How your long distance move works, step by step
From your first quote to the last bookshelf put back together in your new home: here is exactly what happens, who does what and what you get in writing along the way.
- One coordinator from first call to delivery
- Written estimate before you book
- A licensed, vetted interstate carrier
Seven steps from quote to new home
- Request a quote. Tell us where you are moving from and to, your dates and your home size. It takes about a minute online or one phone call.
- Talk to your coordinator. Your coordinator goes through your belongings with you, room by room, by phone or video. We also ask about stairs, elevators, parking and building rules at both homes, so nothing is a surprise on moving day.
- Get your written estimate. You receive a written estimate based on your inventory, with the type of estimate, your services and any extras listed: packing, storage, cleaning or setup. Nothing is booked until you agree.
- We book a licensed carrier. We match your move with an FMCSA-authorized interstate carrier for your route and dates, after checking its authority and insurance. How we choose carriers →
- Packing and pickup. The carrier’s crew wraps your furniture, takes apart what needs it, tags every item on an inventory and loads the truck. You review the inventory and sign the bill of lading, your contract with the carrier.
- On the road. Your belongings travel within the delivery window in your paperwork. Your coordinator keeps you updated, and if your new home isn’t ready, storage can be added along the way.
- Delivery and setup. The crew places furniture where you want it, puts it back together and removes the wrapping. Check items against the inventory before you sign. If you added full-service, local crews clean and set up your new home, your old one, or both.
Three teams, one coordinator
Atlant Van Lines is a licensed household goods broker, not a motor carrier. We plan and manage your move; a licensed carrier moves your belongings; vetted local crews handle cleaning and small fixes. Your coordinator connects all of it, so you deal with one person.
| Part of your move | Who does it |
|---|---|
| Planning, estimate, scheduling | Your Atlant coordinator |
| Packing, loading, transport, delivery | An FMCSA-authorized interstate carrier |
| Furniture disassembly and reassembly | The carrier’s crew, included in every move |
| Cleaning and handyman work | Vetted local crews working for Atlant |
| Questions and updates | Your coordinator, start to finish |
What you get in writing
Every important detail of your move is on paper before your belongings leave the house. Keep these documents until your move is complete.
| Document | What it covers | When you get it |
|---|---|---|
| Written estimate | Your price, the estimate type and every service you chose | Before you book |
| FMCSA booklets | “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” and “Ready to Move?” | Before you book |
| Order for service | Your dates, services and the estimate, confirmed with the carrier | Before pickup |
| Inventory | Every item tagged and its condition noted | At pickup |
| Bill of lading | Your contract and receipt with the carrier | At pickup |
Your estimate and how your belongings are protected
Long distance moves are priced mostly by the weight or volume of your belongings and the distance, plus the season and any extra services. Your estimate can be binding, non-binding or not-to-exceed, and your coordinator explains which one you have and what can change it. Estimate types explained →
Interstate carriers must offer two liability options: Full Value Protection, and Released Value Protection at 60 cents per pound per article at no extra charge. Choose before moving day. If something arrives damaged, note it on the inventory at delivery; claims are filed with the carrier, and federal rules give you up to 9 months after delivery. Your coordinator helps you through it.
Your moving timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 8+ weeks before | Request a quote, especially for summer, month-end and holiday dates |
| 4–6 weeks before | Review your written estimate and book your move |
| 2–3 weeks before | Declutter, start packing if you pack yourself, reserve elevators and send building COI requirements |
| 1 week before | Confirm pickup details with your coordinator and pack an “open first” box |
| Moving day | Walk through the inventory with the crew and sign the bill of lading |
| Delivery day | Check items against the inventory, note any damage, then settle in |
How it works: questions
Are you the company that moves my belongings?
No. Atlant Van Lines is a licensed household goods broker. We plan and manage your move and book an FMCSA-authorized interstate carrier, whose crew packs, loads, transports and delivers your belongings.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend 4–8 weeks ahead. For summer, month-end and holiday dates, earlier is better because carrier capacity fills up fast.
How will I know where my belongings are?
Your coordinator stays in touch with the carrier and keeps you updated while your belongings are on the road, within the delivery window in your paperwork.
Can I change my moving dates after booking?
Tell your coordinator as soon as possible. Date changes depend on carrier availability and can change the price or the delivery window.
What if something is damaged?
Note it on the inventory before you sign at delivery and take photos. Claims are filed with the carrier, and federal rules allow up to 9 months after delivery. Your coordinator helps you with the process.
Is furniture disassembly included?
Yes. Taking apart and putting back together standard furniture is included in every move.
Ready to start step one?
Get a free quote in about a minute, or talk to a coordinator now.