Your Ultimate Guide to a Stress-Free Long-Distance Move
When you’re considering a cross-country move, it's a big step — and not one to take lightly. There's a lot to consider, from choosing the right moving company to updating your address and informing family and friends. It can quickly get overwhelming. Take a deep breath, though — you've got this!
Discover the Mayflower Difference
When moving with the nation’s most trusted moving company, you’ll benefit from:
- Decades of Expertise: With nearly a century of dedicated service in the moving industry and modern resources designed for a seamless, worry-free experience, you can trust Mayflower to handle your belongings with care.
- Guidance Every Step of the Way®: Your personal Mayflower move coordinator is here to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
- Tailor Your Move with Ease: Customize your moving experience with our convenient service add-ons and additional protection choices. From packing and unpacking to storage and debris removal, you have the flexibility to choose the services that best suit your needs.
- Movers for Any Distance: No matter the distance or the size of your move, we’ve got you covered with our nationwide network of movers.
With some planning, research and help from the pros at Mayflower, your move will be smooth sailing. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know so your move is stress-free.
Long Distance Moving Process with Mayflower
Preparing for the Move
Step 1: Get a Moving Quote
Ready to take the first step towards your move? It’s easy! Simply reach out to us either by dialing our toll-free number, 877-720-4066, or use our convenient online quote tool.
Here’s how we make sure your quote is accurate and tailored to your needs:
- Comprehensive Survey: We’ll conduct a thorough survey of your belongings to understand exactly what you need to move.
- Flexible Survey Options: You have options! Choose between an In-Person Survey conducted right at your home, or if you prefer, opt for a Virtual Survey. Whichever works best for you, we’re here to accommodate.
Learn more about your survey options in the FAQs below.
Step 2: Prepare for Your Home Survey
To get a personalized quote and your move on the books, we first need to conduct a thorough survey of your belongings, whether it’s virtually or in person. This is a required, complimentary step. Not sure what to expect? Don’t worry — we’ll guide you through the entire process.
Here are some tips to help make your home survey a breeze:
- Be ready to show all the rooms in your home, including storage areas, closets, crawl spaces, the garage, the shed, the attic and the yard
- Let us know exactly which items need to be loaded onto the moving truck, as well as which items that don’t
- Disclose any items valued at $100 per pound or more, such as antiques, fine china artwork or designer apparel so it can be noted on your inventory list
- Indicate any fragile items that will need special packing and handling
- Show us the outside of your home so we can gauge accessibility for our moving truck
During the survey, your Mayflower representative will also recommend additional customized services to help streamline your move. Whether it’s unpacking, storage, car shipping, custom crating and more, we got you covered.
If you can’t be at the house during your In-Home Survey, you may appoint an authorized individual 18 years or older to be present in your place. We’ll guide you through the process and will answer any questions you have.
Step 3: Receive Your Moving Quote and E-Accept Your Quote
Following your home survey, you will receive your customized moving estimate for review. Keep in mind that the month and day of your move, distance of your move, number of belongings to be moved and any added moving services will affect the cost. The final, binding quote you receive will include all your moving costs, including transportation, packing supplies and services you opted to add. You can adjust your moving plan as your needs evolve.
Next, you sign the quote electronically via e-acceptance. This locks in your move-out date and confirms your plan.
It’s also important you know your rights and responsibilities — staying informed will help prevent unwelcome surprises before, during and after your move.
Step 4: Track Your Move in MyMayflower Move Portal
Once your move is booked, you’ll receive a unique link to set up MyMayflower Move Portal. With this convenient online tool, you can keep track of everything – from your moving details and payments to your contacts and timeline – all in one convenient place. We want to make sure your moving experience is as smooth as possible, and MyMayflower Move Portal is here to help Every Step of The Way.
Prepare for Packing
Staying organized helps make your move manageable. Before you start wrapping and boxing your belongings, get to know which items are allowed — and restricted — in the moving truck.
Pack early. Start packing one room or category at a time well before your move date to limit stress and ensure you’re ready when the movers arrive.
Pack essentials. Pack a first-night essentials box with necessary items — like toiletries, pajamas and snacks — you’ll need right away.
Trust Mayflower movers to handle large appliances. Our professional movers have the proper equipment to move heavy items. Learn more about how to prepare appliances for transport.
Are you using Mayflower’s packing services? Your move coordinator will share all the important details you need to know to simplify this aspect of your move.
Other Planning Before Your Moving Day
The pros at Mayflower have helped millions of families move and we know there’s a lot to consider beyond the basics. Don’t forget these important steps as you prepare for a smooth and worry-free moving day.
Inform loved ones early. Share your move plans with parents, siblings and close friends well in advance so they have time to process the news and offer support.
Time to purge. A move is a great time to declutter, as it will streamline the moving process, reduce the cost of your move, donate unused items to charities and set you up for an organized move-in day.
Carefully plan travel. Unless you plan to fly to your new address, be sure to plan the drive there.
Prep your home for move-out day. Keep a running list of tasks that need to be done before you move out.
Get some rest. A good night’s sleep the night before your move will help you focus and ensure you have the energy to handle last-minute details.
For more helpful information as you prepare for your move day, check out our moving tips and the only moving checklist you’ll ever need.
