Leaving the Lower 48:

Tips if You’re moving to Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico

It’ll come as no surprise to Americans living in Alaska, Hawaii, or Puerto Rico—or even more far-flung parts of the country like Guam or the US Virgin Islands—that Americans in the continental United States, the “Lower 48,” tend to forget about them every now and again. This isn’t a product of any malice or disrespect—it’s just that all of these areas have a bit of an “out of sight, out of mind” quality to them.

Unless you actually live there, or you’re reminded of them on a daily basis via the news, or you have Hunter S. Thompson’s The Rum Diary or James Clavell’s Hawaii on your nightstand—or you’re prepping for the Iditarod or a major surfing competition on the North Shore—it’s fair to say that you’re probably not going to think about any of these places over the course of an average day in the continental United States.

But that can change in an instant if, for one reason or another, you decide to move there—or if, as sometimes happens, you have to move there (tough break if you’re transferred to Hawaii!).

Moving to any of these spots is a little trickier than moving from the East Coast to the West Coast (or the reverse), or from New York to Florida. A lot of distance has to be covered, and there are a ton of other things to think about as well. There are cultural elements to consider, environmental elements, the cost of living, and all sorts of obstacles (and opportunities) related to employment, healthcare, real estate, and education.

So let’s delve into some of the challenges involved in moving to Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico, and things to think about before you even decide to move at all. Your future self will almost certainly thank you! There’s also a lot of good, relevant information here that also applies to the US Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and other, smaller destinations. As a general rule, however, I think it’s probably safe to say: that wherever you’re thinking of relocating, it’s almost certain to be trickier than you imagine.

So here we go. Let’s start with a look at the Aloha State: Hawaii.

Moving to Hawaii

Overview

Hawaii, of course, offers unrivaled natural beauty and the widest possible range of outdoor activities (you can even ski on the Big Island!). Abundant national parks and conservation areas help to ensure that beauty remains unspoiled. Beaches, surfing, sailing, and every other type of watersport, combined with ample hiking and sightseeing make Hawaii tough to beat.

Sunrises and sunsets are legendary, and the place is comfortably warm even when it rains. The weather in Hawaii is consistently pleasant and mild. An intoxicating sweetness pervades the air at all times, especially if you’re outside settled areas.

Still, bear in mind the handful of genuine dangers to be concerned about in Hawaii: strong ocean currents and big waves, the occasional shark with a bad attitude, insect pests in summer, and, much more rarely, hurricanes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity. All need to be taken seriously.

Cost of Living and Various Pluses and Minuses

Also, be slightly wary of anyone who tells you that Hawaii is “paradise on earth.” Hawaii can be ferociously expensive, largely because it’s so popular, and also because almost everything has to be brought in from somewhere else. Housing, utilities, and groceries are never cheap. Prepare yourself for a slower-paced way of life, more limited shopping, a longer wait for mail, and a greater emphasis on community and nature.

And there’s this too: the distance between Hawaii and the mainland can put significant strain on any type of long-distance relationship. Those who choose to live in Hawaii have to reconcile themselves pretty quickly to the fact that they’re on the fringes of the United States—a long way away from where most decisions are made, where most employers are based, and where goods and services can be had cheap. Some people, for these reasons and others, find Hawaii isolating and eventually return to the mainland. It’s not uncommon.

Property Prices and Rental Rates

If you’re set on buying property in Hawaii, try to work with a local agent. Don’t go it alone. The locals know the suitable properties, they know how to negotiate effectively, and they know all the relevant paperwork. You’ll probably be asked to make a 30% down payment on a new house and it’s wise to familiarize yourself with Land Loans in Hawaii, which are typically short-term and higher-interest. Property taxes, for the record, are generally low compared to other US states.

A single-family home on Oahu is likely to set you back at least $1,000,000, while a condo is about half that. If you’re a renter, studios start at around $1,300 and prices rise sharply from there. The average price of a one-bedroom apartment is roughly $1,800 per month. It all depends, obviously, on whether you’re in a popular, densely-populated area—or out in the sticks—and whether you’re close to the ocean or not. Most renters pay at least $2,000 per month. Again, the cost of buying and renting in Hawaii depends heavily on which island you’re on, and, perhaps more importantly, which part of that island you’re interested in.

