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How to Ship Things Across Country with Cross Country Movers’ Help

Posted in How-to,Moving Essentials,Moving Tips & Tricks on August 30, 2024

When it comes to relocating, one of the biggest concerns is how to ship things across the country without a hitch. Whether it’s cherished furniture, a collection of delicate items, or the entire household, getting everything from point A to point B in one piece can feel overwhelming. Luckily, with the right cross-country movers on your side, the process becomes much more manageable. Let’s dive into what you need to know to make the big move a breeze.

To ship things across the country with cross-country movers’ help, start by choosing a reputable moving company, schedule relocation in advance, and let the professionals handle the packing, loading, and transportation of belongings. They’ll ensure the items arrive safely and on time at the destination, reducing stress and making the process seamless.

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Preparing for a Cross-Country Relocation – Things You Need to Do Without Movers’ Help

Preparing for a move involves more than just packing boxes — it’s about ensuring that every item you own arrives safely at the new home. When figuring out how to ship things across the country, it’s crucial to start with a solid plan. One of the best ways to protect belongings during a cross-country move is to hire professional movers who specialize in long-distance relocations.

These experts not only have the experience and equipment needed to securely pack and transport items, but they also offer the peace of mind that your possessions will be handled with care throughout the journey.

Declutter and Downsize Before the Move

Decluttering and downsizing before a cross-country relocation isn’t just about lightening the load but a strategic step that can save you time, money, and stress. When you ship fewer items, not only do you reduce the overall cost of the move, but you also make the process more manageable.

Shipping things across the country means every square inch in the moving truck counts, so it’s essential to only take what you truly need. By getting rid of items you no longer use or need, you’ll ensure that the new home is filled only with things that add value to your life, making the transition smoother and more organized. Make sure once you are done with decluttering, you organize a garage sale and sell all of the belongings you don’t need anymore.

Create a Comprehensive Inventory List

Creating a comprehensive inventory list is a key step in ensuring a stress-free move. This list not only helps you keep track of everything you’re shipping but also serves as a vital tool when it’s time to unpack. With a detailed inventory, you can easily check off items as they arrive, ensuring nothing is lost or damaged along the way.

Additionally, professional movers will often ask for this list to help them understand what they’re transporting and to ensure everything is accounted for. Here are a couple of tips on how to create an effective inventory list:

  • Break it down by room – Start by organizing the inventory list room by room. This makes it easier to track what’s been packed and what still needs attention. Label each section with the room name (e.g., “Living Room,” “Kitchen”) and list each item within that room. This method not only keeps things organized but also helps you prioritize which items to pack first.
  • Be detailed and specific – For each item on the list, include a brief description, the quantity, and any relevant details, such as the condition or value. For example, instead of just writing “TV,” specify “55-inch Samsung TV, excellent condition.” This level of detail will be helpful if any items go missing or get damaged, and it’s particularly useful if you need to file an insurance claim.
  • Use a digital tool or app – Use a digital tool or app to create the inventory list. There are many apps designed specifically for moving that allow you to take photos, add descriptions, and categorize items easily. This approach not only makes the process faster but also ensures the inventory is backed up and accessible from any device.

Gather the Right Packing Supplies

Gathering the right packing supplies is crucial for protecting belongings while cross-country moving. If you’re only hiring movers for basic cross-country moving services, you’ll need to purchase all the necessary packing materials yourself. However, if you opt for Cross Country Movers’ full packing services, we’ll provide all the packing materials free of charge, ensuring everything is securely packed for the journey.

If you decide to handle the packing yourself, here’s what you’ll need:

  • Sturdy boxes – Invest in a variety of sizes to accommodate different items, from small boxes for heavy items like books to large ones for lightweight, bulky items like bedding.
  • Bubble wrap – Essential for cushioning fragile items such as glassware, electronics, and artwork.
  • Packing paperPacking paper is great for two things – protecting delicate and fragile items and filling gaps in boxes to prevent shifting.
  • Heavy-duty tape – Use strong packing tape to seal boxes securely and reinforce the bottoms to prevent them from collapsing.
  • Furniture covers – Protect larger items like sofas, mattresses, and chairs from dust and damage with specialized covers.
  • Labels and markers – Clearly label each box with its contents and destination room to make unpacking easier.
Person writing an inventory list
Good inventory will help with unpacking, too

What Are the Benefits of Hiring Movers to Ship Things Across the Country?

When you’re figuring out how to ship your things across the country, entrusting the task to experienced movers ensures that belongings are packed, handled, and transported with care. Professional movers bring expertise and specialized equipment that minimize the risk of damage, and they handle all the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on other aspects of the relocation. Also, long-distance movers must offer insurance coverage, giving you peace of mind that the items are protected throughout the journey.

