How to Handle the Logistics of Moving Long-Distance to Jacksonville

How to Handle the Logistics of Moving Long-Distance to Jacksonville

Sun, sea, and sand may be your primary reasons for moving to the beautiful city of Jacksonville. Florida’s largest city is the beach-lovers perfect destination, though that’s not all it has to offer. With over 2,400 businesses operating in Downtown Jacksonville alone, the city is also a haven of economic activity.

Tip 1 – Find the Right Moving Company

Trying to handle a long-distance move on your own means renting a truck and hauling your belongings across the country. In addition to being tiring, going it alone comes with several risks. You’re likely not a professional mover, which means you may not have the equipment you need to load and unload heavy items. Plus, you assume the risk of damaging those items in transit, meaning you won’t be compensated for the losses.

Working with a moving company is often a safer bet.

Do the following when choosing a moving company:

Look for movers who operate in Jacksonville and can provide all of the information you need about moving to the city. The Three Movers page is a good example of what to look for in terms of the information the mover supplies.

Gather multiple quotes so you can figure out an average price for the move. Aim for at least five quotes, allowing you to weed out those who charge too much and movers that charge suspiciously little.

Confirm that your moving company has the appropriate licenses to move goods intrastate, as well as insurance certification. If you’re uncertain, you can use the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Registered Mover Database to find detailed information about your moving company.

Read reviews of the company online from legitimate customers. A mover’s website gives you the best possible picture of the types of services they offer. Reviews from social media, forums, and Google give you a more realistic view of the mover’s services based on customer experience.

Tip 2 – Decide What You’ll Do With Your Vehicle

If you have a vehicle, you need to figure out how to get it to Jacksonville.

Driving it yourself is the simplest solution, though that option comes with challenges. Depending on where you currently live, you may have a multi-day drive ahead of you. You’ll need to find suitable overnight accommodations, in addition to setting aside money for food and fuel.

Hiring a vehicle shipping company comes with less risk, though you pay an upfront fee for the service. You’ll also need to find another way to get to Jacksonville if you use a vehicle carrier.

The choice comes down to convenience versus cost.

If you want convenience, hire a vehicle shipping company and absorb the costs of both their services and the flight into Jacksonville. If you want to keep costs low, and don’t mind the long drive and logistical hurdles, transport your vehicle yourself.

Tip 3 – Keep Your Packing Supplies in an Accessible Box

Once you have a moving company and know what you’re doing with your vehicle, you can move on to preparing your belongings for the move. Start by collecting all of your packing supplies in a single box. Tape, newspaper, bubble wrap, scissors, and anything else you’ll use when packing goes into this collection.

Why do this?

Having your packing supplies in an easily-accessible location ensures you don’t waste time searching for the supplies when you start packing your belongings. Less time wasted results in an easier move.

Tip 4 – Pack Well, Not Quick

If you’re willing to spend extra, many moving companies will handle the packing for you.

Assuming you want to handle it yourself, the key is to take your time to ensure every item receives the proper care. For example, pack dishes on their sides with crumpled paper or bubble wrap to protect them from impacts. Use strong boxes with tape along the seams to mitigate the risk of the box tearing or opening from the bottom.

In terms of organization, try to go room by room. Label every box so your movers know what each contains. Finally, keep an itemized checklist of every item you pack. This checklist will be useful when you unpack so you can confirm that all of your belongings have reached your new Jacksonville home safely.

Tip 5 – Keep Valuables With You

Any items that have high monetary or sentimental value should go with you rather than your movers. Examples of such items include jewelry and family heirlooms. It’s also a good idea to keep your important documents, such as passports and medical prescriptions, on your person during your move.

A portable safe or lockbox allows you to secure these items, protecting them from theft, loss, and damage.

Tip 6 – Arrange Everything for Your Movers

Once everything’s boxed up, you may feel like putting your feet up and waiting for your moving day. However, there’s one last organizational idea that helps movers complete their jobs faster.

Move every box as close to your front door as possible, allowing your movers to quickly load the boxes onto their trucks. Stack the boxes based on the room they belong in, with labels and lists allowing you to easily direct your movers to where each box should go in your new home.

In addition to making the move go faster, this tip could save you some money. If the movers charge by the hour, being organized before they arrive saves time, which could lead to a lower bill.

Prepare for Sunny Jacksonville

The city of Jacksonville is ready to welcome you with open arms. You just have to get there first.

With the six tips in this article, you’ll handle the logistics of your move easily. Working with the right movers is key, as they can offer advice in addition to ensuring your belongings arrive in Jacksonville safely.

Beyond that, preparation is key to success. Get organized and start packing as early as you’re able, so you can take your time with the process. Once the packing is done, arrange your belongings so the movers can handle their part of the job efficiently.