Sometimes a relocation can be compared to the end of the world. Of course, now it has become much easier to decide on such a crucial step and move not just to another street, but even to another state or city. We are willing to bet that people who lived several hundred years ago did not have such opportunities.
Do not relax, though, as there are a number of things you need to take care of: packing, finding a truck, exploring your future home, and much more. Moreover, you should pay special attention to the fact that each state of America has its own tax laws. Therefore, in order not to get into an unpleasant situation, you need to thoroughly prepare for the move and work out your strategy in detail.
Moving Preparations: What Should I Start With?
Each person plans the move differently. However, experts say that it is better to start planning a move two months before X-day. It will be enough at least to draw up a rough plan. Collecting things, packing them, deciding what to take with you and what to sell or throw away should be started a month before the move. Also during this period, you must decide how you will transport your things. There are options of moving on your own or hiring a good moving company.
People rightly argue that moving on your own is much cheaper, since hiring movers you will have to pay a considerable sum, from packaging materials to a truck. For moving services you will pay no less than $2000, and cross-state relocation will cost even more – $5000-$8000. However, is it as good and colorful as it seems at first glance?
Moving on your own will only be appropriate if you are going to transport a small number of things that are of no particular value and do not require special packing. Then you can safely load everything into your car or a rented truck and take on the role of a mover. But prepare mentally for the fact that you will be responsible for everything from planning to any problems that arise before, during, and after the relocation. You will have to:
- Monitor the condition of the truck
- Deal with the license
- Search for packing materials and accordingly pack things yourself
- Transport boxes from your old housing and load onto your truck
- Solve all problems on the road
- Choose the best route for your trip
- Spend your money on gasoline
- Prepare for the fact that all responsibility will be on you and no one will be able to insure you in case of problem situations
Packing – Transportation – Unpacking: The Way The Moving Companies Work In America
Let’s recall any TV show or movie, whether American or not. How do they show the whole process of moving? We immediately see things neatly packed in boxes, a cleaned house. The signed boxes are already beautifully stacked on the street and ready to be loaded. Doesn’t it all seem too fabulous? Not really, because this is how moving companies work. These professionals are ready to take over the entire moving process: pack things, clean up the old house, move everything, arrange furniture in its place, throw away unnecessary things, and so on. Agree, this option looks much nicer. Yes, the services of movers are not cheap, but here you need to choose what is more priority for you – your health and nervous system, or money.
Stage One. Research Properly The Market
There are many relocation companies in America, as moving business is one of the oldest businesses in the United States. Therefore, you will face moments when you don’t know which company to choose from. And that’s okay because the market is pretty big. However, do not hire the first company you come across, make your choice carefully. Call several movers, ask all the questions that interest you in order to clearly understand the company’s strategy. There are also many websites that can provide information about a mover (BBB or MovingCompanyReviews). Just enter the company name and you will receive all the information you need to know.
Stage Two: Plan Your Budget
Remember one important truth: if the manager of a moving company tells you the ready cost for services over the phone, hang up, and never contact this company again. Professional movers should examine in detail the size of the house, the number of objects and special points. If company representatives come to you and personally study all the necessary details, then you can safely trust them.
But this does not mean that you have to select all services at once. Real movers will always advise which transportation option will suit your particular situation. Therefore, if the company is trying to impose a huge number of services on you, do not agree in any way.
Stage Three: Analyze Your Belongings
We all have an attic or a closet where we store a lot of things that no one uses anymore, but it’s a pity to throw them away. Find the strength to disassemble everything unnecessary, throw it away, or sell it. And the money received can be spent on moving company services.
Stage Five: Get Ready For A Moving Day
It is very important to prepare mentally for the move. Try not to be nervous about the little things and trust the moving company that you hired. Also, try not to interfere with specialists during work. You can only suggest where the belongings are and help only if you are asked to.
Also, make sure that nothing is blocking the aisles. In such a way the work will go much faster and the movers you hired will only thank you.