Professional Expertise and Experience

Professional movers have the training and experience to handle all types of items, from fragile heirlooms to bulky furniture. They know the best packing techniques, the right materials to use, and how to navigate the complexities of a long-distance move. Their expertise ensures that belongings are packed, transported, and delivered safely, reducing the risk of damage or loss.

Time and Stress Savings

Beyond just moving across the country belongings, hiring a moving company frees up time to focus on the many other important tasks that come with relocating. If you’re moving to a new city, you’ll likely need to spend time house hunting, exploring neighborhoods, and securing a place to live. For those moving with kids, there’s the critical task of transferring school records and finding the right educational environment.

Additionally, you may need to look for new job opportunities, navigate the process of transferring medical records, and manage the sale of the old home. All of these responsibilities can be overwhelming, but with professional movers handling the relocation logistics, you can devote energy to these crucial aspects of starting a new life.

Safety and Security of Belongings

When you hire professionals, you can trust that your belongings are in safe hands. They use high-quality packing materials, secure loading techniques, and reliable transportation methods to protect items during the move. Additionally, professional movers offer insurance options, providing an extra layer of security and peace of mind in case of any unexpected incidents.

Mover packing a TV
With professional techniques in place, all valuables will be protected

How to Choose the Right Cross-Country Movers

When learning how to ship things across the country, the most crucial aspect is finding reliable movers. The right cross-country movers will not only ensure that your belongings are transported safely and efficiently, but they will also provide the expertise and support needed to make the entire process smooth and stress-free. Choosing a reputable moving company with a proven track record of successful relocations is essential to ensuring that the relocation goes off without a hitch.

Research and Compare Moving Companies

When it comes to shipping belongings across the country, it’s important to take the time to research and compare different moving companies. Start by gathering quotes from several movers, but don’t just focus on the price — look at the services they offer, their experience with long-distance moves, and customer reviews.

Comparing companies will help you find the best balance of cost, service, and reliability, ensuring that you choose a mover who can meet your specific needs. For example, if you wish to ship a car across the country, then you should look for a company that offers car shipping services as well.

Ask About Licensing and Insurance

When choosing a moving company for shipping, it’s crucial to ask about their licensing and insurance. A reputable mover should have a valid USDOT number, indicating they are registered with the Department of Transportation and comply with federal regulations. Additionally, ensure they hold the necessary state licenses to operate legally in your area. Confirm that the company offers comprehensive insurance options to protect shipped belongings throughout the move.

Read Reviews and Get Recommendations

Also, take the time to read reviews and get recommendations. Online reviews and testimonials offer valuable insights into the experiences of past customers, helping you gauge the reliability and quality of service provided by the movers. Additionally, ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations based on their own moving experiences. Learning from others’ experiences can guide you toward selecting a trustworthy mover who will handle the cross-country move with care and professionalism.

Couple looking at laptop
Make sure to read and leave a review

Tips for Working with Professional Movers When Moving Cross Country

When working with professionals, clear communication is key to ensuring everything goes as you wish. Start by discussing all specific needs and expectations well in advance. Make sure to be present on a moving day to oversee the process and address any last-minute questions or concerns. It’s also helpful to label boxes clearly and provide any special instructions for handling fragile or valuable items. By actively participating and staying organized, you can help the movers do their job more efficiently and ensure a successful move.

The Long-Term Benefits of Hiring Professional Movers to Ship Your Things

Hiring professional movers for a cross-country move offers significant long-term benefits.

Not only does it reduce the immediate stress of packing and transporting belongings, but it also minimizes the risk of damage or loss, thanks to the movers’ expertise and proper handling techniques.

Professional movers can save you time and energy, allowing you to focus on settling in and managing other aspects, such as setting up utilities, enrolling children in school, and acclimating to a new community.

Around 21% of injuries related to moving are caused by handling heavy objects

Additionally, professionals help prevent injuries that can occur when lifting and moving heavy items, such as back strains, sprains, and even fractures.

Leave the Logistics of Long-Distance Moving and Shipping to the Professionals

Leave the logistics of long-distance moving and shipping to the professionals and enjoy a stress-free relocation experience. Whether you’re moving across the country or just a few states away, the complexities of packing, transporting, and ensuring the safety of belongings are best handled by experts.

If you’re planning a long-distance move and need assistance with shipping belongings (or any other aspect of the relocation), don’t hesitate to contact us, Cross Country Movers. We’re here to help make your relocation as smooth and efficient as possible.

Daisy Wilson

Daisy was born in Salt Lake City and in her free time, she writes about moving and watches Charmed.

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