Moving Long-Distance: How Jordan River Moving Wants You To Prepare

Preparing for a long-distance move can seem like a daunting task. Don’t worry. With these tips, you’ll feel like a pro in no time. Knowing the specifics on how to prepare for your long-distance move will save you time and stress and answer some common questions whether you’re staying in the same state or moving across the country.

Keep reading to learn how Jordan River Moving wants you to prepare for your long-distance move. From the importance of moving insurance to tips to pack smarter, how to make an in-between kit, how to pack everyday items, how to prepare furniture and appliances, and planning for delivery, we’ve got you covered with almost everything you want to know.

The Importance of Moving Insurance

You don’t need extra stress when preparing to move long-distance. Even with the best moving companies, sometimes damage or loss happens during a move. It can be hard to understand the difference between valuation coverage and moving insurance, but your Relocation Specialist at Jordan River Moving can help you decide what’s best for your situation. I always recommend taking out additional moving insurance to protect your move, especially for long-distance moves. If you’re moving long-distance, items have a higher chance of loss or damage based on the distance they’re traveling. I like the peace of mind that comes with knowing my valuables are protected during a move should a mishap happen. To ensure your move is protected, read our article on Moving Insurance. Remember, insurance must be purchased no later than 48 hours prior to the date of your pick up or the first date of your pickup window.

Packing Smarter

You will need items while the rest of your goods are in transit. Set these items aside so they don’t accidentally get packed or loaded. These might include:

• Cell phones and chargers
• Computers
• Medication
• Important documents
• Cable boxes or modems that may need to be returned to the cable company

Other Tips:

• As you’re packing up the kitchen, keep a list of items you throw away and will want to replace at your new home (condiments, food, pantry staples)
• Make a shopping list of essentials you’ll want to buy immediately (toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, dish soap, etc.)

There are many items that interstate movers cannot carry. Common items include liquids (including cleaners, liquid soaps, liquors, etc.), live plants, pressurized vessels (propane tanks, etc.), and ammunition. Make other arrangements in advance if you plan to transport these items. To view the complete list of excluded items, read our Hazardous Materials list, before you start packing.

Pack an “In-Between” Kit

When I moved from Washington to Montana, I hired Jordan River Moving, so I understand the challenges of packing for a long-distance move. Here are a few tips that helped me successfully move and enjoy the time between pick up and delivery. I knew we could have a 21-day window between our pickup date in Washington and our delivery date in Montana. With this in mind, I thought of packing as two-fold. I was packing for a three-week “vacation” and packing to move. Make sure you are prepared with everything you might need during the “in-between” time.  

My pro tips:

• Leave out any clothes you want to bring with you for the “in-between” time.
• Consider the weather of your destination while packing. For example, Montana in the spring is much colder than Seattle in the spring. Pack with your destination in mind. 
• If you’re driving to your destination, you can pack boxes with any food you want to keep but don’t want to have loaded on the truck and risk critters getting into it (pantry staples, granola bars, etc.)
• If you plan to stay at your new home right away, bring:
• Sheets, pillows, air mattresses
• A pot and pan 
• A set of dishes or plan for paper plates and plastic utensils
• A ziplock baggie with a few laundry pods, dryer sheets, and dish soap in case you don’t make it to the store immediately. At least you’ll have some essentials. 
• Pack anything you might need for work (laptop, chargers, etc.) 

Before Your Move: How to Pack

Have you ever wondered how movers wish you would pack? Knowing exactly how Jordan River Movers want you to pack will help your move go smoothly from pickup to delivery. Use these specific packing tips directly from the company to breathe easy, knowing you’re prepared.

Boxes

• Pack your boxes full so items don’t move inside the box. Movers stack boxes in the truck, and any empty space at the top of a box has the potential to be compacted.
• Seal boxes shut with tape (nothing should be sticking out of the top).
• Label each box with the name of the room it will go in. No abbreviations. Movers will place each box inside the room you want. How awesome is that?

Filing Cabinets

• Empty the contents and pack into boxes.

Dressers

• Single dressers full of clothes only do not need to be emptied (unless they are presswood). Movers will saran wrap the drawers in place and wrap the dresser in a moving blanket. Upon delivery, you just cut off the plastic wrap to unpack, and your dresser is ready!
• If you have anything besides clothes in a dresser (books, pictures, etc.), you must empty the dresser and pack these items into boxes.
• Double and triple dressers must be emptied.

