Top 10 Questions for Cross Country Moves with Allied Van Lines

Cross-country moving can be a daunting task, filled with numerous moving parts that require expert coordination. Whether you’re relocating for a new job, moving into a retirement home, or simply exploring a fresh start, understanding the ins and outs of cross-country moves with Allied Van Lines is key. Below, we’ll cover everything you need to know about long-distance moves, breaking down the most frequently asked questions and offering tips to help you prepare.

1. How Do I Prepare for a Cross-Country Move with Allied Van Lines?

Preparing for a cross-country move is not as simple as packing up your belongings and hitting the road. There are several key steps you must follow to ensure a smooth transition. Here’s a guide to help you get started:

Get an In-Home Estimate: Before you can understand the costs, it’s essential to get a fixed-price proposal. At Allied Van Lines, we offer an in-home proposal service that allows us to give you an accurate moving estimate based on your inventory and specific needs. Schedule your in-home visit today!
Declutter Before Packing: A long-distance move provides the perfect opportunity to purge items you no longer need. Downsizing not only saves you money on moving costs but also ensures a smoother relocation.
Pack with Care: Make sure your fragile items, including fine art, antiques, or wine collections, are packed securely. If you’re unsure how to pack valuable items, take advantage of Allied’s custom packing services for specialty items like fine art or luxury goods.
Arrange for Moving Insurance: While Allied Van Lines offers a basic level of insurance, you may want to opt for additional coverage, especially for high-value items. Learn more about moving insurance options here.
Set Up Utilities in Advance: One less thing to worry about when you arrive is ensuring that your new home is ready for you. Contact your utility companies early to schedule the disconnection and reconnection of services.
Consider Storage Solutions: If there’s a gap between when you move out and when you move in, consider using Allied’s short-term or long-term storage options.

Preparing for a cross-country move is more than just packing your things. Proper planning ensures that your move will go as smoothly as possible.

2. How Much Does a Cross-Country Move with Allied Van Lines Cost?

When it comes to pricing a cross-country move, costs can vary significantly based on several factors. However, understanding how the costs break down will give you clarity.

Distance: Naturally, the further your move, the higher the cost. Allied Van Lines can provide you with an accurate estimate based on your unique needs and distance.
Size of Your Move: The amount of belongings you have plays a crucial role in determining the price. Our moving professionals will assess the size of your move to determine the appropriate truck and team needed for a successful relocation.
Additional Services: Want us to do the packing? Need help with disassembling furniture? Each additional service adds to the cost. Be sure to schedule an in-home visit to discuss your requirements.
Season: Moving during peak seasons (summer) may come at a higher cost due to increased demand. Consider moving during the off-season for potential savings.

Here’s a comparison of a DIY move with U-Haul versus hiring Allied Van Lines:

Service	DIY with U-Haul	Full Service Allied Van Lines
Truck Rental	$500-$1,000	Included in price
Packing Materials	$100-$200	Included in price
Labor	$0 (self-pack)	Included in price
Fuel	$200-$500	Included in price
Insurance	Minimal	Full insurance available
Cost Difference	Cheapest option	Only 3% more than DIY

The difference is just 3%, so why not enjoy a hassle-free move and let professionals handle the heavy lifting? For a full breakdown of the costs involved, check out our DIY vs. Hiring guide here.

3. What Are the Most Common Challenges When Moving Cross-Country?

Moving cross-country comes with its fair share of challenges. However, being prepared for these potential hurdles can make a significant difference in the outcome of your move.

Common Challenges:

Time Management: A cross-country move takes time to organize, especially if you have a lot of personal items, furniture, and specialized collections. Allied Van Lines has a team that can help you create a detailed timeline to stay on track.
Logistics of Multi-State Moving: Coordinating a move that spans several states requires attention to detail. Issues such as moving permits, parking restrictions, and interstate regulations can arise. Get more details on interstate regulations.
Weather: If you’re moving in the winter, weather conditions can greatly affect the timeline and safety of your move. It’s wise to keep an eye on weather forecasts and prepare accordingly.
Packing for Long-Term Storage: If your move includes using a storage facility, it’s important to pack for the long haul, keeping your belongings safe and secure for an extended period. Allied offers climate-controlled storage for sensitive items.
Managing Special Collections: From fine art to wine collections, moving high-value items requires special attention. Allied Van Lines provides specialized services for handling delicate and luxury items like fine art and antiques.