The Four Main Islands

Here’s a very brief overview of the basic character of each of the main Hawaiian Islands:

Oahu is the most populated and developed island, and home to Honolulu. This is where you want to be if you’re interested in nightlife, concerts and entertainment, the major sites, top-tier restaurants and shopping, and, generally, a more social existence. Even so, Oahu has plentiful rural living options and tons of outdoor activities. The laid-back North Shore, for example, is central to the state’s surfing culture. Most major employers in the state are based on Oahu. Traffic can be brutal at times, and the cost of living is high. Oahu is where you’ll find Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Pearl Harbor, and the North Shore.

Maui is far less populated than Oahu but is known for its gorgeous beaches, luxurious resorts, and the legendary, unforgettable Road to Hana. Remote, rural communities are abundant. Employment prospects are more limited than they are in Oahu, although the tourism industry is robust. On Maui, you can experience the Road to Hana (or the “Hana Highway”), Haleakala National Park, Lahaina, Kaanapali Beach, and Iao Valley State Park.

Kauai is lush and less developed but boasts incredible natural attractions like the Na Pali Coast.

Life here is far more rural and relaxed than it is on Oahu, with no shortage of outdoor activities. Employment opportunities are limited, and the cost of living is high. Major features include the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, the Wailua River, and Hanalei Bay.

The Big Island is Hawaii’s largest island, with cooler weather, a very lush environment, fantastic hiking and camping in highly-varied landscapes, active volcanoes (like Mt. Kilauea), and beaches of black sand. The Big Island is extremely rural and spread out. If you’re in search of (relatively) affordable housing in Hawaii, you’re more likely to find it on the Big Island than anywhere else. Key attractions include the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Akaka Falls, the Mauna Kea Observatory, and black sand beaches like Punalu’u Beach.

Employment Opportunities and Health and Safety

The crime rate in Hawaii is lower than the national average, but theft and violence are still serious problems. And homelessness and drug abuse are chronic issues as well.

Healthcare in Hawaii is excellent. The state offers a wide range of facilities and services—some extremely high-end, some aimed at providing basic community services.

Tourism and agriculture are the state’s biggest employers, though the tech industry is growing rapidly. The military is also a major employer. Hawaii’s job market is diverse, and positions in tourism, healthcare, agriculture, construction, education, renewable energy, and related fields are generally available. Bear in mind, however, that competition can be fierce, so consider your relevant skills and experience prior to moving. The average annual income tops $80,000, but that can vary sharply depending on multiple factors. 

Know More Here: All about moving to Hawaii from the USA

Hawaii is a very pet-friendly state, especially where dogs are concerned. Dog-friendly beaches are everywhere, as are green spaces and boarding facilities. You have to jump through a few bureaucratic hoops first (see below).

To find helpful local information about schools, healthcare, and related services in Hawaii, make use of plentiful online resources, local government websites, and varied community organizations, which are only too eager to help you. Don’t be averse to tapping online communities as well for information and advice. 

See below for tips on shipping your vehicle to Hawaii, re-locating your pets, and accessing online resources!

Moving to Alaska

Overview

If you think Hawaii is a bit off the beaten track, wait until you get to Alaska!

But then there’s this: moving to Alaska means relocating to what may very well be the most unique state in the Union—one filled with awe-inspiring natural beauty, a wide variety of work options, and a hardy, reserved, but also intensely welcoming local population. In some parts of Alaska you can experience 24-hour days of sunshine, and, in other parts–at another time– 24-hour days of darkness! And as a resident, the state of Alaska will pay you a small yearly stipend—your share of Alaska oil revenues. It’s not a lot—maybe the equivalent of a month’s rent—but it’s still nice to get.

Geographically, Alaska is the biggest state in the United States by some measure. It’s twice as big as Texas but with a population well under a million, which averages out to about one person per square mile. Most of the state is actually a forest, in addition to the legendary soaring mountains and glaciers and wild tundra. Mid-May to mid-September is the warm season, with average highs of 59°F, while between November and early March, temperatures are typically below freezing. In other words, as glorious as Alaska is, it’s not Hawaii.

You’ll need to bundle up most of the year.

Anchorage is the city around which most life in Alaska revolves. 40 percent of the state’s population lives in this one city. What makes living in Anchorage so curious—and thrilling—is that you’re in an urban environment of several hundred thousand people, but you’re also surrounded by mountains and glaciers, endless numbers of eagles, moose, and bears (some of whom make cameos on city streets), and rivers and streams full to the brim with Alaskan salmon. It’s an outdoor paradise with no shortage of opportunities for hiking, cross-country skiing, camping, hunting, and fishing. 