IKEA and Presswood Furniture

I love it as much as the next person, but let’s face it. The DIY install and presswood don’t make it the sturdiest furniture- especially for a long-distance move. Before the move, the foreman will point out any presswood furniture, so you’re on the same page about the risks of moving it. I’ve had Jordan River move me several times locally, and I’ve never had an issue. When I moved long-distance I got rid of a lot of my presswood furniture, knowing it might not hold up to the miles in the truck. I figured the money I saved on the weight of my shipment would be worth it.

• Jordan River recommends any furniture of this type be emptied and packed into boxes- even single dressers.

Mattresses

• Movers use mattress bags to protect your mattress. Trust me. You want this, especially for a long distance move.
• The bags are cheap; your moving crew will have them on the truck. You pay at the end of your move as part of the charge for any extra materials used.
• If you want to buy your own mattress bags, you can. The movers will gladly use them. In my experience, the price isn’t much different, so I always use their bags.

If you REALLY don’t want to protect your mattress, you will have to sign a paper releasing liability for damage. My advice is to use the bag.

Lawnmowers, Edgers, Scooters, and Motorcycles

• All gas tanks must be drained.

Firearms

• If you’re transporting firearms, they must be secured in a gun case or safe before the movers’ arrival.
• Ammunition cannot be shipped with firearms.

Packing Materials

• Sometimes the movers must use extra materials to protect items such as glass tables and tv screens. The charge will vary depending on the amount used.
• You want this. The charges are never super expensive, and you want your items packed and moved without damage.
• The moving truck is stocked with various boxes and packing materials that can be used at your request. The foreman will have a price list on the Bill of Lading.
• Pro tip- if you know you’ll need extra packing materials like wardrobe boxes, call ahead so they can make sure to put enough of them on the truck.

Visit the website to find more packing tips from Jordan River Moving.

How to Prepare Your Furniture

Jordan River Moving does an excellent job protecting and moving your items, especially furniture. When you see the movers wrapping everything up with padded moving blankets and tape, you will be amazed at how quickly and effectively they prepare your belongings for safe travel. The moving blankets are free to use because the movers will unwrap your furniture and take the blankets back upon delivery.

What to know:

• Jordan River will handle basic disassembly and reassembly of furniture (as long as it doesn’t require special tools). 
• Pro tip- pack a clean set of sheets somewhere easily accessible so you can make your bed on delivery day once it’s set up. Then you won’t have to worry about it when you’re tired from unpacking the first night. You’re welcome.

How to Prepare Your Appliances

• Disconnect all appliances (or hire a serviceman) before movers arrive for pickup.
• Freezers and refrigerators must be emptied and defrosted.
• Jordan River will not uninstall or reinstall appliances that require special tools.

Planning for Delivery

There are some details you’ll want to have handled before your pickup day. Your Relocation Specialist will go over this information with you and can help answer any questions you have, but here are some common ones:

• Jordan River guarantees delivery within 21 days of your “first available” date. This is the first date you will be available to receive your delivery at the new address. This timeframe may change based on the time of year, weather conditions, road conditions, acts of God, delivery schedule, geographic location of the move, and other unknown factors.
• Be patient and flexible. You have wisely packed an in-between kit, so you’re prepared to wait while your items are in transit.
• Be prepared to provide the “first available” date at the pickup. The date you provide is the first date in the 21-day period in which Jordan River guarantees delivery. Please refer to your paperwork for more details.
• You can pay extra for “guaranteed” service on or between agreed dates. This optional service guarantees that your shipment will be picked up, transported to the destination, and delivered on specific guaranteed dates. It will cost you a lot for this service. Ask your Relocation Specialist about details.
• Jordan River will charge if they’re required to use more than one flight of stairs or an elevator at delivery. If you know these charges will occur, let the office know in advance so they can let you know what the charges will be. You want to avoid any surprises at delivery!

Planning for Payment

Planning ahead for your long-distance move payment is essential. Please note Jordan River Moving cannot accept personal checks as payment for a move.

