How To Move Furniture Across The Country | Everything You Need To Know

Moving furniture across the country can be daunting, but with the proper knowledge and preparation, it can be a seamless and stress-free experience. Whether you are relocating due to a job change, family reasons, or simply seeking a fresh start, knowing how to move your furniture safely and efficiently is essential. This article will provide valuable tips and guidance on tackling the challenge of moving furniture across the country.

We understand that your furniture holds both practical and sentimental value, so we will explore various strategies to ensure its safe arrival at your new destination. From disassembling large pieces to securing fragile items, we’ll share expert advice to help you safeguard your furniture during the journey. So, if you are planning a long-distance move and want to ensure that your furniture arrives in top-notch condition, keep reading. Our comprehensive guide will provide all the necessary information to ensure a smooth and successful move every step of the way.

Benefits of Hiring Professional Movers

When moving furniture across the country, one of the first decisions you’ll need is hiring professional movers or handling the move yourself. While both options have pros and cons, hiring professional movers can offer several benefits that make the process easier and less stressful.

Firstly, professional movers have the expertise and experience to handle all aspects of a long-distance move. They are trained in packing and securing furniture to prevent damage during transit. They also have the necessary equipment and manpower to safely lift and move heavy or bulky items, which can be challenging to do on your own.

Secondly, professional movers provide insurance coverage for your furniture. You’ll be compensated for the item’s value if any damage occurs during the move. This added protection can give you peace of mind and save you from potential financial loss.

Lastly, hiring professional movers can save you time and energy. Moving furniture across the country is time-consuming and requires careful planning and execution. By delegating this task to professionals, you can focus on other aspects of your move, such as organizing your new home or saying goodbye to friends and family.

Overall, while hiring professional movers may require a financial investment, the benefits they offer in terms of expertise, insurance coverage, and time savings make it a worthwhile consideration for a long-distance move.

Choosing the Right Moving Strategy

As you can imagine, deciding to move your furniture will impact how you prepare for the journey to your new home. Consider how much furniture you have to move, your budget, and how much time and effort you’re willing and able to spend.

Full-Service Movers

When you own a lot of big furniture incredibly costly items like a piano that is tough to move alone, hiring a traditional moving company skilled in cross-country furniture transportation is an option. It’s effective but can be expensive and sometimes risky. Each year, numerous customers file claims for damages. This happens because items get unloaded and reloaded multiple times during their journey or might travel alongside other people’s belongings. If you choose this method, ensure you have insurance. Even though your items might come out undamaged, having coverage is a reasonable precaution in case something unexpected occurs.

Freight Shipping Company

You can use a freight shipping company to transport your furniture long distances. They offer two main shipping options: LTL (less-than-truck-load) and FTL (full-truck-load), each with distinct cost, time, security, and handling differences to consider:

LTL shipments may involve multiple transfers between trucks during transit, potentially increasing the risk of damage or loss. Conversely, FTL shipments remain on the same truck throughout the journey, significantly reducing the chances of mishaps.
If you possess numerous delicate furniture pieces requiring swift long-distance transportation, FTL is likely the preferable choice despite its higher cost.
However, LTL can be a suitable and more cost-effective option if you’re shipping only a few items and the arrival time isn’t crucial.

It’s also essential to consider ground freight versus air freight. The best choice depends on what you’re shipping, its value, and whether perishable items are involved. Remember, packing perishables with your furniture is not advisable during shipping. However, consulting shipping experts like FedEx would be beneficial if you urgently need delicate items to reach your new home.

Portable Moving and Storage Containers

A portable moving and storage container is an excellent choice for long-distance moves due to its versatility. It seamlessly combines moving and storage solutions, allowing for the convenient storage of items either in a secure facility or on-site in your driveway. This flexibility enables a stress-free approach to loading and unloading furniture, affording ample time to manage the process at your own pace.

The key advantage lies in the control it offers during the loading phase. With the ability to personally handle the loading, there’s a notable decrease in the risk of damages. For those with a smaller quantity of furniture to transport over long distances, the PODS 8-foot container stands out as an ideal size—an insider tip worth noting.

Hybrid Moving — Portable Moving Containers With Hired Packing & Loading Help

Portable containers offer the added flexibility of opting for professional assistance with the packing and loading process. If tackling the task yourself isn’t your cup of tea, S conveniently connects you with top-rated moving labor companies nearby. These specialists possess ample experience handling PODS containers, especially adept at navigating furniture across country routes. Additionally, they bring a friendly demeanor to ensure a smooth moving experience.