Moving Day
When the big day arrives, plan to be there throughout the loading process. Your oversight is important while our movers handle your belongings with care.
You’ll also need to sign the necessary paperwork, including the inventory list; High-Value Inventory form; and Bill of Lading/Freight Bill. If you have an Extraordinary (Unusual) Value Article Declaration, be sure you check this box on the Bill of Lading.
Once your belongings have been loaded on the truck, do a final walkthrough to make sure nothing was forgotten. After making a final tour of the house, check and sign the inventory list. Be sure to get a copy from the van operator or confirm you received it by email.
Turn off all the lights and lock the doors. And do make sure your move coordinator has the correct address for your new home. They’ll need your contact information in case they need to reach you during transit, too.
Can’t be at your current residence during your move out? You may appoint an authorized individual 18 years or older (“releasing agent”) to be present in your place. Note that this must be arranged in advance with your move coordinator and updated in MovePortal before your move day arrives.
Delivery Day
During the drive to your new home, you can relax knowing Mayflower’s professionally trained drivers have the experience to transport your possessions with care.
Just like when you moved out, you can expect to see a crew at your new home. If you can’t be there, authorize an adult to accept delivery and manage moving charges in advance on your behalf.
If you or an authorized individual cannot accept delivery of your belongings within the free two-hour window, you may request more waiting time (for an added cost) until the delivery can be made.
When your crew unloads your belongings at your new home, they’ll place items as directed, including rugs, beds and appliances. At this time, they can also assemble any furniture that they disassembled for the move.
It’s important to check your belongings as they are unloaded. Sign the inventory list once unloading is complete, noting any issues and addressing them with your move specialist.
After-Move Services
Unpacking Assistance
Now that you’ve been reunited with your belongings, it’s time to start unpacking. We suggest starting with the items you need most. Unpack your first-night box, set up your bed and unpack linens and towels. Then, start unpacking the rest of your belongings room by room.
Remember you can still add additional services, such as unpacking or installing appliances. Just contact your move coordinator. We also offer debris pickup services within 30 days of delivery — it’s a quick, convenient way to dispose of leftover boxes and packing materials.
Follow-Up and Feedback
Once you’ve settled into your new home, take some time to unwind, — but remember to check your inbox for our customer satisfaction survey. Your feedback helps us improve and enhance our services while ensuring we continue to meet the highest standards.
In the unlikely event of loss or damage to your belongings, file your claim through our online portal. Before starting your claim, have an image of the damaged item or a description of the lost item. Also, be sure to have your order number on hand.
Additional Moving Resources
FAQs About Long Distance Moving
How does the long-distance move work if my belongings are in a storage unit?
If you use our storage solution during your move, you can store items at either the origin or destination location for up to six months. You can also work with your move specialist if you need more time.
When you’re ready to move your belongings from your storage unit, contact your move specialist. A visual survey of the storage unit needs will be done so we can build an accurate estimate and ensure an appropriately sized truck is used.
How do you transport my belongings if they need to be delivered to multiple locations?
Let your move coordinator know if your belongings need to be picked up or delivered to more than one location so proper arrangements can be made.
What if I must change my move?
Notify your move coordinator if you need to add or subtract items from your planned move, as well as if there’s a change to your move dates.
How does the move work if I’m managing it for a family member, such as a parent or grandparent?
Let your move specialist know there is a designated “releasing agent” before your move. Please also confirm all contact information is correct and up to date. Once authorized, you can work with the move specialist directly.
What is an In-Home Survey? And how does it work?
During an In-Home Survey, a representative will visit your home, estimate the weight and size of your belongings, and discuss details such as dates, packing services and storage. This personalized survey lets us provide a moving estimate that’s tailored to your specific needs.
Set up your In-Home Survey appointment at a convenient time. You’ll then receive a confirmation email with all the appointment details. Our estimator will visit your home, conduct a detailed survey and provide a comprehensive moving estimate.
What is a Virtual Survey? And how does it work?
If you choose to do a Virtual Survey, our representative will survey your home and estimate the weight and size of your belongings over a video chat using your phone or tablet. This option offers convenience and accuracy without the need for an in-person visit.
Once you schedule your Virtual Survey, you’ll receive a confirmation message with your appointment details. On the appointment day, you’ll receive a link via text or email so you can connect with your United estimator through your mobile device.
This is a great opportunity to discuss specific moving requirements and add services like packing or storge. It’s also an ideal time to ask questions and address any concerns.
After the survey, you’ll get a comprehensive moving estimate, including all the necessary details and services tailored to your move.
Before the Virtual Survey:
- Make sure you’re using a supported device with a camera, such as a phone or tablet
- Confirm your browser supports our Virtual Survey experience
- Fully charge your device and ensure you have a strong Wi-Fi connection
- Turn on lights in all the rooms you’re showing your estimator
- Keep a tape measure on hand in case your estimator asks you to measure an item for accuracy
- If items being moved are found at an off-site location, be prepared to provide a picture/video or list of the items to the estimator
Have additional questions? Our comprehensive list of moving FAQs can help.
Moving Tips and Tricks
No matter how and where you move to and from, use our state and city guides to explore your future “home”.
Once your move is in motion, all you’ll want to do is think about settling into your new home. Check out our guides to helping your kids adjust to the big move, transforming your home with fun mini-projects and planning the all-important housewarming party.