Long-Distance Move Payment

• • Payment is due at delivery.
  • You will be given your balance the following business day after pickup.
  • Accepted forms of payment are cash, cashier’s check, postal money order, credit card (with 2.5% fee), Zelle, or wire transfer.
  • Any payments by credit card or wire transfer must be made at least 2 business days prior to delivery so the office can confirm payment is received and notify the driver.
  • Zelle payments must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
  • You don’t want to be stuck waiting (and paying by the hour) for the Jordan River office to open for payment confirmation- especially if you’re in a different time zone!
  • *Important note about Zelle- there are limits on the amount you can transfer per day, so check with your bank to see what they allow.
• Plan ahead and pay in advance, no matter the method you choose!
• All credit card payments are subject to a 2.5% document handling and processing fee.
• You will also receive an email with all of the payment options (including the credit card payment link) when the office calls to confirm your delivery address and gives you the balance due.
• Once they have a delivery date range, the office will follow up with a reminder email including all payment options.
• Please note that payment must be received in full before the driver can unload at delivery.
• Are you wondering how much you should tip your movers? Our article on How Much You Should Tip Movers might be helpful. Movers always appreciate tips, and for a long-distance move I tipped the movers at pickup and delivery. If you want to tip your movers, have some cash on hand for moving day.
• Please take the time to read the Movers Rights and Responsibilities brochure.

Questions You May Have Before the Move

1. What if I realize I must make an extra stop at a storage unit before or after my pick-up? It’s usually no problem, but call your Relocation Specialist as soon as possible. They will have to book more time for your pick-up to accommodate the extra stop.
2.  Will the movers take their shoes off inside my home? Nope. They can’t, and won’t, for insurance purposes and safety. Hardwood floor and carpet protection is available, but make sure you ask your foreman about it when the movers arrive before your move begins.
3. What if I have items I don’t want moved? Mark them with colored stickers or Post-it notes. Make it obvious so it’s easy and saves everyone time.
4. Will the movers put the furniture in the correct rooms in my new home? Yes. To prepare for your move, make a plan for which rooms you want furniture items placed in. Delivery will be faster, and you will be happy you don’t have to rearrange anything after the movers leave.
5. Should I reserve the elevator for pick-up day? Yes! If you have an elevator at pick up or delivery, reserve it in advance and tell your Relocation Specialist if there are any time restrictions.
6. Where will the moving truck park? Ensure ample space for the moving truck to park at the pick-up and delivery locations. One benefit of getting an in-home estimate before your move- you can ask the estimator where he thinks the truck should park. He will note any potential access issues and inform the movers before your move. If you need to block off any part of the street for the moving truck, sort it out before your pick-up day.
7. Can the movers uninstall or reinstall my shelving units, mounted cabinets, and TV mountings? No. If you want these things moved, you should detach them beforehand. The same goes for anything connected to the physical structure of your home.
8. What about my trampoline, big toy, crib, and other baby/child-related items? Jordan River cannot reassemble these items for liability reasons. If you want them moved, please disassemble them ahead of time.
9. Can Jordan River move my plants? Not for a long-distance move. You will need to make other arrangements in advance to transport them.

Can I buy extra valuation coverage or moving insurance on the day of my move? No! You must purchase moving insurance two days before your pick-up date. Some renters and homeowners insurance may provide coverage during a move. Call your insurance agent to find out. For additional coverage options, ask your Relocation Specialist. To learn more about moving insurance and valuation coverage, read our article about Protecting Your Move with Moving Insurance.

The Night Before Your Pick-Up

• Jordan River Moving makes the schedule the day before your pick-up and will call you with their estimated arrival time.
• If you think an area might be overlooked or forgotten (attic, garden shed), leave yourself a note or reminder to check these areas before the movers leave on your pick-up day.

You’re all set!

Knowing how Jordan River Moving wants you to prepare for your long-distance move will make for a successful move. From the importance of moving insurance to tips to pack smarter, how to make an “in-between” kit, how to pack everyday items, how to prepare furniture and appliances, and planning for delivery, you’re ready for your long-distance move.

Moving doesn’t have to be stressful, and with extra preparation, you can avoid any potential problems. The Relocation Specialists at Jordan River Moving are here to help, contact one now.

To prepare for the next step in your long-distance move, read our article, What to Expect on Pick Up and Delivery Days for a Long Distance Move.