Packing up your entire life and moving it all the way to California can be a stressful experience and a daunting task reserved for the brave few. But you know what? Moving doesn’t have to be this way.

As an experienced long-distance moving company, we prefer to see moving to a new home as a fresh start and a beautiful beginning to the rest of your life. California is gorgeous, and with 360 days of sunny weather, 1000 miles of breathtaking shores, stunning mountains, and award-winning atmospheric vineyards, it is a slice of heaven.

Why would you keep the fear of the moving process keep you from living in paradise on earth?But, to ease your mind a little bit, we have gathered a list of our clients’ FAQs.

When Is The Best Time To Move?

Moving companies are fully booked in the months between May and September. During these months, the volume of shipments exponentially increases, so chances are you will not be able to complete your move within this time frame unless you book your moving company well in advance.

Otherwise, choose to do your move in April or even early October, when the weather is still good enough to allow your moving to flow seamlessly. You do not want to carry boxes in the rain. California is the Golden State with 360 days of sunshine, but you need to consider the weather in your current state and the weather conditions that will prevail during your long drive.

How Do I Pick The Best Moving Company?

It would help if you did thorough research before picking the best moving company. Read the testimonials and carefully select the best value for money. Do not immediately opt for the cheaper option. Instead, carefully choose the one with the best ratings, even if the price is higher than the others.

When Do I Contact a Moving Company For A Free Estimate?

Try to contact moving companies at least two months in advance, especially if you consider moving in the busy summer months. This should give the moving company enough time to have estimators come into your home, complete a survey of everything that needs to be shipped and give you a local moving quote. If you are getting quotes from a couple of different companies (which we strongly urge you to do), you need some time to reach a conclusive decision. So the earlier, the better.

What Do All The Paperworks mean?

It is easy to get lost amongst all the paperwork involved in moving. So, here is a quick summary of each.

●   The order of service = a written confirmation of the services you expect your moving company to perform, besides the shipment. It states the dates that loading and unloading will occur, the cost for each service, and the payment methods you have agreed upon.

●   The bill of lading = your receipt for all the items included in the shipment and the contract with the moving company responsible for their transportation.

●   The inventory = although not mandated by law, most moving companies will have their drivers complete an inventory of everything that is loaded on their truck and the condition of each item. On the list, you will see acronyms PBO and CP mean packed by owner and carrier packed, respectively.

 Do I Need Moving Insurance?

Yes, you absolutely need moving insurance. Even if you trust the move in the expert hands of professional moving companies, accidents do happen. So, when you are relocating your entire home into a new house, it is better to be safe than sorry. It is an added cost, but should things go awry; the insurance will save you from a lot of trouble and expenses of having to replace broken items. So, choose your sanity over a few extra bucks. It is worth it.

How Do I Prepare My Home For Packing?

It would help if you were very tactical with your packing. Start early and source packing essentials like boxes from local grocery stores rather than buying them.

Make sure you have different size boxes. Smaller ones should hold heavy items like books, and larger ones should hold lightweight items like bed linen and clothes. Pack each room in order and label each box as you go along. Do not randomly throw things in the boxes.

Try to save up space and use larger items as nesting for smaller ones. Use towels and t-shirts to protect your fragile objects.

Pack a box with everything you will need once you arrive at your new home to spend the first night and label it “open first.” That way, you won’t have to go through all your boxes to find your toiletries, medicine, and a glass for water.

If you are a senior, preparing your home for packing can be more challenging. Read more tips about how to best prepare the moving process, here.

What Do I Do With My Plants?

Most moving companies will not take the responsibility of moving your plants. The heat and darkness inside the truck will probably kill them. Moreover, each state has its own strict rules about the entry of plants. Some will allow plants under certain conditions, and others will not allow them entry at all.

For instance, California allows only certain species of plants to enter, and you will need a phytosanitary certificate to bring them to the Golden state legally. So if you plan to move some of your plants in your car, make sure that you abide by California’s rules.

What About My Valuables?

Valuables such as jewelry, antiques, and paintings can be included in your shipment, but you need to make sure that you notify your local moving representative ahead of time. As each company has different procedures for moving expensive and valuable items, you should have a thorough discussion with them to clarify any of your queries. Also, be sure to ask about their high-value inventory form.

If you use moving insurance, be assured that a claim for such valuable items will not be limited to minimal liability. Since anything can happen during a move, and things can turn south unexpectedly, you should keep expensive and irreplaceable items with you.

How Do I Pack My Appliances?

All heavy-duty electrical appliances must be disconnected and properly packaged, such as washers, dryers, cookers, and refrigerators. Some of them, like your washer, will need a stabilizer installed. Whereas you can hire a local service provider to service your appliances and prepare them for the move, your moving company should be able to assist you. Therefore, you should expect your long-distance moving company to provide you with everything necessary to properly prepare your appliances for moving, without you having to hire extra help.

How Will The Move Affect My Pets?

Moving to a new home can be highly stressful for your furry friends. Not only do they find themselves in an entirely new environment, but they have to stay in the cage for many hours and endure the long drive to California. In addition, your feline family members are particularly notorious for handling changes. So, try to ease the idea of the cage and drive around your neighborhood while keeping them in it for a short period. Also, ensure that you keep their “safe” room unpacked until the very last minute. Then, once in your new home, create a “safe” place for them where they can roam around freely until you unpack your boxes.

We understand that moving to California can be stressful. But when you leave everything in the experienced hands of professional movers, the process should flow seamlessly and worry-free.