Long Distance Movers Share Tips to Prep Your Car for Moving Day
Moving day is an exciting and stressful period for any family, and it can be easy to forget about moving your car when there are so many other things to think about. Whether you’re driving your car to your new home yourself, or enlisting the help of a professional shipping company, make this day as hassle free as possible by properly prepping your car for the big move.
Size Up the Interior
Even if you are enlisting the help of an interstate moving company to handle the bulk of the move, reduce the cost of your move by packing as much as possible in your personal vehicle. According to a moving company (in El Paso and Austin), the price of a long distance move is determined by the weight of the shipment. So, the less you put on the moving truck and into your own car, the cheaper your move.
Before you start adding any items to your car, examine the interior. Look at the curves of the sides and ceiling. Verify if any seats fold down or are removable. You may have many items packed away in boxes, but you might rethink that strategy. Boxes don’t fit snugly into curved trunks or hatchbacks. It’s best to transfer these items into bags so that they can hug the interior with ease.
Consider a Tune-up
If your move involves a long drive, consider an oil change and other services. Give your car a tune-up by swapping out fluids, rotating the tires, and checking the brakes. These small updates can preserve your car’s quality as it takes on the open road with a heavy load. Replace the windshield wipers if you’re expecting weather along the way. Safety should always trump convenience or budget-mindedness.
Give it a Wash
Safety during the drive also includes washing the vehicle. Clear windows mean that you can see everything on the road. Avoid accidents by keeping streaks, debris, and other items off your windows. If the road trip is particularly dusty, consider pulling the car through a washing station. Wipe it down, and safety reigns again. The cleanliness factor also contributes to preserving your car’s paint and helping it retain its value.
Pay Attention to Alarms and Gas Tanks
According to Move, Inc., transporting your vehicle during a move requires a whole host of extra tasks. Washing the car is still necessary, but also be aware of your gas tank’s level. Ideally, the car should be close to empty if it is being loaded onto a truck or trailer for shipment. The transport company doesn’t have to worry about extra weight on the road or the danger of having excess gas. You should also deactivate the car’s alarm. Allowing it to sound off during transport is frustrating for the shipping company.
Replace the Car-Key Battery
Whether you’re driving the car or transporting it, allow the move to motivate you to replace the car-key battery. Most vehicles have electronics embedded in the key. By replacing the battery, you’ll ensure that you or the transport driver has access to the vehicle if necessary. Locating a battery while on the road may not be possible.
Communicate with your movers or auto-transport company during the entire moving process. This day can be stressful for them too, and everyone appreciates some support. By having your car prepared for transport, you’re likely to have an all-around better moving experience.