Moving boxes out of state: 4 Easy Steps
Making Moving Boxes Out of State Easy
Moving is a big deal, and moving boxes out of state can feel like a huge challenge. Whether it’s for a new job or a fresh start, getting your belongings safely across state lines requires careful thought. You need to know the best ways to ship your items without breaking the bank.
Here’s a quick look at how to approach moving boxes out of state:
- Cost-Effective Ways: For just a few small boxes, parcel shipping can work. For many or heavy boxes, consolidated freight or professional movers are often more economical.
- Main Options: Your choices range from parcel carriers and freight services to full-service moving companies.
- Key Factors to Choose By: Always consider the weight and size of your boxes, how many you have, if items are fragile, how fast you need them, and your budget.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find the best solution for your move.
As Mina Georgalas, Owner and President of Bernard Movers, I’ve spent nearly 30 years helping people with their moves. Bernard Movers has over 50 years of experience ensuring moving boxes out of state arrives safely.
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Step 1: Plan, Pack, and Prepare Your Boxes
Preparing your belongings for a long-distance move is the first, and arguably most crucial, step. It’s not just about tossing things into boxes; it’s about strategic packing and smart decluttering to ensure everything is protected. We’ve learned over our 50 years in the relocation industry that proper preparation saves time, money, and headaches.
Packing correctly means using the right materials and techniques. Decluttering beforehand reduces the volume you need to ship, directly impacting your costs. A clear labeling system ensures your boxes end up in the right rooms, making unpacking a breeze. For more detailed information on how we can assist with your packing needs, check out our services page: More info about packing services.
How to Pack Boxes for a Long-Distance Move
When moving boxes out of state, how you pack can make or break your belongings. We recommend starting with heavy-duty corrugated boxes designed to withstand long-distance transport.
Here’s our tried-and-true method for packing:
- The “H” Method for Taping: Securely seal the bottom and top seams of your boxes by taping along the main seam and then across the edges, forming an “H” shape for maximum durability.
- Cushioning is Key: Use plenty of bubble wrap, packing paper, or soft items like towels to cushion belongings. Wrap fragile items individually. You can’t over-pad for a long-distance trip!
- Weight Distribution: Place heavy items (like books) in small boxes and lighter items (like pillows) in larger boxes. This makes boxes easier to lift and prevents them from breaking.
- Labeling is Your Best Friend: Clearly label each box on at least two sides with its contents and destination room (e.g., “Kitchen – Plates”). Add notes like “FRAGILE” or “THIS SIDE UP” where needed.
For a comprehensive guide on preparing your items, we’ve compiled extensive resources: 25 Packing Tips for Cross Country Moving – Bernard Movers Blog.
Finding and Organizing Packing Supplies
Gathering the right packing supplies is essential. Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need:
- Heavy-duty moving boxes in various sizes
- Quality packing tape
- Bubble wrap and packing paper
- Markers for labeling
- Box cutter or scissors
- Moving blankets and stretch wrap for furniture
While you can purchase new supplies, you can also find free, sturdy boxes at local stores or through community groups. Once you have your supplies, set up a “packing station” to stay organized. Don’t forget to pack an “essentials box” with items you’ll need immediately upon arrival, like toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, and basic tools. For more tips, visit: Tips for sourcing moving boxes and supplies.
What Not to Ship in Your Boxes
Certain items should never be packed in your moving boxes out of state due to safety, legal, or practical reasons. This protects your belongings and complies with regulations.
Here’s a list of items generally restricted or not recommended for shipping:
- Hazardous Materials: Flammable, corrosive, or explosive items are prohibited. This includes paint, aerosols, propane tanks, cleaning solvents, ammunition, and fireworks.
- Perishable Food: Anything that can spoil or attract pests, such as refrigerated, frozen, or open food items.
- Liquids: Even non-hazardous liquids can leak and cause damage. Move these yourself or dispose of them.
- Plants: Many states regulate incoming plants. Check state laws or transport them in your personal vehicle.
- Important Documents & Valuables: Keep critical paperwork (birth certificates, passports), valuables (jewelry, cash), and expensive electronics with you at all times.
- Sentimental Items: Irreplaceable items like family photos and heirlooms are best kept with you for peace of mind.
Most moving companies, including us, provide a list of non-allowable items. Always review this list carefully before packing.
Step 2: Choosing the Best Method for Moving Boxes Out of State
Once your boxes are packed, the next step is choosing how to get them to your new home. The best way for moving boxes out of state depends on your budget, timeline, and how much hands-on help you want. It’s about finding the right balance between cost, speed, and convenience. For a deeper dive into your options, check out: An Essential Guide to Out of State Moving Options.
