Moving into a new home can be a big challenge – especially if that new home is far away. The process is inherently stressful, even if you’re just moving across town, thanks to the complexities of planning, packing, and adjusting to your new home. Add in the long distance, and it can make your experience take on a completely different shape. Understanding what makes up a long distance move is essential, especially when looking at logistics, cost, and preparation. Hiring the right long distance movers in Denver can greatly help streamline the process, making it less stressful for everyone involved.
What is a Long Distance Move?
A long distance move – which is also referred to as a cross-country move or interstate move – usually involves relocating to a new home that is 100 miles or more from your current location. This definition varies slightly, of course, depending on the moving company and specific context of the move. That said, the 100-mile threshold is a commonly-accepted standard across the moving industry.
The term “long distance” doesn’t necessarily refer to only the geographical span. It can also encompass moves that cross state lines or involve substantial changes in your living circumstances. For example, a move from Colorado to Miami is obviously a long distance move. However, a move from Denver to Cheyenne, Wyoming, might not seem as daunting and is right around that 100-mile threshold. That would still likely be considered a long distance move because it involves crossing state lines as well as a significant logistical effort.
Different Kinds of Long Distance Moves
There are a number of ways to categorize long distance moves based on their complexity and nature. Interstate moves occur when you are moving from one state to another. These are regulated by federal laws and often involve more paperwork and coordination than a simple local move. Professional movers are commonly used for these types of moves, and they must be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Their operations are also governed by various regulations to protect consumers.
Intrastate moves happen when you’re moving within the same state. They typically aren’t categorized as long distance, but can still cover long distances. For example, a move from Denver to Durango might take place within the state’s borders, but it’s still nearly 350 miles. Despite being within the same state, the distance and logistics involved would make it similar to an interstate move.
Cross-country moves are a more extreme version of these kinds of moves, as they typically span several states or even the entire country. This type of move requires extensive planning, and the logistics can get more complicated due to the sheer distance involved. It’s important to communicate properly with the moving company, and to have a good plan in place in case things come up during this lengthy process.
Factors that Distinguish Long Distance Moves
There are a number of factors that help distinguish a local move from a long distance move. The most apparent difference Is the distance between the two places. The greater the distance, the more complex the logistics will be, and the more the cost will go up. Long distance moves are significantly more expensive than local moves. The distance, weight of belongings, fuel charges, and any other services that might be required all have to be taken into considerations. Local movers might charge by the hour, while long distance movers typically charge by weight.
There are also legal and regulatory considerations with a long distance move, meaning the movers must comply with federal regulations. Things like vehicle registration, taxes, and other legal matters may need to be addressed if state laws differ. Long distance moves also require more careful planning to coordinate everything between the homeowners and the movers. One of the most important differences comes down to time. Some local moves can be completed in a day, while long distance moves can take several days or weeks, depending on the distance.
Research Before a Long Distance Move
Preparing for a long distance move means more than just packing up some boxes. Start by creating a detailed moving plan. This should include your budget, timeline, and a list of tasks that need to be completed before the move takes place. Consider everything from packing, hiring movers, transferring utilities, and updating your address. Make sure to research moving companies to get one that fits within your budget and timeline, but also whom you feel comfortable handling your items. Read reviews and get multiple quotes. Make sure the company is licensed and insured, and confirm their experience with long distance moves.
Create a detailed inventory of your belongings. This will help you keep track of all your items during the move and make it easier to file insurance claims should anything get damaged or lost during the move. Also make sure you have a plan for any special items. This includes large items like your vehicles, pianos, or anything else that might be difficult to transport. Also think of valuable items like artwork or other musical instruments. These might require specialized moving services or additional insurance coverage. Also plan your route and make any necessary travel arrangements early. Consider the needs of pets and children, and doing this early will take some anxiety out of the process.
Prepare Strategically for Your Move
Because the cost of long distance moves is often determined by the weight of your belongings, it can be very helpful to declutter and downsize. Sell, donate, or discard items you no longer need. This will not only reduce your moving costs, but can also make the packing process much, much easier. Packing for long distance moves also requires more care and organization than a local move. Use high-quality packing materials, label boxes clearly, and pack items securely to prevent any damage during transit. Consider packing an essentials box with items you’ll need immediately upon arrival to your new home.
Don’t forget to transfer or cancel your utilities and services. Schedule the disconnection of your services at your old home, and set up the connection of those same services at your new home to avoid any gaps. Update your address with banks, insurance providers, subscription services, and any other important institutions. Taking care of these things early will give you a better chance of them happening right along your timeline – saving you money and stress throughout the process.
Challenges in Long Distance Moves
Even with all of your careful planning, there are bound to be issues that pop up during this process. Long distance moves are prone to delays due to weather, traffic, construction, and other logistical issues. It’s essential to build some flexibility into your schedule and have some contingency plans in place. These types of moves can be expensive, and unexpected costs can add up. Make your budget as detailed as possible, and stick to it. Account for all of your expenses, and leave some room for those unexpected costs that almost always pop up.
Along with all of the logistical hurdles, long distance moves have emotion strains, as well. Acknowledge the emotional impact of the move and find ways to cope through it. Stay connected with loved ones and seek support from new neighbors in your new community. Depending on how far the move is, there can also be cultural and lifestyle adjustments. This can include everything from the cultural norms of a particular area to simply adjusting to the new climate. Prepare for these changes and approach them with an open mind, and it will make the long distance move that much easier.
Understanding the Role of Professional Movers
Hiring professional movers for a long distance move can provide multiple benefits. Not only can it take some of the complexity out of the process, but it removes a lot of the stress, too. Professionals have the experience and expertise to handle the unique challenges of a long distance move. Their experience has helped them understand logistics, regulations, and potential pitfalls of a long distance move, allowing them to plan and execute more efficiently. Many of these companies offer packing services, as well, helping to reduce the damage during transit.
Because of the extended time spent in transit, long distance moves carry a higher risk of damage. Professional movers will typically offer various insurance options to protect your belongings, so be sure to understand the coverage provided. Moving long distances can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Professionals can help you focus on other aspect than the move itself, giving you more time to say goodbye to friends and acclimate to your new life in your new location.
There are number of benefits to hiring professional movers – from reducing stress to saving time. Understanding the preparations necessary for a long distance move can also help set you up for success when it comes time for your transition. For more information on how to make your long distance move less stressful, reach out to the trusted experts at Checkmate Moving & Storage today.
