CROSS COUNTRY MOVING COSTS

Cross Country Moving Costs

1. Why Do Most People Move Cross Country?
2. Hiring a Professional Moving Company
3. Always Get Estimates
4. Traveling with Pets

1. Why Do Most People Move Cross Country?

Most people moving cross-country are doing so for a job, and the good news about relocating for work is that 65% of companies will reimburse its employees for their moving expenses. However, before deciding to relocate, movers may want to consider the cost of living expenses in their new state. Expenses like rent, food, and utilities might be double than what movers currently pay in their current location. Do some calculations and make sure that the move is an advancement worth the time and effort.

When it comes to career often times, time is money, making it necessary to hire a professional moving company. On the other hand, if a mover has a bit of time to spare and is the type who prefers handling things themselves, saving money, and making sure the move is carried out in a certain way - they might consider self-moving.

2. Hiring a Professional Moving Company 

When hiring a professional service, think about the collective weight of all the household items while packing and planning the move. It could be more cost effective to dump some of these items if the cost of the weight is going to be more than the cost is to replace the item after arrival to the new residence.

3. Always Get Estimates

It is a good idea to obtain estimates from the most highly rated moving companies. Companies found off the beaten path increase the likelihood of being ripped-off. Low initial estimates might turn out to be the bait of a scam, and once the company has obtained all of the mover's belongings, it could be difficult to extricate oneself from the deal. As an option to contracting through a moving company, movers may find it easier to simply rent a van or truck through a rental company and to avoid committing to a specific business arrangement/agreement with a moving company. Renting a vehicle may also turn out to be less expensive, provide more time for the money, and for the completion of the task.

Boats and cars, for example, can be transported by a trailer hitch and connect nicely to a truck, pickup truck, or van for a cross-country trip.

If a decision is made to drive, first calculate the miles and what the cost of gas will be. Many movers opt for the road because they have lots of large furniture items and/or vehicles.

4. Traveling with Pets

Traveling cross-country with pets is a pursuit that requires advanced planning. Often movers will arrange to have their belongings shipped with a door-to-door moving service and then travel to their residence by plane. Traveling by air with a pet that weighs less than 20 lbs. is a bit easier than with heavier pets. The charge to fly lightweight pets may range from $100-$400 for baggage area travel or for carrier underneath the seat. They will need to first contact the airlines in order to obtain the specific requirements for pet travel, as they will demand to see the health information about the animal. A visit to the veterinarian for an exam and proof of vaccination will incur a few costs that could range from $50-$300. Heavier pets usually travel in the cargo area of the plane, costing about $100-$300 for overseas travel one way, depending on the airline. Make sure and do plenty of pet travel research ahead of time to avoid hardships on the day of travel.