There’s no requirement to indulge in any of those pursuits, however, and many residents of Anchorage and other cities like Fairbanks and Juneau live just the way they might in, say, North Dakota, Montana, or parts of Washington State. In other words, the scenery is breathtaking, but if you’re an urbanite at heart, you’ll still be happy in Anchorage. It has all the features you’d expect to find in any mid-size American city. 

Read Here: How to cope with the stress of moving

It’s also an incredibly youthful and diverse city and one with a definite restless energy. And if you’re one of those who prefer to live off the grid, away from everyone, you’ll be even happier, as there’s no shortage of opportunities to do this in Alaska. Bear in mind, however (no pun intended), that the further you get from civilization, the more limited the services in terms of communications, health care, education, and everything else. Shipping your household goods to well-developed or remote parts of the state is entirely feasible, however.

Happily, unemployment is low in Alaska.

The oil industry dominates the economy and supports most of the state’s infrastructure and services. Tourism is another major employer as well, given that the state receives a million tourists annually—many of whom spend liberally on high-end forms of recreation and sightseeing. Fishing, timber, mining, and agriculture are also major employers. Seasonal work is abundant too. Remember though that, like Hawaii, competition for good jobs is intense. Take stock of your own education and skill level if you’re considering a move to Alaska so that you have a good chance of finding a place in the local economy.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Alaska can seem high, and indeed, it’s a full 30% higher than the national average. Reasons include (like Hawaii) the cost of importing goods from the lower 48 and—especially—the cost of generating heat in a state that’s below freezing much of the year. All of that said, Alaska doesn’t have a state tax. Some cities have a local income tax, but others don’t. And receiving a regular annual stipend, typically between $1500-2000, certainly helps offset the higher cost of groceries, consumer goods, and utilities.

Health and Safety

A few other things to keep in mind: violent crime in Alaska, which includes murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, occurs at a rate that’s far higher than the national average. Much of this is connected to substance abuse, and this, in turn, is connected to all of the strains of living in an isolated state with weather that places burdens on people and requires them to be in close quarters much of the time. Relationship strains are not uncommon.

Healthcare in Alaska has significant weaknesses, with limited access, limited specialized services, a significant number of uninsured (roughly 10% of the population), and all of the stresses and strains that result from harsh weather (and the many injuries that come with it, including falls), huge geographical space, rampant drug and alcohol use, high rates of violence and elevated costs. If healthcare is priority number one for you, stick to Anchorage or nearby.

Property Prices and Rental Rates

The median single-family home price in Anchorage is roughly $430,000, though the median price in the state as a whole is about $360,000, reflecting the fact that home prices drop considerably once you get outside the confines of Anchorage. The median price of a one-bedroom apartment in Anchorage is about $1900 per month, though—again—it’s possible to locate less expensive suites, and rental rates drop considerably once you leave Alaska’s largest city. Also, consider the elevated cost of utilities—especially in winter.

Employment Opportunities

If you’re already committed to moving to Alaska for work, check out some info on corporate relocation services here, as offered by International Van Lines, one of the biggest moving companies in the world. If, on the other hand, you’re keen on moving to Alaska but haven’t yet found work, the Alaska Department of Jobs and Workforce Development can provide you with invaluable info.

Most employers are based in Anchorage, or at least have their head offices there. Most employment opportunities in the city of Fairbanks (population roughly 30,000) are either in government or associated with the University of Alaska, which is based in Fairbanks. Jobs in Juneau (30,000) revolve around tourism and government work. Valdez (4,000) is an oil town, though there are also jobs in tourism. Less populated areas of the state offer seasonal work related to tourism, fishing, and seafood processing. It’s important to remember that, because Alaska is always faced with an acute shortage of specialized professionals willing to live and work outside of the major population centers, there are always job opportunities in these areas for the right people!

Moving to Puerto Rico

Overview

Traditionally, Puerto Ricans move to the continental United States for work and other opportunities, but these days just as many Americans in the rest of the country are going the other way and moving to Puerto Rico. Why? Because Puerto Rico has so much going for it!

The weather is dependably sunny and warm, and if you’re living in Puerto Rico, it’s virtually impossible not to be near the beach. And, needless to say, the beaches of this Caribbean island—a US protectorate—are absolutely lovely, featuring golden sand as far as the eye can see. Temperatures typically range from 75–81°F along the coasts and are only several degrees cooler inland. It can get hot at times, but even when temperatures are at their highest, things typically remain comfortable.

