necessary services before you move in.