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If you’re from Virginia and moving to a new city or state or relocating to Old Dominion, you’re probably both stressed and excited. There is always a lot to look forward to when you relocate and a lot to get done. Whether moving for work, family, or a fresh start, one of your biggest concerns is transporting your vehicle or vehicles.

Shipping a car yourself is hard, especially if you’re moving across the country. You will also incur food, lodging, wear and tear, and fuel costs. You’ll also miss time at work and add more time and stress to your moving endeavor.

That’s where hiring the best car shipping company makes things easier.

Finding the best car shipping service for the job is critical to eliminating headaches during your move. Suppose you’re moving to or from Virginia. In that case, this guide will walk you through the essential steps, how to choose the right transport company, financial considerations, mental preparation, and insider tips to make your transition as smooth as possible.

Essential Steps for a Smooth Vehicle Relocation to and from Virginia

 

You need to plan to move a car to or from Virginia efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively. Follow these steps to get the right services at the right price:

1. Research Shipping Options

Before you select a cross country car shipping service, do your homework. Look at various car shipping companies, both local and nationwide. Compare their vehicle transport services, pricing, customer reviews, and overall reputations. Look for companies that offer the right service for you, be it open transport, enclosed transport, or expedited shipping.

2. Grab a Quote and Compare Costs

Car shipping costs vary throughout the year for the same Virginia car shipping routes. Factors influencing costs include distance, vehicle size, transport type, and seasonal demand. Use car shipping calculators to request quotes and compare. Beware of extremely low prices, which may indicate hidden fees or subpar service.

3. Prepare Your Car for Shipping

The better you prepare your car for transportation, the easier your delivery is likely to go:

• Clean your car: Dirt and dust can obscure scratches or dents. A clean car makes it easier to document any preexisting damage via photo and during inspection.
• Remove personal items: Most of the best car shipping services require you to remove your personal belongings from the vehicle due to weight and liability issues.
• Inspect your vehicle: Ensure your car is in proper working condition before transport.
• Cut gas to a quarter tank: A quarter tank of fuel is more than enough for loading and unloading while reducing weight for transport.
• Document vehicle condition: Take photos of your car before transport to document preexisting damage. Share your findings with your driver and keep the images in case of transport-related damage.

4. Choose the Right Shipping Method

There are two main on-road options to choose from when shipping cars to Virginia:

• Door-to-door shipping: Door-to-door service is the most widely used and convenient form of car shipping. The transporter picks up and delivers your car directly to your specified addresses, as long as they’re legally and safely accessible by truck.
• Terminal-to-terminal shipping is the most affordable option. However, terminals can be few and far between, and you may have to drive hundreds of miles to pick up your vehicle.

Choosing the Best Car Shipping Service for Your Move

Selecting the best car shipping company is crucial for your wallet, car’s condition, and peace of mind. Here’s what to look for when shopping for a Virginia car shipping company:

1. Experience and Reputation

Look for a company with a strong track record and positive customer reviews. Check ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot. Prioritize experience and reputation.

2. Licensing

A legitimate car shipping company should be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and have a valid USDOT number.

3. Transparency

Do not trust unclear communication or overly low car shipping quotes. Request a detailed cost breakdown to ensure no hidden fees for fuel surcharges, insurance, or expedited vehicle shipping.

4. Customer Care

The best car shipping companies prioritize client satisfaction. You can tell a lot about a company by the organization of its website, the accuracy of its car shipping cost calculators, and the professionalism of its associates.

Financial Planning for Your Upcoming Relocation

Moving to or from Virginia comes with plenty of costs, and vehicle transport is just a single part. Here are some tips to help you properly budget for your upcoming relocation:

1. Set a Budget

Cross country car shipping costs range from $500 to $2,000, depending on multiple factors. Put together a spreadsheet with your expected costs for everything from packing boxes to cleaning services. Keep track of your expenditures and make adjustments when necessary.

2. Look for Discounts

Most of the best car shipping services offer discounts for military personnel, first responders, students, seniors, and multi-car relocations. Always look for potential deals, whether you’re consulting with a moving company or clipping coupons for a Home Depot trip.

3. Consider Time as Money

Time lost at work is an expenditure, even if you use vacation time to cover your relocation. The less organized your move is, the more potential income you might lose. It pays to use the best cross country car shipping companies to cut days off your relocation.

4. Ask For Help

If family members and friends are willing to help pack and clean, you could save hundreds or thousands of dollars on labor. The more help you can get, the more you can stretch your Virginia moving budget.

Mental Preparation Strategies for Stress-Free Moving

You should be excited about your move to or from Virginia. Stress happens, and there are going to be issues to deal with, but there are some strategies you can implement to keep your head above water during your relocation:

1. Make Checklists

Use an Excel spreadsheet, a Word doc, or even a notebook to jot down everything from vehicle shipping details to grocery lists for your new home. Organization is key to a relaxed move.

2. Try to Delegate

Don’t take on everything alone. Hire movers if you need to, or ask for help from family and friends. The more you can delegate, the easier to center and breathe during the moving process.

3. Take Breaks

Don’t stack your days with work and forget about your diet, exercise, or need for rest. Take short breaks for walks or watch TV. Keep your mind clear and keep your body as a top priority.

4. Stay Informed

Knowing what to expect at your new location can ease anxiety. Take a look at things to do and know when moving to Virginia. If you’re moving away from the state, research your new location and enjoy being curious.

Insider Tips for a Successful Transition to Your New Home

Beyond shipping your car, there are many ways to take the headaches out of your Virginia relocation. Here are some insider tips to consider:

1. Visit Your New Location Before Moving

Take a trip to your new city before the move. Familiarize yourself with the area, explore local amenities, and get a feel for your new surroundings.

2. Update Important Documents

Once you’ve relocated to or from Virginia, be sure to update your:

• Driver’s license and vehicle registration
• Car insurance policy
• Voter registration
• Utility and mailing address

3. Organize Your Unpacking

It’s just as important to be organized when you’re unpacking as when you’re packing. Begin by unpacking the essentials, such as bedding and kitchen supplies. Make priority lists and move at a pace that’s comfortable for you.

4. Be Community Focused

Moving to a new place can feel lonely at first. Engage with your community by joining local clubs, attending events, and introducing yourself to neighbors.

5. Expect an Adjustment Period

It’s normal to feel out of place initially. Be patient and give yourself time to settle in. Over time, you’ll find your routine and feel at home.

Final Thoughts

Relocating to or from Virginia doesn’t have to be the nightmare many think it will be. Plan and pick the best car shipping company for your move. When you select the best car shipping service for the job, you can save time and energy for other essential aspects of your move. The easier you make things on yourself, the more enjoyable your move will be.