Technically speaking, Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States. In other words, it’s part of the US, but it’s not a state, and citizens of Puerto Rico cannot vote in federal elections.

But Puerto Rico has a lot more going for it than sunshine and beaches. The island boasts an incredibly rich and vibrant local culture—a fusion of American, Spanish, Indigenous, and African traditions entirely unlike anything else in the Caribbean, or in the world for that matter. The people themselves have a tri-racial background. Food, art, music, lifestyle, local traditions, and local activities are incredibly dynamic—and often unforgettable. And, of course, they’re easily accessible given how close Puerto Rico is to the US mainland and the fact that the island follows many American cultural practices and does business in US dollars. Spanish is the mother tongue of Puerto Rico, but virtually everyone speaks English.

Given that it’s part of the US, American citizens can travel to Puerto Rico freely—and live there indefinitely. This is a big plus. It feels like you should need some sort of visa, but you don’t

Oddly, a bit reminiscent of Hawaii, Puerto Rico’s Northwest Coast is a surfer’s paradise, and the island boasts at least twenty forest preserves and a 29,000-acre tropical rainforest. Preservation of the local environment is given high priority by local administrators.

Significantly, U.S. citizens—subject to US tax laws wherever they live in the world—are exempt from this requirement if they make their home in Puerto Rico. Genuine residents of Puerto Rico can exclude any income they collect in Puerto Rico from their federal taxes–and this has been an effective method of attracting new residents to an island that often loses them to the US mainland.

Puerto Rico is extremely accessible via the major airlines, and it’s not difficult to fly from Puerto Rico to other parts of the Caribbean, South America, and the continental US. Miami International Airport is roughly three hours away, while New York is four.  

Businesses in the US can take advantage of significant tax benefits if they move their operations to Puerto Rico.

Popular places to live in Puerto Rico include San Juan, Guaynabo, Fajardo, Mayaguez, and Culebra. Each has its pluses and minuses, but without question, San Juan, the capital, is where the biggest opportunities can be found.

Cost of Living, Property Prices, and Rental Rates

Now, all of that said, living in Puerto Rico is not problem-free. The cost of living can be high. Interestingly, however, rents are fairly reasonable. A one-bedroom apartment in San Juan, the capital city, is likely to set you back roughly $2000 per month, but outside of San Juan, it’s entirely possible to pay half that figure. It all depends on where you’re living on the island (quite similar, in fact, to the situation in Hawaii).

The median price of a single-family home in San Juan is roughly $900,000, but in other parts of the island you can buy a decent home for as little as $150,000, and this brings up one of the more curious aspects of Puerto Rico—mortgage payments are frequently cheaper than monthly rents, meaning it’s actually in many people’s interests to get into the property market as an owner, not a renter. Unfortunately, it’s everything else that’s expensive in Puerto Rico: utilities, groceries, and consumer goods.

Health and Safety

Health care on the island is something of a paradox. On the one hand, it’s at least 30% more affordable than on the mainland, with a number of extensive, subsidized programs designed to help those on Medicare and other low-income segments of the population. High-end clinics and hospitals are accessible to those with more resources.

Unfortunately, performance metrics for the Puerto Rican healthcare system are poor, especially in the wake of recent natural disasters—which damaged infrastructure across the island—and the exodus of thousands of trained healthcare providers to the mainland, where they can make many times what they do in Puerto Rico. At present, there is a worrying shortage of adequate services, trained professionals, and adequate infrastructure.

Crime rates are a mixed bag in Puerto Rico. Violent crime is a full 40% lower than the median crime rate in the US and property crime is 60% lower. That said, there is still significant violence and property crime on the island, much of it connected to gangs and the drug trade. Petty theft is also a serious problem—and much of this is connected to both drug consumption (a disaster for the island socially, criminally, and medically) and the trafficking of drugs into the continental United States. Broadly speaking, however, Puerto Rico is a safe place to live and work.

Employment Opportunities

Unemployment in Puerto Rico is at least double the national average in the US, but there are opportunities in manufacturing (primarily pharmaceuticals), textiles, petrochemicals, and electronics, as well as the service sector. The better-trained you are, and the more unique and in-demand your skill set, the more likely it is that you’ll find rewarding employment in Puerto Rico. Wages, on the whole, however, tend to be lower than in the mainland US. It should be noted, however, that the island serves remote workers quite well. They tend to be attracted to the lower rents, the warm weather, and the fact that the island uses US currency and is well-versed in English. There’s no doubt, however, that language barriers can still be an issue.