Cross-country moves can present numerous challenges, but with the right planning, your move can go off without a hitch.

4. How Do I Handle a Cross-Country Move for a Family?

A family move presents unique considerations, especially when you have kids, pets, and a houseful of belongings. Here are some tips:

Create a Family-Friendly Packing Strategy: Start packing well in advance, but leave essentials for the last minute. A checklist of what’s needed right away (snacks, toiletries, etc.) can help reduce stress.
Plan for Pet Relocation: Moving cross-country with pets requires careful planning. Make sure your pets’ needs are accounted for, from transport arrangements to veterinary care.
Get Kids Involved: Include your children in the packing process to help them adjust to the change. Set aside time for them to say goodbye to friends and visit their favorite places.
Consider Temporary Housing: If you’re moving to a new city and need some time to find the perfect home, Allied Van Lines can help you with short-term housing options.
Hire Professional Help: A family move requires a lot of coordination. Hiring a moving company that can handle the logistics for you can alleviate much of the pressure.

5. How Long Does a Cross-Country Move Take?

The timeline for a cross-country move can depend on a variety of factors, including distance, weather, and the size of your move. Here’s a general breakdown:

Longer Distance, Longer Time: The farther the distance, the longer the move will take. Typically, a move from the East Coast to the West Coast can take anywhere from 7 to 14 days, depending on the specifics of your move.
Multiple Stops or Complexities: If your move involves multiple pick-up or drop-off points, expect the timeline to extend.
Weather Delays: Bad weather can impact delivery times, so make sure to plan for delays during winter months.
Special Requests: If you’re moving high-value items or need special services, such as custom packing or climate-controlled storage, your move may take longer due to these added complexities.

6. What Services Does Allied Van Lines Offer for Cross-Country Moves?

Allied Van Lines offers a range of services to make your cross-country move more convenient:

Full-Service Packing and Unpacking: Let our experts pack your items for you, ensuring everything arrives at your new home in perfect condition.
Custom Crating: For specialty items like fine art or antiques, Allied provides custom crating to protect your valuable possessions.
Specialty Moving Services: Need to move a piano, heavy items, or wine collection? We offer specialized services for delicate and high-value items.
Temporary Storage: If you need to store your belongings before or after the move, Allied offers both short-term and long-term storage solutions.

For more details on all the services we offer, visit our services page.

7. How Can I Track My Cross-Country Move?

Tracking your move is crucial for peace of mind during a long-distance relocation. Allied Van Lines provides real-time tracking, so you always know where your belongings are. Simply log in to the customer portal to check the status of your shipment.

8. Are There Any Hidden Costs in Cross-Country Moves?

One of the most common concerns when moving cross-country is hidden costs. Here’s how you can avoid unexpected charges:

Understand the Terms: Always request a written estimate and ask questions if you’re unclear about anything.
Check for Additional Fees: Charges for fuel, tolls, or extra labor may arise. Be sure to discuss any potential fees upfront.

9. How Do I

Manage Moving With a Tight Timeline?

For urgent moves, Allied Van Lines offers time-sensitive moving solutions. Whether it’s a last-minute relocation for a job or a sudden need to move quickly, we can help coordinate the process efficiently and quickly.

10. What Are the Key Benefits of Using Allied Van Lines for Cross-Country Moves?

Using Allied Van Lines comes with several benefits, including:

Experience: With decades of experience, Allied Van Lines offers the expertise necessary for a smooth cross-country move.
Specialized Services: Whether you need to move delicate items or have unique requirements, we’ve got you covered.
Comprehensive Insurance: Protect your belongings with our full-service insurance options.
Convenience: From packing to unpacking, we handle every detail.

For a seamless cross-country move, trust Allied Van Lines to get you there with peace of mind. Schedule your in-home visit now!

