Long Distance Moving Guide

Please read the following documents published by the FMSCA prior to your move

Ready To Move Brochure

Rights & Responsibilities

Arbitration Booklet

Move Planning Guide- Timeline 

Long distance moves come with even more complicated details than a local move. Trust Us- we move families across the country and around the world every week of the year.

Need some direction on when to do what? Follow this basic guideline to planning out your long distance move and it’ll be the easiest one yet!

2 Months before Moving Day:

• Start thinking and planning where your furniture will go in your new home. Search for Free Floor Plan makers online. This way- you can know if there are items you’ll want to part with before you move, or if you will need anything additional shortly after your relocation.
• Time to PURGE! Consider a yard sale- especially if it’s spring and you have larger or common household items you want to part with instead of moving them with you. Consider how much you can sell items for, how much they cost to re-purchase or how much it would be to move them with you. Local Charities would be happy to take what you can’t sell or if you’re prefer to take a tax deduction.
• Get boxes from your mover. Many will offer a quantity of boxes at no cost, if you are already contracted to work with them. Has a friend recently moved or able to find free moving boxes on Craigslist? Stock up- you will need more supplies than you think!
• Start getting to know your NEW hometown! There’s a lot to do when moving to a new city or town. Getting to know the schools your children will attend, the area amenities, community programs, Chambers of Commerce will make your transition much smoother.
• If you are flying, taking the train, or will need a hotel for a few days until your moving truck arrives- make those arrangements now. You can always update reservations if needed; by booking these now, you’ll have more options to choose form and are likely to lock in a better price than if you waited until the last moment.
• Keep all of your receipts as you go through this process. If your move is job related, many moving expenses are tax deductible. Obtain an IRS Change of Address form, Form 8822, by calling (800) 829-1040 or download form here on IRS website. You will be able to download and print form 8822 and most other IRS tax forms; e.g., Form 3903 to help deduct moving expense
• Sign the lease of your new apartment or contract on your new home. Both of these take time to process and get everything ready for your arrival so leaving it to the last minute can cause you a longer stay in a hotel than you would like.
• As soon as you have your new address confirmed, reach out to your insurance company- Renters insurance, automotive insurance, even your medical insurance.
• Pack your important documents& records before anything else. This will include any medical and vaccination documents as well as passports, birth certificates, Social Security cards, marriage certificate, will and other legal documents, stock certificates, and any expensive jewelry, priceless or one of a kind treasures MUST be transported yourself.

1 Month before Moving Day:

• Put in your change of address with the Post Office – you can access that here.
• It’s also time to schedule the start and stop service of your utilities of your current home and new residence. Credit card companies, creditors, and your bank should also know be aware of your upcoming move.
• If you have not yet signed a contract with your moving company, do it now- schedule an In Home Survey for the most accurate estimate and strongly consider Full Valuation Coverage for a Long Distance Move.
• Packing lists are a huge help at this stage. Start by packing seasonal items that are not currently in use and save the day to day items for last. Being organized NOW will save you headache of opening boxes to retrieve critical items in the coming weeks. Get your kids involved in the process- let them pack their seasonal items and toys they can live without for a few weeks. By involving them it will lessen their stress and confusion with all the changes going on.

2- 3 Weeks before Moving Day:

• Stop- look around, check the lists you made… are you on track to complete everything on time? If it looks like you are behind schedule, call your mover! they can offer packing assistance and take some work off your plate. Yes, it’ll cost a little more but will be well worth your sanity in the end. Consider leaving the packing of breakable items to the professionals- items that they pack are covered against damages, unlike boxes you pack yourself.
• Get 1 refill of all your family’s medications, even if you don’t need it quite yet, and transfer prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new hometown.
• How are your pets and automobiles getting to your new home? If you are using a service for either- make sure those arrangements are finalized. This is a great time to double check that you have all the insurance, titles, vaccination, registration and other paperwork on hand to provide to the car carrier or pet transportation organization.
• Check to see if your houseplants can be brought into your new state- often it’s best to donate them to a friend or charity- some states prohibit moving of houseplants.
• Have you come across any borrowed items while packing? Library books, your neighbor’s ladder? Return them! Make sure you have collected all of your lent items, also- or the coat you left at the cleaners last winter!
• Drain your lawn mower, weed eater, blower, etc. Fuels must be fully removed prior to transport. Don’t forget to return the propane tank for your grill- that cannot go on the moving truck either.
• Are you driving your car to your new home? It is recommended to get an inspection to ensure your vehicle is ready for the long trip!

The Week before Moving Day:

• Clearly mark the items you are taking so there is no confusion on moving day. Also mark the Fragile or Load Last boxes as such- it really will make moving day smoother.
• Touch base with your moving company. Arrange for payment, advise of any last minute assistance you need or changes to your plans. Also be sure they have multiple contact numbers for you, to reach you and plan for delivery of your items.
• Pack a suitcase to hold you over in transition. Confirm your travel arrangements.

Moving Day Eve- the day before Moving Day:

• Unplug refrigerator, defrost your freezer, dispose of perishable items.
• Clean as much as you can, vacuum and wipe down all surfaces.
• Pack the last minute items you will need immediately upon arrival.

Moving Day!

• Be present when the driver and move team arrive and throughout the loading process. They will have questions and want to confirm things with you as they go. Confirm tasks are done before signing for them.
• Accompany the driver during inventory and make a final tour of your home to ensure nothing was missed or damaged.
• Local all windows and doors, turn off all light and flip the breakers if applicable.

Move In Day:

• Arrive 1 day prior, if possible. Ensure the utilities are on and plan where you will want your large furniture pieces with the Floor plan you created in advance.
• Do a ‘walk thru’ of your home before the movers leave. Make sure there is no damage and all the large items are where you want them. Pay them before they leave

Welcome Home!