Planning your cross-country move

Before embarking on your cross-country move, planning and creating a detailed timeline is crucial. Start by assessing your schedule and determining the ideal moving date. Consider any time constraints, such as lease agreements or work commitments, and plan accordingly. Research the route you will be taking and check for any potential road closures or construction that may affect your journey. Additionally, consider the weather conditions during your move, as extreme temperatures or storms can impact the transportation of your furniture.

Next, create a comprehensive inventory of the furniture you plan to move. Take measurements of each piece and note any existing damages. This will help you determine the size of the moving truck you need and serve as a reference point when unpacking and setting up your furniture in your new home. Additionally, consider whether any items can be sold, donated, or discarded to lighten your load and simplify the moving process.

Assessing your furniture for the move

Once you have created an inventory of your furniture, assessing each piece’s suitability for the long-distance move is essential. Start by examining the overall condition of each item. Look for any weak spots, loose screws, or structural damage that may compromise the integrity of the furniture during transportation. Consider whether replacing certain things would be more cost-effective than moving them across the country.

For larger furniture pieces, such as sofas, tables, or beds, assess whether they can be disassembled. Disassembling furniture makes transporting easier and reduces the risk of damage during the move. If disassembly is possible, label each component and keep the necessary tools and hardware handy. Take photographs or make diagrams to ensure a smooth reassembly process at your new home.

Packing your furniture for a long-distance move

Proper packing is crucial when moving furniture across the country. Start by gathering the necessary packing supplies, such as sturdy cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and furniture blankets. Begin packing smaller items, such as lamps, vases, or decorative pieces, by wrapping them in bubble wrap and placing them securely in boxes. Label each box with the contents and the room they belong to facilitate unpacking.

Remove any loose or fragile items for larger furniture, such as dressers or bookshelves, and pack them separately. Use furniture blankets or moving pads to protect the surfaces and corners of the furniture. Secure the blankets with packing tape to prevent them from shifting during transportation. Additionally, consider using plastic wrap to cover upholstered furniture, protecting it from dust, dirt, and potential stains.

Disassembling and wrapping large furniture pieces

Disassembling large furniture pieces like beds, tables, or cabinets can make the process much more manageable. Start by removing detachable parts like legs, drawers, or shelves. Keep all the components together and label them appropriately. Use plastic bags or small boxes to store screws, bolts, or other hardware, and tape them securely to the corresponding furniture piece.

Once disassembled, wrap each component in bubble wrap or furniture blankets. Pay special attention to fragile or delicate parts, such as glass tabletops or decorative elements. Consider using foam padding or cardboard sheets to reinforce the wrapping for added protection. Finally, secure the wrapped components with packing tape, ensuring they are well-protected and ready for transportation.

Protecting delicate furniture during transportation

Delicate furniture, such as antique pieces or items with intricate designs, requires extra care during transportation. To protect soft furniture, apply a protective wax or oil layer to any exposed wood surfaces. This will help prevent moisture damage and minimize the risk of scratches or dents. Use specialized glass protection film to safeguard against glass or mirrored furniture cracks or breakage.

Consider using custom-made crates or wooden boxes for particularly delicate or valuable furniture. These will provide additional protection and ensure your prized possessions arrive unharmed at your new home. If you cannot find or afford custom-made crates, consult professional movers who transport delicate items. They will have the expertise and equipment to handle fragile furniture with utmost care.

Choosing the right moving company for your furniture

Selecting the right moving company is essential for a successful cross-country move. Start by researching reputable moving companies in your area and reading reviews or testimonials from previous customers. Request quotes from multiple companies and compare their rates, services, and insurance coverage. Ensure that the moving company you choose is licensed and insured, providing peace of mind throughout the moving process.

When contacting potential moving companies, ask about their experience in handling long-distance moves, specifically their furniture transportation experience. Discuss any specific requirements or concerns regarding your furniture, such as delicate pieces or tight staircases. A reliable moving company will have the expertise and resources to handle your furniture carefully and ensure its safe arrival at your new home.

DIY Furniture Packing Tips

Sure, if you’re taking on the challenge of moving your furniture long distances alone, here are some helpful tips. When packing, it’s essential to visualize the furniture itself and the space it will take up in your moving truck or container. Think creatively about how each piece fits in, maximizing the available space efficiently. This approach will help ensure a smoother and more organized moving process.

