How Far In Advance Should You Schedule a Long-Distance Move?

For most, planning a move is a logistical nightmare, and it gets worse the further away you have to move. If you’re moving cross-country or even out of the country altogether, it can be a headache to think about all the different things you have to do. You want to ensure you have all of your bases covered and account for all of the minor details that could potentially slip through the cracks. 

Packing for a long-distance trip by yourself will always give you anxiety. These situations require a professional touch to help guide you through these high-stress situations. Hiring a long-distance mover is always better in the long run because the best long-distance movers in Lynchburg, VA, and other areas have the experience and tools necessary to coordinate the logistics of your move. However, that begs another question: When should you find your mover?

Picking the Right Long-Distance Movers for the Job

The more respected your choice of long-distance movers is, the higher the chance they will have a packed schedule that makes it difficult to book them for a move. While it’s always best to hire your movers as quickly as possible, knowing how soon is too soon — or too late — is vital. 

But how do you decide when to book your long-distance movers? Here are some of the factors that influence your decision:

The Moving Date

Whenever you’re moving long distances, you want to have all the logistics worked out before making the move. In many cases, the first thing you should have clearly defined is the moving date. Having a date set in stone allows you to plan the important details to make your move go as smoothly as possible. 

Before you call a reputable long-distance moving company, you should have an idea of what the demand looks like for them. If you’re moving during the busy season — such as spring and summer months — you’ll have a harder time finding quality movers at affordable rates because most movers are booked months in advance. Moving outside of these times still requires a few weeks’ notice, but it’s still possible to manage it on shorter time frames than other times of the year.

The Complexity of the Project

Not every long-distance move is created equal. People with a more contained and spartan lifestyle usually have fewer possessions that need to be moved. Additionally, a single person moving versus a full family presents unique challenges to the movers that need to be accounted for. Additionally, if you’re bringing large items like furniture with you, it makes a move more complex. 

When you’ve got a move that requires special tools, lots of labor, or other special instructions, you’re going to be limited by the number of moving companies with those capabilities. This limitation will almost always result in higher prices and further restrictions on when you can complete your move. You want to find a team with extensive experience working within the parameters of a long-distance move who can handle the unique challenges these types of move present. 

The Distance of the Move

When it comes to a long-distance move, the total distance of the trip plays an integral role in determining what kind of timeline you should expect. The longer the trip, the more advanced notice you should give the moving company. Your long-distance movers need to make arrangements for themselves and their families as they embark on the to-and-from trip that presents its own unique logistical challenges. Knowing that ideal sweet spot for hiring a long-distance moving company helps take much of the stress and anxiety out of the process for you. 

Although the general rule of thumb is to schedule a mover six to eight weeks from the projected moving date, moves for exceptionally long distances require a little more planning to execute correctly. Consequently, it should be scheduled with additional time. In general, movers perform three kinds of moves, and the following infographic outlines what you will need for each one:

Trust Collegiate Movers With Your Next Long Distance Move!

Any time you have a long-distance move on the horizon, you will have a laundry list of details you need to keep in mind. Every aspect of your move has to be planned out to account for any potential issues that may arise and cover your logistical basis. In many cases, securing long-distance movers should be at the top of your to-do list, but knowing when it’s the right time to schedule them can prove challenging. 

Collegiate Movers helps take the stress out of booking long-distance movers for our clients. You get an experienced and highly-capable moving team that can handle whatever your move can throw our way. To find out more about long-distance moves or get a quote from one of the leading cross-country moving companies in Lynchburg, VA, call the Collegiate Movers team today!