Moving is already one of life’s most stressful events—packing up your belongings, saying goodbye to familiar places, coordinating logistics, and starting fresh somewhere new. If you own a car, that adds another layer: should you drive it yourself or ship it? For many, especially those moving long-distance, shipping a car during a move turns out to be the most practical, efficient, and low-stress solution.
If you’re relocating across the country, to a new state, or even just a few hundred miles away, using a professional auto transport service allows you to focus on the rest of your move while your vehicle travels safely and securely to your new location.
So, how do you make this part of the move smooth and worry-free?
Start with timing. It’s best to schedule car transport at least one to two weeks in advance—especially during peak moving seasons like summer or late spring. Early booking gives you more flexibility with pickup dates and increases your chances of getting a competitive rate. If you’re coordinating your car shipment with moving trucks or flights, try to create a delivery window that aligns with your arrival.
One big advantage of shipping your car during a move is that it removes the need for a long, exhausting drive—especially if you’re managing children, pets, or the stress of moving into a new home. Instead of adding hundreds (or thousands) of miles to your car, you let professionals handle the logistics, and you arrive refreshed, without the wear and tear on your vehicle.
Next, decide what type of shipping suits your needs. Open transport is the most common and budget-friendly choice, ideal for most standard cars. If you’re moving a luxury vehicle or a classic car, enclosed transport offers added protection, shielding the car from weather and road debris.
Door-to-door auto transport is the most convenient option for moving, as it allows the carrier to pick up your vehicle from your current residence and deliver it directly to your new home—or as close as the truck can safely reach. This saves you time and hassle, especially if you’re managing multiple moving parts.
As your move approaches, make sure to prepare your car for transport. Clean it thoroughly (so any dings or scratches can be properly documented), remove personal belongings, and check for maintenance issues. It’s also wise to take photos of your car before pickup to record its condition.
Coordinate with your moving schedule. If your car arrives before you do, you can designate someone at the destination to accept delivery—just make sure they’re available, have ID, and know how to inspect the vehicle and sign the delivery paperwork. Communication with your transport carrier is key during this phase, especially if plans change last minute.
It’s also helpful to understand what’s not included in auto transport. The service covers the movement of your vehicle, but it doesn’t include personal items or household goods inside the car. Carriers are generally not insured for anything that isn’t part of the car itself, so resist the urge to pack it full of boxes, even if it seems convenient.
From a financial perspective, shipping your car during a move can actually save you money. Between fuel, hotels, meals, tolls, and the potential for breakdowns, a cross-country drive can cost more than you might expect—not to mention lost time from work or added stress. By shipping your car, you get a reliable, cost-effective alternative that works in tandem with your broader relocation plan.
To wrap it up: moving is never simple, but shipping your car doesn’t have to add to the chaos. With some early planning, clear communication, and the right transport provider, your vehicle can arrive at your new home safely—and without giving you another headache to manage on moving day. And don’t forget to take care of the windscreens. If your car is to be scrapped, look for a company for buying scrap cars.