The process of planning for an interstate move is both exciting and overwhelming. Both local and interstate moves require careful organization and many logistical considerations, but an interstate move adds an extra layer of tasks, including adjusting to the culture and weather of a new state.

Here are five preparations we recommended as you plan your interstate move:

Choose an independent interstate moving company

An interstate moving company with decades worth of experience, such as Gentle Giant, will treat your inventory with the utmost care and respect. Experienced movers know how to properly pack a moving truck in a way that will protect your items and reduce the risk of damage in-transit.

An independent interstate moving company means we don’t subcontract the pick-up of items or send a driver to the destination to find labor once they arrive. Every person involved with your long-distance move will be a Gentle Giant employee, trained by our experts, and backed by our 100% Crew Guarantee. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, this process is beneficial because it means less people will be touching your items, ensuring a greater sense of sanitation and control.

Schedule your interstate move at least one month in advance

Any advanced notice customers can provide is greatly appreciated as companies take greater precautions to maintain safety and sanitation during COVID-19. Scheduling your move in advance is critical to ensure you are able to move on the dates you have requested. The further the distance, the sooner you will want to reach out to your moving company so they can look at their schedule.

Hiring an independent long-distance moving company such as Gentle Giant means we will be able to give you a much more accurate delivery window, in comparison to our competitors. Since we would be handling the move from start to finish, it makes planning and scheduling your long-distance move much easier. This is important ahead of the holiday season and winter weather.

Make sure your interstate moving company has a COVID-19 safety plan

As the pandemic carries on and cases begin to rise once again, it’s essential to have a moving company who cares about the health of its employees and customers on your side. While planning your long-distance move during the COVID-19 pandemic, seek out a moving company with a detailed COVID-19 action plan in place. Our plan is constantly evolving depending on the circumstances in each of our regional locations.

These precautions should include daily check-in screenings with employees to make sure no employees are showing COVID-19 symptoms, regular hand washing and sanitizing, and reduced customer contact. A long-distance move is a complex process, and you’ll want to make sure healthy professionals are leading the process as efficiently as possible.

Understand shuttle charges, truck sizes, and packing costs

The line haul charge will make up the bulk of your moving cost, but there will almost always be additional charges in your estimate. For example, if you are moving to or from a neighborhood with narrow streets, we may have to use a shuttle to load or deliver your items. Shuttles are sometimes a necessity in long distance moving, because goods are transported on tractor trailers (18-wheelers), which are over 60-feet long.

When we cannot maneuver a tractor trailer near the door at pick-up or delivery, a fee will apply to use a smaller truck to shuttle the goods to and from the trailer. Additionally, many of our customers hire us to pack their items for moving before loading them on the truck. There is an additional labor and materials charge for this service.

Declutter and organize as efficiently as possible to manage moving costs

A move is the perfect time to declutter and donate any items you don’t need. To reduce your inventory, make various piles of items to keep, donate, or throw away. The smaller your inventory is, the faster the move will take and the less materials you will need to buy, and the more money you can save by downsizing.

As you’re packing for your move, you may find it helpful to organize your items as you place them in your boxes. For small items like office supplies, place the items into storage containers and dividers ahead of time. This can make these items easier to unpack and place on your desk once you arrive, which saves you time while settling into your new home.

To get a quote for your long-distance move, use our moving estimate request form and inventory checklist, or call us at 800-442-6863 to speak with a moving consultant and how we can assist you with your move.