Packing the Big Furniture

It’s time to utilize those finely-tuned Tetris skills for a different purpose. Before packing, take a mental inventory of all the pieces you need to transport—couches, tables, chairs, bookcases, and the like. Consider the empty spaces within these items. The trick to ensuring safe travel for your furniture is maximizing compactness. Think of filling these spaces. Imagine what could fit snugly within the bookcase’s voids. Envision not just the furniture piece itself but also how it will fit into your moving truck, container, or chosen mode of transport. Let your creativity guide you in making the most of the available space.

Here are some additional tips for packing your moving container while evenly distributing the weight. Remember to gather plenty of blankets and plastic wrap to protect your belongings.

Mattresses

Ensure you have a plastic slipcover for your mattress and box spring to maintain safety during the move. Besides its primary use, consider your bed a substantial barrier; strategically position it to enclose other items you’re transporting.

Bed Frames

Bed frames, whether simple flat pieces or ornate Victorian-style structures are significant items to handle. Placing the bed frame between the mattress and box spring is an ideal spot. Ensure a snug fit to keep everything secure during transit.

Main Tables

If possible, disassemble the legs from your main tables and individually wrap each leg for protection. Individually wrap each leg to protect them. Bundle the accompanying chairs together, stacking them if space allows. Use bungee cords to secure the bundles and keep everything in place during transit.

Mirrors

Take masking tape and create a large “X” across the surface of each mirror. Avoid using duct tape as it may damage the mirrors. This technique benefits all glass surfaces, minimizing the impact of continuous vibrations during the move and reducing the risk of breakage. Consider packing mirrors and picture frames in specialized moving boxes to protect fragile items for added safety.

Couches

To prep your couch for moving, start by taking off the cushions. These cushions are perfect for securing other items. Remember that handy damaging space exercise? It comes in proper now. Wrap the couch in plastic, but before that, utilize the space within by placing softer items like stuffed animals, linens, and clothes inside. It’s not too big or heavy—just enough to fill the gaps. Stand the couch upright in a secure corner if possible, ensuring it won’t tip over during the move.

Dressers/Chest of Drawers

Moving these pieces is easier if you take out the drawers first. Also, be mindful of the corners and the finished surfaces, as they can get damaged easily. Use blankets to cover these areas completely for protection (yes, blankets are beneficial for this!). Here’s a helpful tip: once inside the moving container, fill the drawers with lighter items to keep them secure during transit.

Packing the Small Furniture

Packing smaller furniture items during a move is crucial to ensure they arrive safely at your new place. Let’s take a closer look at how to handle different types of small furniture:

Chairs

When it comes to moving recliners, securing them properly is crucial in preventing any mishaps. However, if not appropriately secured, smaller chairs can quickly shift and tumble inside the moving truck. To avoid this, stack the chairs, wrap them securely, and use bungee cords to keep them in place.

Side Tables

Like chairs, side tables often have delicate, slender legs and can be nestled between more oversized furniture items. Their size and shape vary, so you must use your judgment when positioning them. Watch out for protruding parts like drawer handles and corners that might rub against other furniture pieces. Loading a side table alone might be feasible, but if it’s an older piece, mainly if made of wood, handle it carefully to avoid any parts coming loose.

Coffee Tables

When dealing with coffee tables with glass tops, taking precautions is vital. Placing an X of masking tape over the glass surface (similar to how you’d protect mirrors) can help prevent breakage. Bubble cushioning roll provides excellent protection for these surfaces. If your coffee table has drawers, employing the same strategy used for dressers is wise. When moving coffee tables, involve at least two people whenever possible to ensure a safer and more manageable process.

Remember, paying attention to these smaller furniture pieces ensures a smoother moving experience for them and your larger items.

Tips for a Smooth and Stress-Free Move

Moving furniture across the country can be stressful, but with these additional tips, you can make the process smoother and more manageable:

Create a Moving Checklist: Make a comprehensive checklist of all the tasks you must complete before, during, and after the move. This will help you stay organized and ensure that everything is noticed.
Pack an Essentials Box: Prepare an essentials box containing items you will need immediately upon arrival, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, and basic kitchen supplies. Keep this box separate from the rest of your belongings for easy access.
Notify Utilities and Change Address: Contact your utility providers to schedule disconnects at your current location and connections at your new home. Additionally, notify the post office, banks, and other relevant institutions of your change of address.
Take Care of Unwanted Furniture: If you have furniture that you no longer need or want, consider selling, donating, or responsibly disposing of it before your move. This will help declutter your belongings and save on transportation costs.

