Crossing Borders: iMoving Style A 101 Guide For All That You Need To Know

This article will review the main tips needed for a cross-state border move. We will talk about the implications on costs as well as what you can do to prepare.

Moving across state lines involves additional costs and considerations compared to a local move. A long-distance move usually refers to a relocation over a major distance, sometimes crossing state lines or covering a distance of 400 miles or more within the same state.

If your move is simply down the road but crosses a state line, you may have additional taxes added but it may be treated as if it is a normal nonborder move. Ask your iMoving vendor for more details and clarity. 

• Sometimes state borders add different regulations so ensure to check ahead of time 
• Long-distance moves (ex: over 100 miles within TX can still be considered a long-distance move).
• Long-distance moves require accounting for the travel fees of your moving team such as hotel and food for the number of nights required and adds up quickly. Make sure everything is included in your quote.
• Regulations for movers change by the state. Your movers need to be aware of the licensing needed, insurance, and other policies should be in place.

1. Research Moving Companies

Search for reputable moving companies that specialize in interstate moves. Get multiple quotes and compare services offered. The absolute best way to do this while saving time and money is to input your details and specifications into the iMoving platform and you will receive multiple binding quotes to review and choose from. All the vendors can be booked right online.

2. Create a Personalized Moving Stock List

Write out a detailed inventory of all your belongings. While this is a time-consuming task, it is one of the more critical ones. This will help you keep track of all your items during the move and will be your best friend with insurance claims if needed (hopefully not). If you do need to make a claim make sure that you have photos of all your major items that show their condition and lack of damages.

3. Understand Local Laws

As mentioned above, every state has different laws and regulations regarding moving, so make sure you understand any specific requirements or restrictions that might matter for your move. Ask your moving vendor booked on iMoving to review this will you when signing.

4. Plan Ahead

Book with your movers well in advance, especially during peak moving seasons (weekends and summer). This will ensure the availability of moving teams and reduce your stress level since you will know that everything is all set.

5. Declutter ASAP

Moving long-distance is already expensive and a lot of the costs are based on the weight of your items. The more you donate, swap and sell, the cheaper your move will be, and the happier you will be when unpacking.

6. Update Address and Utilities

Start by updating your new address with the post office so that you can update all the rest of the vendors including banks, insurance companies, healthcare professionals, and government documents. You will need this done in order to register your children for school.

1. Credentials: Licensing and registration is a big one. You want to make sure they aren't cutting corners on these important documents. Verify their DOT number and check their reputation by way of Google reviews and personal references. All iMoving teams have been pre-vetted so if you book with us you won’t have to worry about this. 
2. Binding Estimate: You must ensure to get a binding estimate from your moving company that includes all charges (packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and any additional fees). If you don’t have this in writing they can last second add on extra fees. In order for this to be binding, you must give them accurate information about the items you own and about any boundaries to success.
3. Insurance Coverage Included: It is important that you understand in full the moving company’s insurance policy and consider purchasing additional insurance for any certain items. Many times the basic policy is not enough as the premiums are super high.

Here are some of our favorite tips that will help you hit the road faster and more organized:

1. Pack Strategically: Use sturdy cardboard boxes or plastic bins and proper packing materials like bubble wrap and plastic wrap to protect your belongings during the long-distance move. Things get jostled around in the truck. Label boxes clearly on all sides and consider packing fragile items separately or taking them in your car.
2. Keep Important Documents Available: Carry all your important documents (such as IDs, passports, driver's licenses, insurance papers, moving contracts, and more with you rather than packing them in the moving truck. You never know when you might need them handy.
3. Stay Organized: Coordinate with the moving company to ensure everything is packed and loaded efficiently. Make sure you know their estimated arrival time and that you will be there ahead to manage where they place your boxes. Keep your inventory list handy so you can make sure that all your boxes make it off the truck and nothing is missing. Organization is key in the madness.
4. Inspect Your Belongings ASAP: Before signing off on the delivery, take the time to inspect your furniture for any damage. Look on all sides for scraps, scratches, and more. Check that the company’s paperwork matches what you actually received. Some movers will try to rush this phase, but don’t stress and take your time as this is the time to make any claims.
5. Payment: Pay any remaining balance to the moving company as agreed upon in the contract. They should complete the job before you pay off the balance.
6. Unpack But Chill Out: Begin unpacking critical items first and gradually unpack room by room. Do a few boxes a day to keep the unpacking stress-free. Take your time to organize your new space as you want it.

Moving across state lines has a few extra tasks you need to handle and can be challenging, but with the right prep, planning, research, and great organization, you will have a great transition to your new home. iMoving is proud to move families across the country for over 30 years. Let us use our knowledge to help you have a great move.