Moving home is never an easy task, especially if you are moving to another state. You have to plan your relocation carefully and know exactly what you should be doing before, during and after the move. Remember that the move doesn’t start on moving day, but weeks even months before. Moving preparation involves many activities such as finding reliable furniture movers NYC, finding a storage facility, organizing your belongings and packing them. One of the big questions that may arise is how to prepare your car for an interstate move. Read on and find out how to organize your interstate relocation.

Find experienced movers

Hiring a good and experienced moving company is the most important step when planning your relocation, regardless of whether it's a local or long-distance move. Your movers should be well-trained, licensed, and offer insurance. Experienced movers will give you useful advice, which is valuable when it comes to an interstate move. Inform yourself about different taxes, necessary documentation, etc. In case you are wondering how to find the right movers that can meet all your demands, we have some suggestions. First, browse the Internet. Check the company’s ratings with Better Business Bureau, a specialized website where you can find information on the license, comments, and previously submitted complaints. Also, ask your friends and family for a recommendation. Maybe they know somebody who has moved recently and can offer objective and honest feedback.

Organize and pack your belongings

Packing is the most tiring part of the moving process so make sure to start well in time. First, you have to organize all your belongings and divide them into three piles: keep, toss, donate. Get rid of the items you no longer need, furniture that won’t fit into your new home, old clothes, kids’ toys, magazines. You can either donate or sell these items. In any case, transporting them to your new home would add your expenses.

Pack and protect your belongings carefullyIf you decide to pack yourself, start gathering moving supplies. You will need moving boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, markers, scissors, tape, etc. It’s not necessary to buy all these things – you can find free cardboard boxes NYC in local bookstores and liquor stores. Also, use your clothes and bedsheets to protect your belongings before boxing them. Label every box – this will greatly facilitate and accelerate the unpacking process.

How to transport your vehicle?

When it comes to transporting your vehicle, there are several options. You can drive your car to your new home, rent a tow dolly or a car carrier or use a professional auto transporter. They vary primarily by cost and convenience, and all have their benefits and drawbacks. It’s recommendable to understand all your options so that you can make an informed decision.

Drive your car to your new home

Driving your car to its destination might be a good option, but it takes a lot of time if you are moving across the country. Since relocation is such a challenging task you might not have enough time for such a venture. Also, you need to take into consideration weather conditions as well as the cost of fuel and calculate whether this option fits into your predetermined budget.

Rent a car carrier

Another option is to rent a car carrier or tow dolly and hitch your car to the moving truck. Whether you rent a tow dolly or a car carrier depends on the type of your car and its weight. This is not an option if you have a car with a low front end or a front air dam, as you may not be able to get it up onto the ramp.

One of the options when it comes to moving your vehicle is renting a professional auto transporter

Hire an auto transporter

If you want to move your car without having to worry about it, the best option is to hire a professional auto transporter. The cost of this service may range from $600 to over $1,000, depending on the distance between your old and new home and the size of your vehicle.

Prepare your car for an interstate move

If you decide to drive your car to your new home, make sure to inspect it and consult the mechanic. Do all the necessary tests, check the engine, the water levels, oil status, etc. Remember that safety comes first and you must prepare your car for an interstate move. Surely, you wouldn’t want it breaking down on you in the middle of nowhere. Even if you decide to tow your car or hire an auto transporter, you still have to make sure it’s ready for transport. Inspect the vehicle carefully and take photos of any existing damage. Retract your car’s antenna, ensure your battery is fully charged, make sure your tires are inflated, remove any loose objects that could damage the interior. Finally, check the fuel gauge. It should be no more than one-quarter full, as a full tank will add extra weight to transport and affect the cost of the move.

Make sure to take photos of your vehicle before the moveOnce your car arrives at its final destination, immediately check for any damage and make sure to take photos. Any damage should be reported immediately to the company you hired. Moving expensive items such as your vehicle can be particularly stressful. If you decide to hire a company to do this for you, make sure to check the insurance policy.

Conclusion

Moving home is an exciting period. It marks the start of a new chapter, an opportunity to start all over again. However, it is notorious for being stressful and extremely tiring. This is particularly true if you are not well-prepared and don’t understand the activities that relocation includes. That is why it’s crucial to make a solid plan and stick to it. If you need to prepare your car for an interstate move, look at all your options before deciding which way to go. Check the reviews of driving and transport companies before you decide which one to hire. Car is one of your most valuable possessions – don’t risk any damage during transport. Inspect your vehicle, note down any aesthetic and mechanical issues and take pictures.