Each year, loads of old folks and seasonal walkers, often called snowbirds, go to warm places like Florida, Arizona, or California in the winter months. This way, they skip the cold times. But a big thing to think about is: how do you move your car well and easily between states?
It’s not easy to drive long distances two times a year, especially if you love easy trips, saving time, or having more than one car. That is why pro car shipping is good. Working with an expert cars transporteur can make your move easy and worry-free. In this guide, we cover everything a snowbird needs to know about moving cars, including planning early, saving money, and ensuring your car arrives safely.
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Why Snowbirds Pick Car Moving
Moving each season is more than just packing bags. You often need to take care of house stuff, health care, and trip plans. Car moving helps a lot:
- Saves time and hard work: Fly instead of driving 1,000+ miles, and find your car there.
- No extra miles or fixes needed: Long trips can add miles and lower car life.
- It’s easy: A pro mover takes your car from your home and drops it at your winter home.
- It’s safer: Skip long hours on the road and bad weather.
For snowbirds, pro shipping makes moving two times a year way easier.
When to Book Car Shipping
Time matters. The busy time is usually October–December to go south and March–April to go back north. As it’s busy then, prices go up. Booking early means you:
- Get good prices.
- Hold a spot with a good career.
- Pick easy dates for pick-up and drop-off.
Using a car mover who gets the busy moves can help you with price jumps and last-minute headaches.
Picking the Best Shipping Way
There are two main ways to move cars for snowbirds:
1. Open Carrier Shipping
- Most picked and costs less.
- Cars sit on an open truck, open to the weather and roads.
- Good for normal, daily cars.
2. Enclosed Carrier Shipping
- Gives the utmost safety in a closed truck.
- Better for fancy, classic, or costly cars.
- Costs more but gives more calm.
Snowbirds with new or special cars often pick closed carriers, while others like the cheaper open move.
Getting Your Car Ready for a Move
Before giving your car to the movers, do these steps to prep:
- Wash the car: A clean car is easier to check before it ships.
- Note any dings, dents, or marks: Take pics and write down any existing nicks or scrapes.
- Take out personal stuff: Moving companies often say no to personal items in the car.
- Do simple care: Check tires, liquids, and battery.
- Less gas: Keep just under a quarter tank to cut weight.
These steps help keep you safe if there’s a fight and make the process smoother.
Getting the Costs
Costs for moving cars for snowbirds can change by:
- How far is it between pick-up and drop-off?
- Way of moving (open vs. closed).
- Car size and weight.
- Time of year (busy or not).
As snowbird times are busy, prices are higher compared to slower times. Looking at different quotes helps you pick between cost and trust.
Should You Move or Sell?
For some movers, think about whether moving a car back and forth each year is worth it money-wise. If your car is old or not worth the moving costs, think: where can I sell my car for top dollar?
Selling before moving can save on moving costs and cover costs. When you get back, you could buy another car or check rent options. Your choice depends on how your car stacks up in value, how much you move, and what’s easy for you.
Dealing with Sudden Problems Through Towing Help
Snowbirds might face sudden issues, like a car breaking down before it gets moved. If your car is not working or can’t get to the pickup place, express towing services can help. Two services can move your car to the mover’s spot, making sure it still gets moved without waiting.
Having tow help ready adds a layer of safety, more so if your car has engine problems.
- Insurance and Safety
- Always check your mover’s insurance fully. Check this:
- Be sure of the mover’s liability cover.
- Ask what’s not covered, like natural bad things.
- Take pics of your car before it goes.
- Think of extra insurance if moving a high-value car.
- Making sure your car is safe gives calm during its seasonal move.
Tips for an Easy Snowbirds’ Car Moving
- Book early: Don’t wait for the busy time to book.
- Pick skill over cost: A trusty car mover might cost a bit more, but is safer.
- Stay open with dates: Movers may need time windows for pick-up and drop-off.
- Talk well: Give exact spots, special needs, and contact info.
- Prep for both trips: If going back north in the spring, fix your move early.
Common Errors to Skip
- Waiting too late: Prices rise and spots drop during busy times.
- Not checking insurance: Don’t guess—always check.
- Putting too much in the car: Movers say no to cars full of stuff.
- Not looking at mover reviews: Pick companies with good customer reviews.
Last Words
For snowbirds, seasonal moving should be about loving warm weather and a good life—not stressing over moving your car. By working with a skilled car mover, you can make it simpler and focus on your seasonal home plans.
Of course, look at all the choices. If the cost of moving every season is more than your car’s worth, thinking “where can I sell my car for the most money” might be smarter. And if sudden breakdowns happen, having quick tow services means your car can still get shipped with no waits.
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