What To Do With Your Car When Moving Long Distance

Making a long-distance move is going to be demanding no matter what you do. However, when you have a car to consider on top of that, then it can become a true logistical challenge. What are you going to do with your auto?

There are, generally, two options. You can either be in charge of moving it yourself or you can have long distance movers move it for you.
The reality of the decision requires a little more detailed thought than that, so let’s break it down.

Packing with the car

The first option you have is to drive the car yourself. If you’re doing that, then there are a few steps to take first and foremost. Opening up as much space as you can in the trunk such as folding down seats is a good place to start. When you’re loading it up, make sure that you place the heaviest and densest items on the bottom. If they’re on top, they’re likely to start crushing the items beneath them. Otherwise, see if you need to invest in any tie-downs or additional storage options like an overhead carrier as shown at AutoGuide to maximize how much you can pack into the car.

Can your car make it?

If you’re planning on driving the car all the way from the old home to the new one, then you need to make sure it’s in the best possible shape to make the trip. Long drives can be demanding and they can push cars that are approaching their limit right over them. A well-maintained car should be able to make the trip just fine, but it’s a good idea to have your mechanic give it a once over and see if it needs any servicing to ensure that it can make the trip. You might even want to make a few replacements if things like your spark plugs or brake pads haven’t been changed in a while. Either way, make sure you have an emergency car kit with you in the event that you break down.

Make sure it’s ready for the trip

Even if you get the green light to get out there, you should take a moment to make sure that the car is ready for the trip as possible. Having to look for gas while you’re making a long-distance trip with a car-full or trailer load of your belongings can be a real hassle, so fill it up. Make sure that your view isn’t obstructed and make sure you and your passengers are able to stay entertained and alert for the entirety of the trip. If you have another adult in the car with you, they can help, such as by navigating for you or even taking a turn in the driver’s seat.

Transporting it across country

You can still be in charge of moving your car even if you’re not driving it. One option is to have a friend or family member drive it for you. However, if you’re renting a moving truck to your new home, then it might be an option to hitch your car to the truck, as well. You need to check with the rental company if they allow you to do that, and they might even provide you the equipment to do it as safely and securely as possible. However, you need to be confident that you can handle the reduced mobility that this option will bring. If you have never driven a rental truck before, then it’s probably a good idea to consider another option.

Having it moved for you

If you’re a-okay with giving someone else the responsibility of moving your belongings for you, then hiring a company that can transport your vehicle is going to be the easiest and most convenient option. It’s a good idea to make sure you book early, however, as moving companies of all kinds experience a higher demand the closer that you get to moving day. Teams like CarsArrive Auto Relocation transport your car from A-to-B, taking care of the entirety of the trip for you. Of course, it’s important to check the reviews of any company that you entrust such an expensive asset to and get in touch with them to learn more about how they secure and take care of your car, too. Zeromax moving is another trustworthy company, when it comes to short distance moving in the NYC area.

Consider a concierge

Most car relocation companies will secure your car onto a moving vehicle that is specifically designed to secure and transport vehicles. Often, your vehicle will be one of multiple on said vehicle, allowing you some savings since that vehicle is already transporting cars in that direction. However, if you don’t mind upping your budget to some degree, you can hire someone to drive your car for you. This option might be suitable for those who are moving to more remote locations that other car relocation services won’t move to, but it is going to be considerably more expensive

Better to sell and buy another?

In some cases, far from all of them, it might be better simply to leave one car where it is and pick up a new one where you’re moving. If you’re moving from one country to the other or even from coast to coast, you need to consider the costs of moving your car compared to the costs of selling up and buying a new one. This is especially true if your current car is well past its best days and you’re due for an upgrade, anyway. If you’re planning on buying a new car then you need to start doing your research and thinking about what you need before you move. Consider your new surroundings as well as changing family needs. For instance, you might not need a big SUV perfect for suburban driving if you’re moving into the city where a more compact car might be the better option.

Get your insurance ready

When you move into a new state, you’re likely to need to register a new auto insurance policy. Insurance laws change drastically from one state to the other. You might be able to stay with your existing insurance company if they also operate in the state that you’re moving to. However, this is usually only worth it if they offer any loyalty discounts that you’re particularly looking forward to. Otherwise, it might be worth taking the opportunity to switch to a provider that can offer a policy that is better suited to your needs, and sites like Insurify can help make that experience a little easier. In most cases, it’s more cost-effective to switch to a new insurance provider. Either way, you’re going to need your proof of insurance before you move onto the next step.

Don’t forget to register the car

Once you have your proof of insurance, it’s time to register your vehicle and acquire your new license plate. Aside from your proof of insurance, you need your license, your insurance title and some form of proof of identity and residence to be able to register. You may also need to apply for a new license at the same time. This should be as simple as making your way to your local DMV, filling in the necessary applications, and having the money to pay the fees, which are usually somewhere between $25 and $120, depending on which you are applying for.

Though it is a challenge, there are plenty of options to help you make the long-distance move with your car. Which best fits your needs?