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They say that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. However, when you’re making an interstate move, a straight line can be a problem. If crossing state borders is in the itinerary, there are a lot of waterways, freeways, and interstates, and tolls to deal with and it’s not likely that you want to tear into someone’s backyard just to cut corners.
That being said, time is of the essence during an interstate move, (movers and truck rentals charge hourly rates) and, while there aren’t too many ways to cut down on distance, there are a few ways to cut down on time. Here are a few ways to save yourself some precious time on your interstate move that won’t result in bodily injury.
Develop a Strategy for an Interstate Move
If most of us had our way, we would probably just jump on the freeway with the wind in our hair (s), not a care in our minds and hit the open road until we got to our destinations. And that can be done, as long as you make a good plan and start putting it into action early.
When you set your agenda for an interstate move, its important to keep the end in mind:
- how do you want to achieve your goal?
- when do you want to achieve your goal?
- what do you need to do to achieve your goal?
Consider things such as whether you want to use a professional mover or rely on a rental truck to make your move. Get an idea of the packing supplies and boxes you will need and how you intend to get them.
Downsizing for an Interstate Move
There’s nothing like packing for an interstate move to make you aware of how easy it is to let go of your belongings. After a long day and strenuous day of packing, chances are, you’ll find yourself becoming a little less attached to those big old coffee table books, and maybe even the coffee table for that matter.
When it comes down to it, you have a choice: save your stuff or save yourself time. The best way to keep time down is to keep the number of items you need to pack to a minimum.
Hiring The Best Moving Company for Interstate Moves
Finding the best mover is not like finding a good date. You don’t look at a screen and swipe right or left to indicate whether or not you think they’re a good match. Picking the ideal interstate mover takes a little more than an interesting profile and common interests, it takes careful investigation and serious consideration.
If you want to save time looking for a reliable interstate moving company, the American Moving and Storage Association can be a valuable short cut. Member companies of AMSA must be properly licensed with a rating of at least satisfactory from the Better Business Bureau and agree to abide by ethical standards when dealing with customers.
Ask any mover you speak to for references and make sure to get an estimate before you sign on the dotted line. Inquire about liability policies so you know what items are protected in case of damage and whether or not the company will provide workmen’s compensation should there be injuries. Find out about all additional fees and read all contracts carefully. There can be a lot of grey areas in what looks like black and white.
Alternatives To Moving Companies
While you want to save precious time on your interstate move, you also want to save precious money. Renting a moving truck or a portable moving container may mean a little more packing and loading, but there are ways of making the rental process a bit more expedient.
When you’re renting a portable moving container, keep in mind that the company will be delivering the container, picking it up, moving cross country and dropping it off. A missed connection can cost money, time, and confusion, not to mention a ton of stress. The best way to keep damage control to a minimum is to coordinate with the company carefully and be clear on what happens when things don’t go according to plan.
If a rental truck is your transportation method of choice, getting the right sized one is crucial. Packing up a truck and realizing that the contents of your kitchen are still on the sidewalk qualifies as a full-on moving disaster; not to mention a major setback in terms of time. Make sure to research rental truck companies to find which ones have the widest range in terms of truck sizes and while you’re at it, check which ones charge more for add-ons. Knowing what to look for can eliminate a lot of candidates quickly.
Get Packing
The first rule of packing is that it always takes longer than you think it will, so start early and pack the things you use least first. It certainly won’t save you time if you need to dig through boxes to find your toothbrush every day. Also, keep organized. Mark and label all your boxes so you know what’s what when you get to your new house and what room to put them in.
Another rule of packing: have everything packed before the movers come. Roll up the rugs and disassemble the furniture. The more you do, the less the movers will have to do, and truck rentals and movers charge by the hour.
Packing Tips
There is an art to packing, and as they say, art takes time; but if you’re looking to complete your interstate move in as little time as possible, you can make a quick study of it.
While it may seem counterintuitive, large boxes aren’t necessarily built for heavy objects. If you exceed the carrying capacity on a big box, it can break, and if your garbage bag has ever broken on you when you were taking out the trash, you know how long it can take to clean up the mess. Think big when it comes to light objects and save the heavyweights for the more compact boxes. Overpacking can end up slowing things down.
Now that at least some of your worries are behind you, step on the gas! You have an interstate move to think about and there is no time to spare!
