The Dos of Long-Distance Moving:

1. Do Plan Well in Advance: Start planning your long-distance move several months ahead. This includes researching moving companies, setting a budget, and creating a detailed timeline.
2. Do Hire a Reputable Moving Company: Research moving companies thoroughly, read reviews, and obtain quotes from several providers. Choose a licensed and insured company with a good track record.
3. Do Create an Inventory: Make a detailed inventory of your belongings. This will help you keep track of everything and can be crucial for insurance purposes.
4. Do Pack Strategically: Use high-quality packing materials and label each box clearly with its contents and destination room. Consider color-coding or numbering boxes for easier organization.
5. Do Protect Fragile Items: Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or packing paper, and use extra padding to prevent breakage during transit. Mark boxes containing delicate items as “Fragile.”
6. Do Stay Organized: Keep important documents, such as contracts, moving estimates, and contact information, in one easily accessible folder. This will help in case you need to refer to them during the move.
7. Do Keep Valuables with You: Keep valuable items, such as jewelry, important documents, and irreplaceable heirlooms, with you during the move rather than in the moving truck.

The Don’ts of Long-Distance Moving:

1. Don’t Procrastinate: Avoid waiting until the last minute to start planning and packing. Adequate time for preparation is crucial for a successful move.
2. Don’t Overlook Research: Don’t hire a moving company without doing thorough research. Avoid making hasty decisions based solely on price. Quality and reliability are key.
3. Don’t Forget to Budget: Failing to create a budget can lead to financial stress during your move. Account for all expenses, including unexpected costs.
4. Don’t Neglect Insurance: Don’t skip purchasing proper insurance coverage for your belongings. Long-distance moves carry risks, and insurance can provide peace of mind.
5. Don’t Pack Hazardous Materials: Moving companies typically can’t transport hazardous materials. Dispose of or make separate arrangements for items like chemicals and flammable materials.
6. Don’t Disregard Weather: Be mindful of the weather conditions at your departure and destination. Plan accordingly if you’re moving during extreme weather.
7. Don’t Skip an In-Person Estimate: Avoid accepting quotes from moving companies without an in-person assessment of your belongings. This helps in obtaining accurate estimates.
8. Don’t Overload Boxes: Avoid overloading boxes, as this can lead to breakage and make them difficult to lift. Use appropriate-sized boxes for heavy or fragile items.
9. Don’t Assume Everything Will Fit: Don’t assume that everything will fit in your new space. Measure your new home and consider whether you need to downsize further.

Important Regulations To Keep In Mind:

1. Driver’s License: The driver of the 26-ft box truck should possess a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) with the appropriate class and endorsements. The requirements for obtaining a CDL can vary by state, but typically, a CDL is required for trucks over 26,000 pounds GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating).
2. Vehicle Registration: Ensure that the box truck is properly registered and compliant with all local, state, and federal regulations. The truck’s weight rating should be well within legal limits, and it should have the necessary permits for interstate transportation.
3. Insurance: It’s essential to have comprehensive insurance coverage for the box truck, cargo, and liability insurance for long-distance moves. The specific insurance requirements may vary by state, but it’s crucial to have adequate coverage to protect against potential accidents or damage during the move.
4. Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations: For long-distance moves, especially those involving commercial vehicles, HOS regulations may apply. These regulations govern the number of driving hours and mandatory rest breaks for drivers to prevent fatigue-related accidents. Be aware of and comply with HOS regulations to ensure safety during your long-distance move.
5. Weight Limits: Understand and adhere to weight limits for your 26-ft box truck. These limits include the maximum weight the vehicle can carry and the weight distribution within the truck. Overloading can result in fines and safety issues.
6. Transportation Permits: Depending on your specific route and the states you’ll be traveling through, you may need various permits, such as oversize or overweight permits. Check with each state’s department of transportation to determine if any permits are required for your long-distance move.
7. Safety Inspections: Regularly inspect and maintain your box truck to ensure that it’s in safe working condition. Periodic inspections by qualified technicians can help identify and address any mechanical issues before they become safety hazards.
8. Cargo Securement: Properly secure your cargo within the box truck to prevent shifting during transit. This is not only for safety but also to avoid damage to your belongings.
9. Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of your trip, including driver logs, fuel receipts, and receipts for any permits or tolls paid during your long-distance move.
10. Interstate Regulations: If your long-distance move crosses state lines, be aware of interstate regulations and weigh station requirements. Different states may have varying regulations that apply to commercial vehicles.

Ready to make your long-distance move hassle-free? Get in touch with Grizzly Moving for expert guidance and ensure a smooth transition to your new home!

Grizzly Moving provides the largest box trucks in the industry which we have determined are capable of transporting 1,500-1,700 cubic feet and up to 8,000 lbs of your inventory. Federal law dictates the truck cannot weigh more than 26,000 lbs during the move (the truck itself weighs 18,000lbs).
We can NOT move more than what the truck can legally transport. Grizzly Moving will drive to a local weigh station before starting the drive to
the destination to assure the truck is not overweight. If the truck is deemed overweight, the client is responsible to arrange a location to unload the required inventory to bring the truck within the legal requirements.