Factors to Consider When Moving Boxes Out of State
Before picking a shipping method, consider these key factors:
- Number of Boxes and Total Weight: Are you moving a few small boxes or a whole house? The volume of your shipment is the biggest factor in determining the best method and cost.
- Box Dimensions: Oversized boxes can sometimes incur extra fees with certain shipping methods.
- Budget: Determine what you’re comfortable spending. DIY options can seem cheaper but require your time and labor, while full-service movers are an investment in convenience and peace of mind.
- Timeline: How quickly do you need your items? Express services are fast but costly, while standard moving services are more economical but take longer.
- Fragility of Items: If you’re shipping delicate items, the quality of handling is paramount. Professional movers offer the highest level of care.
- DIY vs. Professional Help: Decide if you want to do the packing and heavy lifting yourself or hire professionals to manage the entire process.
Setting up a detailed budget can help clarify your decision: Create your moving out of state budget.
Comparing Your Shipping Options
Let’s explore the common ways people handle moving boxes out of state. No matter which option you lean towards, Bernard Movers is here to help make your move smooth.
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Parcel Shipping: This is a viable option for sending just one or two small, non-fragile boxes. It offers convenience with easy drop-off points and good tracking. However, costs add up quickly with multiple or heavy boxes, and there are strict size and weight limits.
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Consolidated Freight: A smart choice for moving several boxes or a few pieces of furniture. Your items share space on a truck with other shipments, making it a cost-effective solution for small-to-medium-sized moves. Transit times are typically longer than parcel services.
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Portable Moving Containers: This is a popular DIY method where a container is dropped off at your home for you to load. It offers flexibility in your packing schedule. However, you are responsible for all the labor, and you may need to arrange for local permits for the container.
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Professional Movers: For a full household move or for those who prioritize convenience and security, hiring a professional moving company is the best solution. At Bernard Movers, we provide comprehensive services custom to your needs, whether you have a few boxes or an entire household. We offer custom solutions to ensure your boxes are handled with the utmost care.
Here’s a quick comparison of how Bernard Movers’ services are designed to meet diverse needs:
| Criteria | Bernard Movers’ Standard Moving | Bernard Movers’ Expedited Moving | Bernard Movers’ Specialty Item Handling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Full household moves, large volume of boxes & furniture, budget-conscious but prefer professional service | Time-sensitive moves, urgent relocations, when speed is a top priority for your boxes & belongings | Fragile, valuable, or oversized items (artwork, pianos, antiques, electronics) in your boxes |
| Typical Cost | Competitive, based on volume, weight, and distance; offers excellent value for a full-service move | Higher than standard, reflecting faster delivery and dedicated service | Varies significantly based on item, requiring custom crating, white-glove service, and specialized transport |
| Speed | Standard transit times, typically 7-14 days cross-country, depending on distance and logistics | Faster delivery, often within 3-7 days cross-country, with dedicated routes | Custom to item safety, can be slower due to custom preparations, but transit itself is efficient |
| Handling of Fragile Items | Professional packing available, careful handling, standard moving insurance included | Professional packing available, careful handling, standard moving insurance included, with faster delivery minimizing transit time | Custom crating, blanket wrapping, white-glove service, and specialized equipment for ultimate protection |
How to Move Just a Few Boxes
Sometimes, you just need to ship a few special boxes. For these smaller loads, Bernard Movers offers specialized services that give you flexibility and peace of mind without the expense of a full-scale move.
Our small-load and shared-load services are perfectly designed for when you don’t need a whole truck. Your boxes travel safely on the same truck as other shipments heading in the same direction. This shares the transportation costs, making it a super cost-effective solution for moving boxes out of state.
We offer flexible scheduling, and our professional team will give your few boxes the same safe handling we’d give an entire household. If you’re looking to ship just a few boxes, please reach out to us for a personalized solution: Contact Bernard Movers for small moves.
Step 3: Understanding Costs, Insurance, and Tracking
Navigating the financial side of moving boxes out of state can be tricky. Beyond the initial quote, it’s important to understand potential fees and insurance coverage for your peace of mind. Knowing how your belongings are tracked also provides an extra layer of security. We believe in transparency, which is why we encourage every mover to know their rights and responsibilities. You can learn more here: Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.
Estimating the Cost of Moving Boxes Out of State
There’s no single magic number for the cost of moving boxes out of state. Your final bill depends on several key factors.
First, weight and distance are the primary drivers of cost. The heavier your shipment and the farther it travels, the more it will generally cost. The number of boxes also plays a big role. While some services price by the box, a consolidated freight service or a professional moving company is often more economical for larger shipments, shifting the focus from a “cost per box” to a “total shipment cost.”
