After careful consideration, you decided to move. Even more exciting, California is your destination. While you loved living on the East Coast, you now find yourself getting ready to relocate across the country. Regardless of the reason for the move, you need to develop a plan. The goal is to reach California in the safest, most affordable, and convenient way possible.
For your upcoming cross-country move, you will find the following information helpful.
Take Advantage of a Moving Checklist
You can find this through multiple online sources or even request one from a reputable moving company in your area. Not only does this include virtually every category of moving imaginable, but it also provides you with detailed steps of the things you need to tackle. Without question, a moving checklist will keep you sane.
Hire the Right Moving Company
Here, the word “right” refers to a company that specializes in cross-country moves. When looking at different movers, you will discover that some only provide local services. Instead, you need professionals that fully understand everything involved in getting a customer from one side of the country to the other.
After all, the company you hire will have all of your belongings in its possession for several days while traveling thousands of miles. So, you want only the best handling the move. As part of the selection process, always check the reputation of potential movers. You can do that by reading customer reviews, looking at the Better Business Bureau rating, and contacting various organizations that define and oversee the rules for moving companies.
Also, make sure you fully understand each potential company’s pricing calculations. All too often, people complain that after having their belongings moved, they ended up paying substantially more than quoted. This is why you need to get every detail of your relocation written down in the form of a contract.
If you have a trusted friend or family member who recently completed a cross-country move, you might ask them about the company they used. The key is to compare what several movers provide. That way, you have all the information you need to make the right decision.
Get Things Ready in California
While still at your current residence, you want to start taking care of certain things in California. Some examples include finding a new doctor, getting your kids enrolled in school, having your vehicle registered and your driver’s license changed, and so on.
Another thing is getting your car insurance squared away. If you have a policy with a national insurance company, you will probably not need to do much other than talk to an agent. However, if you maintain coverage through an independent insurer, you will need to find another provider in California.
Just as you did when searching for the right movers, take time to compare different California insurance companies. That way, you get the exact protection wanted while paying affordable premiums.
Unique Considerations
There is no such thing as identical moves. Every person requires something different from a moving company. A good example is having a vehicle shipped across the country to California. If you have more than one car or you plan to fly to your new home, you need to figure out a way to get it to you.
Fortunately, you can hire a top-rated automobile shipping company. Just as this implies, a business specializing in this area picks up your car and then delivers it to you. However, it helps to understand a few things about how to ship a car.
After selecting a company, determine the time frame involved. Depending on things like the make of your vehicle, the number of miles involved, and possible delays, getting your car delivered can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
Pricing is another topic. Car-shipping companies charge so much per mile up to a predetermined distance. You want to know that information and what it charges after going beyond the said distance.
The Bottom Line
With a little bit of planning, there is no reason you cannot have a stress-free move to your new home in California.
