Relocation is a very big, demanding and expensive project. That is why it is really important to plan everything ahead. Especially if you are moving for the first time. There are so many things to think about. Once you find a perfect house or apartment, it is time for packing and transporting everything to its new destination. Even though you’re going to hire a good moving company for that job, you still have some work to do. In order to prevent any troubles make a moving plan. It is important to realize that good preparation is essential for a successful move. Particularly if you are planning to relocate your vehicle as well. Here you’ll find some useful tips that will help you to prepare your car for transportation.
Where to start in order to prepare your car for transportation
Before you start planning anything, you’ll have to make a thorough research. First, you need to find reliable and affordable movers, and that is not an easy task. Luckily, there are pretty good moving companies in North Carolina that will help you relocate your four-wheel pet. Once you start investigating movers, you should focus your questions towards following topics:
- Which method of transportation are they doing? There are two most common methods for car transportation – door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal. First one implies that they’ll pick up your car at your home and transport it to your new place. Even though it is more convenient, this method can cost more. Sometimes it’s cheaper and faster if movers ship your vehicle to some designated regional storage facility. This is terminal-to-terminal car shipment. If you’re moving to a big city in which there is such terminal, it is recommendable to use this option.
- What type of car carrier trailer are they using? Some movers using covered, and other use uncovered carriers. Choose one that will fit your needs the best.
- What does the insurance cover? A matter of insurance, in this case particularly, is very important. Even with every protection measures, an unexpected case of events can lead to damage. This is why it is important to know that in such event there is an insurance cover for any damage. Sometimes, this insurance policy does not cover a hundred percent of damage during transportation. If that is the case, ask to pay extra for full protection. It can cost you a little bit more, but it’s nothing compared to the price of possible reparation.
Once you find at least three good moving agencies compare all offers. Never choose impulsively. If you have more options, you can use them to negotiate a better price.
Cleaning and securing your car
Now that you find the perfect moving company, it is time to prepare your car for transportation. And do not think this is just for aesthetic reasons. Once your car is completely clean, you’ll be able to spot even the tiniest dent and scratch. What you are going to do is to take pictures of each of them. Once you go to pick up your car, you’ll use those pictures to inspect if there are any new damages. It is important to present these pre-shipping pictures to the movers once they come to pick up your car. Even though real professionals will do this by themselves, it can’t harm you to have your own copies. Take out all personal belongings, gadgets, music device and trash. After that, clear your trunk.
Transportation company is not responsible for any of the items in the car. Only for the vehicle itself. If you do not want to waste your time with cleaning, you can always drive it to a detailing shop. After cleaning, it’s time to secure all loose and removable parts in order to properly prepare your car for transportation. The road will be bumpy, and you wouldn’t like to receive your car without a front bumper. This is why you need to tighten all loose parts and secure them as much as possible. In case you are not able to do so, try to find help in the local garage. Or, simply remove that part, and place it back on once you take your vehicle back. If you have a convertible top or panorama roof, close them. And don’t forget to remove all removable parts such as an antenna.
Schedule a visit to the mechanic store
An important thing to know is that your car needs to be operable during transportation. That is for the purpose of loading to and unloading from the carrier trailer. Other things to pay attention to are leakings, battery level, tire pressure, and engine fluids. If your mechanic notices any other issue, make sure you explain them to transport company. This way, there will be no surprises for company’s staff who will handle your car. In addition, they will know how to treat your vehicle and prevent any possible damage.
Make sure you have a set of spare keys. If you do not own them, make one copy. Things can get lost during transportation, and you’ll have a big problem if you do not have a way to start your care upon arrival. Do whatever you can in order to avoid moving mistakes. Better safe than sorry.
Things to do on pick up
The very first thing you need to do once you come to pick up your vehicle is detail inspection. If transport company does not have any damages to report, use pictures that you made earlier and compare them with the current state of your car. Ask for company’s representative to be present during this activity. If you spot any difference, be sure to make an official report and ask for compensation. Sometimes a transport company will offer their repairman to repair any damages occurred during transportation. If they do not have such professional within their staff, they will point you towards an insurance agency or simply give you a check to pay reparation. If this happens, be polite and try to find the best solution peacefully. Now you know how to properly prepare your car for transportation.