Your chosen service type also affects the price. Expedited delivery, professional packing, or special handling for fragile items will increase costs but offer greater convenience and protection.
The time of year. Moving during peak seasons, like summer months or holidays, is generally more expensive due to high demand. If your schedule is flexible, choosing an off-peak time can lead to significant savings. Also, ask about potential additional services like furniture disassembly or shuttle services if a large truck can’t access your home, as these can be added costs.
On average, hiring professional movers for an interstate move might cost around $4,890 (based on a 7,500-pound shipment over 1,000 miles), but this figure varies based on your specific situation. The best way to get a precise estimate is to request multiple quotes. And here’s a tip: Bernard Movers is currently offering a 20% additional discount on moves to Georgia and Florida if booked for delivery by March 15, 2025! This is a great way to save on your move.
Insuring and Tracking Your Belongings
No matter how carefully you pack, unexpected things can happen. That’s why understanding insurance and tracking for your moving boxes out of state is critical.
By law, moving companies offer a basic liability coverage called “Released Value Protection.” This is included in your move cost but provides minimal coverage, often just $0.60 per pound per item. For example, if a 10-pound lamp valued at $500 were damaged, this coverage would only pay $6.00. That’s why we strongly recommend “Full Value Protection.” While it costs extra, this option holds the mover responsible for the full replacement value of any lost or damaged items. You can also explore purchasing additional insurance from third-party insurers for high-value shipments. For more tips on packing delicate items, check out our guide: How to Pack Fragile Items for a Long Distance Move.
Once your boxes are on their way, staying informed is easy. Most reputable shipping services, including professional movers like Bernard Movers, provide excellent tracking. You’ll receive a unique tracking number to monitor your shipment’s progress online in real-time. This lets you know where your boxes are and when to expect them. Many services also offer delivery notifications via email or text, confirming their safe arrival. Modern tracking systems are designed to keep you in the loop and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping Boxes
We know that moving boxes out of state brings up a lot of questions. Here are some of the most common questions we hear, with answers to help make your move clearer.
What is the most cost-effective way to move boxes to another state?
The most budget-friendly way to move boxes depends on their quantity and weight.
For just a few light boxes, a parcel service can be a good option.
However, for multiple or heavy boxes, consolidated freight services are often more economical. Your boxes share truck space with other shipments, which spreads out the transportation costs and saves you money.
For a full household move, hiring a professional moving company like Bernard Movers is often the most cost-effective choice when you factor in time, effort, and peace of mind. Our full-service and shared-load options provide excellent value for your moving boxes out of state journey. Always get a few quotes to compare.
Does Bernard Movers handle small moves or just a few boxes?
Yes, absolutely! While we are experts at large, cross-country moves, we understand that not every relocation involves an entire house. Bernard Movers offers special services for small moves and for when you only have a limited number of boxes. Our shared-load services are a cost-effective option that ensures your few boxes get the same professional care and secure transport as a larger shipment. We’re here to provide a custom solution for moving boxes out of state, no matter the size.
How does Bernard Movers handle large or heavy boxes across the country?
At Bernard Movers, we are fully equipped and experienced in handling large and heavy boxes when moving boxes out of state. Our professional movers use specialized equipment like dollies and furniture pads, along with proper lifting and loading techniques, to safely transport your bulkiest items. We ensure everything is securely stowed to minimize any risk of damage. For especially valuable or unique large items, we can also arrange for custom crating and white-glove services for ultimate protection.
Conclusion: Your Smooth Move is Just a Call Away
Moving boxes out of state doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By planning ahead, packing smartly, choosing the right shipping method, and understanding the costs and protections available, you can ensure a smooth, stress-free relocation. We’ve covered everything from how to properly pack your fragile items to comparing the various shipping options and understanding insurance.
Remember these key takeaways for your next move:
- Preparation is Power: Proper packing and decluttering save time and money.
- Choose Wisely: Match your shipping method to your needs, considering volume, speed, and budget.
- Protect Your Investment: Always understand your insurance options and track your belongings.
At Bernard Movers, we have over 50 years of experience turning moving challenges into seamless transitions. We’re here to provide the expertise, care, and reliable service you need. Whether you’re moving a single box or an entire household, we’re dedicated to making your journey easy.
Ready to take the next step toward your new beginning? Let us help you with your moving boxes out of state. We’re here to answer all your questions and provide a customized solution. And don’t forget, if you’re moving to Georgia or Florida, you can receive a 20% additional discount on moves booked for delivery by March 15, 2025!