By Eric Engelbert and Jason Mueller

Are you planning to move long distance and feeling overwhelmed by the logistics of it all? Our "Relocation Concierge" service is designed to make the process smoother and hassle-free, especially if you're moving from outside of Orange County.

To help you with the crucial aspect of logistics, we've partnered with Three Movers, whose expert team has written a comprehensive guide to ensure your long-distance move is a success. Read on for their checklist and tips to help you prepare for your upcoming move.

Finding a new home in Orange County is the most important part of your long-distance move. However, you also need to handle the logistics of your relocation, such as finding a reliable transportation company and getting the best deal.

This article will help you do just that.

In-Depth Guide to Long-Distance Moving Logistics

Orange County is home to some of the most amazing properties in the country. Once you buy your new abode, it’s time to take care of the logistics.

Contact a Dependable Moving Specialist

DIY relocations are affordable, but you’d need to haul heavy items on your own. You also need to do a lot of paperwork when moving. As a result, you can easily misplace or forget valuable possessions due to all the fuss.

The best way to avoid this problem is to partner with a moving specialist. Therefore, the first item on your checklist should be to find your provider. Here are a few tips:

• Consult friends and family – Do you know someone who’s already moved long distance to Orange County? Friends, family, and neighbors can provide first-hand information about the Three Movers Orange County or another high-quality company they hired for the job. If they’re happy with their services, chances are, you’ll receive the same experience.
• Check online resources – Internet reviews are a great place to check if a moving organization is legit. You can find reviews on companies’ websites and other platforms, including Google. One of the things you should look for is licensing. More specifically, your provider should have a Household Move permit issued by the Bureau of Household Goods and Services. It guarantees the organization adheres to certain standards, reducing the risk of scams.
• Find out how experienced your prospects are – Experience matters in every industry, especially moving. A newly established provider can offer good services, but you need a team that specializes in long-distance moves to Orange County. Companies like Three Movers have performed this job countless times, meaning they have the knowledge to address any unpleasant surprises down the line.
• Test customer service – Even if your transporter organizes a seamless relocation, you may have special requests after the driver picks up your possessions. You also want to receive updates on the truck’s location. That’s where customer service comes in. Contact your prospects a few times during the selection stage to determine whether their technical support is responsive. If not, don’t work with such organizations.

Get a Fair Quote

There’s not much you can do if a prospect makes an unreasonable offer. However, you can educate yourself to prevent malicious providers from taking advantage of you. A great starting point is to understand the average price of long-distance moves to Orange County:

• Moving the contents of a one-bedroom apartment 1,000-2,500 miles - $2,000-$7,000
• Moving the contents of a two-to-three bedroom apartment 1,000-2,500 miles - $3,500-$14,000
• Moving the contents of a four-to-five bedroom apartment 1,000-2,500 miles - $5,200-$20,000

A mover that offers numbers exponentially larger than these figures is probably out to scam you. Decline such offers and ask another organization for a quote.

Also, keep in mind that the distance and amount of stuff you wish to move aren’t the only two factors that influence the cost of the service. A few other considerations come into play:

• Season – Most people move during spring or summer. Although it’s more convenient to relocate at this time, it’s also pricier due to higher demand. Consider scheduling your service in the fall or winter if you’re on a budget.
• Weather – Some organizations may charge more if they need to move your belongings in inclement weather.
• Staff requirements – In general, the more people the mover needs to dispatch to relocate your possessions, the more expensive your service will be. A large number of trucks may also increase the price.
• Packing and loading – You might be charged extra if you want your provider to pack and load your belongings.

Make Sure Your Provider Packs Your Stuff or Pack Them Yourself

Packing and loading your possessions onto a truck might be the most difficult part of moving long-distance to Orange County. This is particularly the case if you’re relocating out of a large house and have lots of stuff.

The good news is that moving companies offer packing and loading services. Be sure these are included in your contract if you don’t want to do the work on your own.

But if you wish to lower the cost of your transport and pack the items yourself, follow these tips to breeze through the task:

• Use a wide array of boxes – Boxes of different sizes are your best friend when moving. They allow you to pack all your items, allowing you to carry them more easily.
• Secure fragile objects with newspaper or bubble wrap – Protect dishes, electronics, and other fragile belongings with newspaper or bubble wrap before putting them in a box.
• Seal with tape – A good way to prevent your possessions from flying out of your boxes is to seal them with duct tape.
• Label your stuff – Don’t forget to label your boxes. This way, you’ll know the contents of each box, enabling you to sort them out more easily once you arrive in Orange County.

Update Your Addresses

This might sound counterintuitive, but you want to change various addresses and subscription details before your move. It lets you resume crucial services as soon as you enter your new home rather than wait for your providers to activate them.

Here’s some of the information you may need to update when moving to Orange County:

• Physical address at the United States Postal Service
• Vehicle registration information
• Social security number
• Tax details
• Bank account and credit card information
• Voter registration
• Cable and internet subscription
• Any magazine subscriptions

Ready for Your Move?

Long-distance move logistics aren’t as daunting as they sound. However, this doesn’t mean you should rush the process when relocating to Orange County. Take your time when selecting your provider, getting quotes, packing, and changing addresses to start your new life chapter without a hitch.