What to Look for When Choosing a Cross-Country Moving Service

Moving across the country is an adventure. You will get to see things that you have never seen before, meet new people, try different foods, and many other exciting things. However, if you have to deal with loading your truck, driving it, and keeping things safe, you will miss out on all of the new and exciting things to do along the way. Hiring the right moving company will put your mind at ease as you enter into this new phase in your life. Here are some things that you will want to consider before hiring your moving company.

The Right Service Makes All the Difference

Nobody wants to hire the wrong moving service and add to the stress of moving across the country. Cheap Movers Phoenix recommends looking for the following things in a company before signing the contract.

  • Communication makes all the difference. From the first time you talk on the phone to the time the truck delivers your belonging, you want to know what is going on. Look for a company that can provide you with timely updates and status reports during the move so you can plan your move better.
  • No hidden costs. The last thing you need to hear after the move is that you forgot to pay some hidden fee and now a collections company is phoning you every day looking for money. Use the company that can guarantee you will not have any hidden fees.
  • Look for a delivery date, not a delivery range. The last thing you will want to have happened to you is having to deal with a three-week delay before your personal belongings arrive at your new home. An excellent service company will provide you with a more accurate day of arrival of your items so you can plan to meet them better.
  • Watch out for the friendly driver. The moving company that you will want to use will inform you of the driver’s name before they arrive. In many cases, you will receive a picture of the driver, so you know what they look like before you meet them.
  • The cheapest is not always the best. If the company you are thinking about is the most affordable, it may be time to consider other companies. You want to choose the company that takes the hassle out of the move.
  • Look for a customer-oriented company. Having a company that works for you and not your wallet is best. They are more likely to treat your items like they are their own.

Making a move across the country does not have to be a stressful event. By hiring the right moving service company, you can take the worry out of the process. You will find that you will have all the time in the world to enjoy the move as you turn it into a vacation.

Moving with Pets? Here are Mistakes to Avoid During Your Relocation

Moving to a new home is complicated enough, but trying to manage a move with pets can be especially challenging. There are logistics issues and legal considerations on top of just having a four-legged helper always underfoot.

While you can’t eliminate these issues, taking the time to plan for them can help your move go more smoothly. Here are some tips from these Phoenix AZ movers:

1. Look into Animal Importing Regulations

If you’re moving from one U.S. state to another, you may need to provide documentation that verifies the animal is licensed and vaccinated. However, if you’re moving to another country, there may be a great deal more involved. Instead of facing negative consequences at the border, call ahead or check that country’s official website to determine what documentation will be needed.

2.Update Your Pet’s ID Tags

Before you move, make sure the contact information on your pet’s ID tags is accurate. Moreover, ensure you fasten them securely to the animal’s collar. Similarly, check the information associated with the microchip, if your pet has one. It’s not uncommon for pets to run away or for a stranger to steal them during a cross-country move. Ensuring this information is up to date will improve the chances that you and your pet will be reunited.

If you’re traveling by plane or shipping your pet, attaching your contact information to the animal’s crate can also be helpful.

3. Don’t Forget to Pack an Overnight Bag

You probably won’t forget to pack essentials for yourself and your kids, but what about your four-legged kids? The pet’s needs are something families often overlook in a rush to get on the road, and it can end up causing the pet to suffer.

The experience will be traumatic enough for your pet, so remembering to bring along the animal’s essentials is necessary. In addition to bringing the animal’s food and water bowls, bring pet food, treats, favorite toys, medication, and a familiar blanket to keep the pet from feeling anxious in its new surroundings.

4. Consider a Kennel for Moving Day

Whether you hire professional movers or you’re packing up a moving van yourself, letting your pets roam free can create an additional burden. They will be confused and anxious as they observe all of the activity and express this uncertainty by getting underfoot and trying to determine what’s going on. It will be less stressful for your pet if you board it for the day.

You, or your movers, will be able to load and unload the truck faster when there aren’t pets getting in the way.

5. Don’t Expect Your Pet to Adjust Quickly

The biggest mistake people make is failing to understand how traumatic a move is for a pet. Whether you own a cat or a dog, remember that your pet has grown accustomed to his home. If you have young children, look at how frightened they are and remember that you can communicate better with them. A pet has no way of knowing what to expect so that they will feel anxious, frightened, and unsettled.

Thus, it’s wise to feed your pet just a small meal no less than four hours before you hit the road. During the trip, they can drink plenty of water, but you should refrain from feeding them until you stop for the night. When you do get to your new home, feed the pet, and shower the animal with affection.

Conclusion

Moving with your pet will be a challenge, but preparing for it can help reduce problems in transit. Most importantly, you should do what you can to minimize stress for the animal. A scared or anxious pet will exhibit behavioral problems and make the move that much more problematic. The best thing to do is help the pet feel loved and provide items that are familiar to them to support the pet feel more at ease. It will take time for the animal to adjust, so, overall, be patient and understanding.