Additional Considerations for a Cross-Country Move with Allied Van Lines

11. What Should I Know About Moving with Special Collections?

When you’re moving delicate or high-value items, such as fine art, wine collections, or custom furnishings, the stakes are much higher. These types of moves require extra care and attention to detail. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to consider:

Fine Art and Antiques: If you’re moving fine art or antiques, you’ll need a moving company that specializes in these items. Allied Van Lines offers specialized packing, crating, and transportation services to ensure your valuable pieces are moved securely.
Wine Collections: Wine is particularly sensitive to temperature changes. If you’re moving a wine collection, consider using Allied’s climate-controlled transportation services to preserve the quality of your bottles.
Custom Furnishings: Whether it’s expensive furniture or heirloom pieces, custom furnishings require careful handling. Allied’s experts will disassemble and reassemble your furniture, ensuring it reaches your new home in perfect condition.

For more details, check out our guide on moving fine art and antiques or luxury homes.

12. How Do Corporate Cross-Country Moves Work?

Moving for work can add a layer of complexity to a cross-country move. However, Allied Van Lines makes corporate moves efficient and stress-free by offering comprehensive services:

Employee Relocation Assistance: We help employees with the full range of moving services, from packing to settling into a new home. Allied’s corporate moving services streamline the process so your employees can focus on their new roles, not their move.
Corporate Transfers: For companies that need to relocate employees quickly, we offer expedited moving options to ensure the move happens on time.

For more about corporate transfers and employee relocations, explore our corporate relocation services.

13. What Should I Know About Moving Pets Cross-Country?

If you’re moving with pets, a cross-country relocation can be particularly stressful for your furry friends. Here’s what you need to know:

Pet Relocation Services: Allied Van Lines offers expert pet relocation services to ensure your pets are comfortable during the move. Whether it’s coordinating travel, ensuring health documentation is in order, or finding pet-friendly accommodations along the way, we take care of every detail.
Pet Travel Tips: Make sure your pets have everything they need for the journey. This includes travel crates, familiar bedding, and plenty of water to keep them comfortable during the trip.
Veterinary Visits: Ensure your pets are up-to-date on vaccinations and have the proper documentation for interstate travel. Consult with your vet well ahead of time to make sure your pets are fit for the journey.

For more information, check out our pet relocation guide.

14. How Do I Handle Cross-Country Moving During Peak Seasons?

While the weather and the season can impact your move, moving during peak season (typically during the summer months) can pose its own set of challenges. Here’s how to navigate these busy periods:

Plan Well in Advance: The earlier you start planning, the better. Moving companies like Allied Van Lines often get booked quickly during peak season, so scheduling early is crucial to securing the best dates and rates.
Prepare for Weather: Moving in the summer heat or winter chill means taking extra precautions. Pack weather-appropriate clothing, and ensure that your fragile items are packed carefully to withstand extreme temperatures.
Flexibility: Understand that during peak seasons, unexpected delays may occur. Allied Van Lines will work with you to adjust your timeline if needed, but be flexible to ensure everything runs smoothly.

15. How Does Moving Cross-Country Differ from Local Moves?

While a local move and a cross-country move might seem similar, there are distinct differences that require additional preparation:

Distance and Logistics: Local moves are simpler since the distance and logistics are straightforward. Cross-country moves, however, involve navigating multiple states, varying state regulations, and potential weather delays.
Packing Considerations: When moving locally, you might pack and load everything in one day. With cross-country moves, it’s important to pack well in advance and ensure everything is securely stored for the long haul.
Time and Costs: A cross-country move generally takes longer and can cost more than a local move, depending on the distance and services requested. Be prepared for additional moving fees, such as long-term storage or special handling of high-value items.

For a deeper dive into what’s involved with both types of moves, refer to our moving cost estimator to get a better idea of what to expect for each type of move.

16. What Should I Know About Unpacking After a Cross-Country Move?

Unpacking after a long-distance move requires strategy and patience. Here’s how to make the unpacking process easier:

Prioritize: Start by unpacking the essentials first—this includes kitchen items, toiletries, and any items you’ll need immediately. Unpacking a little at a time helps reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Furniture Setup: Allied’s unpacking services include furniture arrangement. Once your furniture is in place, it’s easier to start organizing the smaller items.
Packaging Disposal: Don’t let piles of packing materials build up. Allied can also handle post-move cleanup and help dispose of any leftover boxes, tape, and bubble wrap.

These additional sections will provide a comprehensive, in-depth guide to everything you need to know about cross-country moves with Allied Van Lines. This approach will help answer every possible question from your readers, making your article both informative and engaging.

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