Moving cross country is much different than moving locally. Distances of over 800 miles should be considered “cross country” and there are some quick checks that will make this move much easier. Here are a few tips that are often overlooked by homeowners and less savvy moving companies.
Moving Cross Country Checklist
Cross country movers are not allowed to transport any type of plant when going across state lines. This is one of the biggest targets for DOT highway inspectors to police. Fines are stiff and, sometimes entire truckloads have to be unloaded and reloaded before the shipment is allowed in the state.
- Know State Rules About Outdoor Furniture
Some states, like California, have very strict requirements about letting “used” outdoor furniture, plant pots and grills into the state. We became aware of these a few years ago while moving a client from NH to California when red flags were raised over an outdoor patio set. Fortunately we were able to show that the “used” set had been completely recoated and had not been in the outdoors at all. If not, the shipment would have been delayed for at least several days.
- Know the Rules of Where You are Moving Into
As Americans continue to retire and downsize to smaller and more “turnkey” communities, it is important to know the rules of these communities. Many “adult” communities have strict rules about times and days that cross country movers can be in the buildings. In some communities reservations for a specific move-in day have to be made. With many large van line cross country companies this becomes an issue because of the many different households they might have on their large tractor trailers. Also, some communities will not even allow large tractor trailers into the development. This will change the final cost of the move and can cause damage due to additional handling.
We hope this is helpful for your for your new adventure.
-Jim
