Moving can be time-consuming and stressful. You have to do a lot of paperwork, make travel arrangements, and spend some money. Plus, there’s the social aspect. You have to meet new people and make new friends within the community. It’s even more complicated if you own a car, especially if you’re moving to a different state. You have to figure out the logistics and make plans ahead so you won’t waste time or money.
To help you move seamlessly, here are the dos and don’ts of moving with a car:
Do Ship Your Vehicle
If you’re moving from one coast to another, you’re better off hiring an open car transport service. You don’t have to worry about planning your stops or reserving hotel rooms. It’s a terrible hassle because of the quarantine or health requirements by different states. It can also be harmful considering the current circumstances. As of the moment, medical experts don’t recommend visiting crowded restaurants or staying at hotels especially for extended periods. With a specialized transport service, you don’t have to worry about anything. Your vehicle will be secured on a heavy-duty trailer so it won’t get any scratches or damages. All you have to do is to wait for it to arrive within two weeks at your new home. Meanwhile, you can fly directly to your destination in just a few hours. Instead of spending days traveling, you can spend the time making other arrangements. You can save yourself the stress and time with just one move.
Don’t Leave Your Belongings Behind
If you do decide to ship your car, it’s important to remove all your things. Shipping companies do have insurance that protect your vehicle from damages. The catch is the insurance typically does not cover the things inside the car. So in the event of an accident, you may be reimbursed for the vehicle but not for your things. You may think that it can make your move easier since you can transport some of the items along with the car. It’s better to be safe rather than sorry.
On the other hand, if you’ve hired a moving truck, you should also take extra care of your valuables. As much as possible, take your computer, cameras, and other devices with you. They might consume a lot of space and weight but it’s better than risking any damages. There are backpacks that are designed to carry cameras, laptops, and their accessories. That way, you can take them anywhere with you and you don’t have to worry about theft.
Do Clean Your Car
Whether you chose to drive your car yourself or hire a carrier, cleaning is a must. Shipping services usually require clients to clean their cars beforehand. This is so the driver can inspect the vehicle accurately. It’s also beneficial for you. When a car has been thoroughly washed, you can see every little scratch and dent. You can take a picture of every corner before you send your car off. This way you can see if your car has been damaged during transit.
If you decide to drive the car yourself or hire a person to drive it for you, it’s still best to clean it in advance. Sure, your vehicle will be inevitably covered with dust after miles and miles of travel. But if you have it washed beforehand, it will be easier to drive. You won’t have a lot of trouble seeing through a dirty windshield and rear window. Besides, you’ll probably store items on top of your car. It’s better that it’s not covered with dust before you use an overhead carrier.
Don’t Forget to Check Your Insurance
Across the states, car insurance is a complicated topic. For some states, it’s a requirement you need to before you can register a vehicle. For other jurisdictions, you have to prove that you’re financially capable one way or another. Besides insurance, you also have to consider the coverage. Depending on the state, you may have to get a policy that includes burial costs and medical payments.
You can start making arrangements by talking with your insurer. There’s a chance that they operate in your new state so all you have to do is upgrade your insurance. The alternative is to get a new insurance in your new area. It may involve more paperwork but you’re sure that you meet the requirements to register your car.
Before you move, make sure to weigh all your options. It’s not just the cost that matters. You also have to consider the time and effort each decision requires.