Can Movers Move Furniture with Stuff in It?

One common question when moving furniture across the country is whether movers can transport items still inside the table. The answer depends on the specific moving company and its policies. Some movers may allow you to leave lightweight objects, such as clothing or bedding, inside drawers or cabinets, while others may require all items removed for safety and liability reasons. It is important to communicate with your chosen moving company and clarify their guidelines regarding items left inside furniture.

What To Do With Old Furniture When Moving Across the Country

When moving across the country, you may need to decide what to do with old furniture you don’t want to bring. Here are a few options to consider:

Sell: If your furniture is in good condition, consider selling it locally or online through Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or dedicated furniture resale websites. This can help offset the cost of moving or fund new furniture purchases for your new home.
Donate: If your furniture is still usable, but you don’t want to sell it, consider donating it to local charities, shelters, or nonprofit organizations. Not only will you be helping those in need, but you will also be reducing waste.
Gift: If you have friends, family, or neighbors who need furniture, consider gifting it to them. This can be a meaningful way to pass on your furniture and help someone start a new chapter in their life.
Recycle or Dispose: If your furniture is in poor condition and cannot be donated or sold, check with your local waste management facility or recycling center to determine the proper disposal method. Many areas offer furniture recycling programs or bulk waste pickup services.

FAQs

Why should I hire professionals to move my furniture across the country?

When moving furniture across the country, hiring professionals is highly recommended. Professional moving companies have the expertise and resources to handle the complexities of long-distance moves. They will ensure your furniture is securely packed, loaded, and transported. By entrusting this task to professionals, you can save yourself from the physical strain and stress of moving heavy furniture. Additionally, hiring professionals gives you peace of mind, knowing that your furniture is protected by insurance in case of any damage during the move.

How do I prepare my furniture for a long-distance move?

Preparing your furniture for a long-distance move is crucial to ensure its safety and prevent any damage. Start by cleaning your furniture thoroughly to remove any dust or dirt. Disassemble any large or fragile pieces, such as beds, tables, or cabinets, to make transporting them easier. Take pictures of your furniture from different angles to document its condition before the move. This will come in handy if you need to file an insurance claim later. Use appropriate packing materials such as bubble wrap, moving blankets, and sturdy boxes to protect your furniture during the move. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to for easy unpacking at your new destination.

How far in advance should I book my furniture move?

It is advisable to book your furniture move as early as possible, especially if you are moving during the peak season. The peak season for moving falls between May and September when many people are relocating. By booking in advance, you can secure your preferred moving dates and ensure the availability of your chosen moving company. Ideally, book your furniture move at least 6-8 weeks in advance to avoid any last-minute stress or complications. However, if you have a flexible schedule or are moving during the off-peak season, you may have more flexibility in booking your move.

How much does it cost to move furniture across the country?

The cost of moving furniture across the country can vary depending on several factors, such as the distance, the size and weight of your furniture, the services you require, and the time of year. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 for a long-distance furniture move. Obtaining quotes from multiple moving companies and comparing their services and prices is recommended to get the best value for your money. Remember that the cheapest option may only sometimes be the best, as quality and reliability are crucial when moving your valuable furniture across the country.

How long does it take to move furniture across the country?

The duration of a furniture move across the country can vary depending on several factors, including the distance, the route, and the specific logistics of the move. On average, a long-distance furniture move can take 5 to 14 days. However, this timeline is subject to change based on external factors such as weather conditions, traffic, and unforeseen circumstances. To get a more accurate estimate, consult with your chosen moving company, as they can better understand the expected timeline based on their experience and the specific details of your move.

Conclusion for Moving Furniture Across Country

Moving furniture across the country may seem daunting, but with proper planning and the help of professional movers, it can be a seamless experience. From hiring reliable movers to packing and protecting your furniture, following these tips will ensure a smooth and stress-free move. Remember to start early, declutter, and label boxes for efficient unpacking. Remember to consider what to do with your old furniture and plan accordingly. By taking these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to easily move your furniture across the country.

If you’re planning a cross-country move and need professional movers, contact the SecureSpace team today for a free quote and expert assistance. Let us make your move a smooth and seamless experience.

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