Car Relocation When Moving With Family - How To Do It Right?

Want to relocate to a new home but not sure what to do with the car? This guide will discuss car relocation when you’re moving home with family and what to do if you have one or more vehicles. Does hiring car shipping make sense? What should be the right approach?

Assess Your Car Relocation Needs - 3 Considerations

Moving with your family is tough. Car relocation needs smart planning when you've got kids, pets, and a household to juggle.

1. Evaluate the Number of Vehicles

Take stock of your cars first. Not all vehicles need to make the journey. Your new city might have better public transport, or you might work from home more often.

Driver availability matters, too. If you have three cars but two drivers, you'll need vehicle moving services for at least one.

Sometimes, selling a vehicle and buying a replacement at your destination beats paying for relocation car shipping. It depends on distance, car value, and your timeline.

2. Determine Vehicle Condition

Be honest about your cars' health. That old minivan might not survive mountain passes. Get a pre-move inspection.

Vehicle moving isn't just about transportation – it's about arriving with a working car.

Consider if you need modifications. Will you need roof racks? Are your tires right for your destination?

3. Consider Family Logistics

The human factor matters. Auto transport might cost more, but it will save your sanity. If driving multiple vehicles, you'll need to split up. Decide who goes with whom, especially with kids or pets.

Plan kid-friendly stops every 2-3 hours. Weather timing is crucial, too. Winter moves through mountains can be risky. Summer desert drives can overheat cars. Plus, as per a study in Taiwan, days exceeding 30°C show an 8.8% increase in accidents, which proves how risky long-distance driving in the summer can be.

Decide Between Driving vs. Hiring Vehicle Moving Services

Once you've assessed your needs, you face a big choice: drive or ship? This decision impacts your wallet, time, and stress levels during your move.

Pros and Cons of Driving

Driving your own vehicle saves cash upfront. You control your schedule and can pack extra boxes in your car.

But don't ignore the downsides. Long drives mean wear on your car. Tires, brakes, and engines take a beating. You'll spend on gas, motels, and roadside meals, which add up fast.

Safety concerns exist, too. Families splitting up to drive multiple cars can't help each other if problems arise. Kids need attention that drivers can't safely give. Pets might also struggle with long trips.

Pros and Cons of Hiring Car Shipping

Auto transport solves many driving headaches. Your car arrives without adding miles to the odometer. You fly to your new home fresh and ready to unpack. Relocation car shipping works great for luxury or classic cars too.

The downsides? Higher upfront costs sting a bit. Companies might delay delivery dates. Minor scratches sometimes happen. Most carriers allow only 100 pounds of items in your trunk.

Car shipping is most beneficial for families with young kids or just one driver. Auto transport solutions make sense if you need your vehicles quickly at your destination.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

The numbers often surprise people. When you factor everything in, driving isn't always cheaper than car shipping. Time off work costs real money. So does extra childcare if you split up.

Vehicle depreciation matters too. Each mile adds wear. Long trips might need pre-trip maintenance or post-trip repairs. These costs rarely show up in moving budgets.

Choosing the Right Auto Transport Solutions

Check credentials first. Legitimate auto transport companies must have FMCSA registration and a USDOT number. Verify these on the FMCSA website before booking.

Reviews reveal the truth. Check Google, Yelp, and Transport Reviews for customer experiences. Look for patterns in complaints and how companies respond.

When comparing quotes, understand the options. Open transport costs less but offers minimal protection. Enclosed transport protects better but costs more.

Always get written delivery windows. Car relocation timing matters when coordinating family moves.

Preparing Your Vehicle For Shipping

1. Cleaning and Maintenance

Clean cars make damage checks easier. A wash reveals existing scratches that might cause issues later.

Check fluids and tire pressure. Fix any leaks - carriers refuse dripping vehicles. Disable alarm systems that drain batteries. Remove toll tags to avoid accidental charges.

2. Documenting Pre-Existing Damage

Take clear, dated photos from all angles. Get close-ups of scratches, dents, and chips. The Bill of Lading serves as your protection.

This inspection report notes your car's condition. Ensure all damage gets marked. Both you and the driver must sign it.

3. Handling Personal Belongings

Empty your car completely. Most auto transport solutions prohibit personal items. They add weight and create liability issues.

Some carriers allow child seats with written permission. Never assume. Insurance rarely covers your stuff. Vehicle moving insurance protects the car, not its contents.

Keep your gas tank between 1/4 and 1/2 full. This provides enough fuel to drive on and off the truck without adding unnecessary weight.

4. Preparing for Pickup/Delivery

At pickup, the driver will inspect your vehicle and note its condition on a Bill of Lading. Keep your signed copy for potential claims.

Inspect thoroughly upon delivery before signing acceptance papers. Once you sign, proving carrier-caused damage becomes difficult.

What is the cheapest company to ship your car?

It’s not about finding the cheapest but the most reliable company to ship a car. Many auto shippers initially hook customers by offering dirt-cheap prices but then end up cutting corners, which results in a bad experience or jack-up prices later.