When you’re moving to a new state, it might make more sense to ship your household belongings and fly rather than driving everything to your new house. If you’re making a long-distance move, you’ll need to figure out how to ship your car—and fit the cost into your moving budget—before moving day. What are your options, and how can you make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible?
Find a reputable transport company.
When planning your long-distance move, the first step is to find a reliable vehicle transport company. You’ll want someone you can trust to drive safely and take care of your belongings for the long haul, and it can be tricky to find the right people for the job. If you’re not sure where to start, consider using a free online auto transport company directory to search for auto transport companies in your area.
There are several reputable auto transport companies to choose from, so it’s important to base your decision on availability and cost. Before making the decision, make sure the company is licensed and insured for interstate moves and has good online reviews.
Consider your budget.
There are multiple factors that affect the total cost to transport a car. For small vans, pickup trucks, and SUVs, average car shipping costs range from $800 to $1,070 for a New York to California move. If you’re moving during the off-season winter months, expect to hit the lower end of the range. On the other hand, if you’re moving in the summer, expect to spend more.
Check your insurance.
Although most reputable auto transport companies carry insurance, be sure to ask for a physical copy to ensure the policy is current. If the auto transport company doesn’t clearly list their insurance information, contact the company to verify what is and what isn’t covered by their insurance.
Before the move, contact your car insurance company to determine whether your vehicle is covered during transport. If your existing insurance policy doesn’t cover transport, your insurance company may offer supplemental coverage. It’s also important to keep in mind that some insurance providers require advance documentation from your auto transport company.
Prepare your vehicle for transport.
To ensure your transport goes as smoothly as possible, prepare your vehicle before the move. While the transport company you work with will provide the specifics that you need to do before pick-up, it’s also a good idea to empty your car, remove your valuables, and check your tires, battery, and fuel gauge.
To be safe, you should also inspect your vehicle for existing damage and photograph the vehicle from all angles. If your vehicle incurs any damage on the road, you’ll have enough evidence to seek reimbursement.
Lease a vehicle storage unit.
If you’re still searching for a new home, consider leasing a vehicle storage unit to keep your vehicle safe during your search. In addition to cars, vehicle storage units can also store motorcycles, jet skis, automobiles, trucks, boats, and RVs.
Before leasing a vehicle storage unit, it’s essential to choose a reputable storage facility. Storage facilities offer a range of options to store and protect your vehicle, ranging from a dedicated parking spot and covered parking spaces to fully enclosed storage units. If your budget allows for it, a fully enclosed vehicle storage space offers the most protection for your vehicle, with complete enclosure and a padlocked roll-up door.
Moving is notoriously stressful. If you’re just starting the search, the real estate brokers at Ashe County Real Estate can help you navigate the moving process and find your dream home. As a leading real estate company in North Carolina, Ashe County Real Estate specializes in mountain properties, retirement homes, and log cabins. To make your move as stress-free as possible, reach out to the experts at Ashe County Real Estate for more information on Blue Ridge Mountains NC property listings and other moving assistance.
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