Moving Your Personal Possessions

Moving Tips: When it comes to shipping your stuff to Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico, much of the same basic logic applies as applies to shipping your vehicle (see below). Cost ultimately depends on how much stuff you’re moving, how far it needs to go, and the method you choose to get it there.

Shipping to Alaska typically involves some blend of ocean freight, air freight, and ground transportation. This is due to Alaska’s size, its landscape, and weather conditions that often make it challenging to rely on a single mode of transportation. Most people moving to Alaska rely heavily on ocean freight, however, and shipping a 40-foot container from the Port of Tacoma in Washington State to Anchorage is likely to cost somewhere between $7000-8000. International Van Lines, which specializes in helping customers get their household goods to Alaska, can provide you with more specific details.

Contact IVL here.

Ocean freight is definitely the easiest and cheapest way to get your stuff to Hawaii or Puerto Rico. Shipping a 40-foot container full of your personal possessions from Los Angeles to Oahu is likely to cost somewhere between $5000 and $10,000. Shipping the same container to Puerto Rico from a port on the East Coast is likely to cost less, perhaps $3000-7000. Air freight is always an option when moving your stuff to either Hawaii or Puerto Rico, but it’s definitely the more costly option. 

Remember: downsize if you can before your move to Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico, and pack essential items only, because you may find it’s ultimately more cost-effective to replace certain items than it is to transport your existing items to the middle of the Pacific Ocean—or the Caribbean—or a state that borders the Arctic Circle! Differentiate between essential items and non-essential items. Donate items, junk unwanted items, and prioritize lighter items and those that take up less space. And of course, only take what you need and love.

Shipping Your Vehicle

The cost of shipping a vehicle to Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico depends almost entirely on its size (and how much space it takes up), the distance it has to cover, and the type of shipping method employed. Generally, however, it costs anywhere from $1000 to $5000 to ship a vehicle to any of these three states or territories.

Hawaii tends to be a bit on the cheaper side. Most pay somewhere between $1,000 and $3,000 to ship a vehicle to the Aloha State. 

Unless you’re Elon Musk and you have to get the newest Tesla prototype to Jeff Bezos on Maui by tomorrow night—in which case you might choose air freight—there are two main options for shipping a vehicle to Hawaii: container shipping and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping. 

Know More Here: Car Shipping Costs Guide

Container shipping is exactly what its name implies: your vehicle is placed in a shipping container and loaded onto a cargo ship. This is a very good option if you want to ship stuff with your car, or if you want additional security and greater protection for your vehicle (especially if it’s high-end). RoRo shipping, by contrast, involves someone physically driving your vehicle onto the deck of the ship and locking it into place for the journey. This is a speedier and cheaper option, but one that offers less physical protection of the vehicle than container shipping.

The same options apply to Alaska, but a third option is also available: shipping your vehicle using an open or closed car hauler, via the US and Canadian highway systems. The former method—the open hauler—offers less protection against the elements and is cheaper, while the latter offers excellent protection and is a bit more expensive.

Know More Here: The Cheapest Way to Ship Your Car Abroad

Broadly speaking, the open car hauler is the cheapest mode of transport if you can stay on land (i.e., Alaska), while the RoRo method is the cheapest option if you’re relying on ocean transport.

Transporting Your Pets

Moving pets to Hawaii can be a bit complicated. After all, Hawaii is the only state in the US that’s entirely free of rabies. The Hawaiian Islands have fairly strict protocols for bringing in cats, dogs, and other pets. Unsurprisingly, given the islands’ unique and somewhat vulnerable ecosystem, many exotic pets tend to be forbidden entirely. Honolulu is the only point of entry for animals. 

In Hawaii, you basically have two choices when it comes to cats and dogs. To prevent rabies from getting a foothold in Hawaii, the current law requires that dogs cats, and other carnivores complete either the 120-day or the 5-day-or-Less rabies quarantine. The latter option applies to pets that have met all of their requirements, including paperwork requirements, prior to arriving in Hawaii. You can find more information here about the required paperwork.

Read Here: How to Transport Pets Overseas

In Alaska, bringing your dog or cat to the state requires that you make sure your pet is vaccinated against rabies and that it has a valid health certificate from a veterinarian. Both are required if your pet is going to board an aircraft. Varied paperwork is required. Click here for more information.

Puerto Rico requires a valid health certificate from an accredited veterinarian, vaccination against rabies, a valid ID (via a microchip or a tagged collar), and external parasite treatment. All pets coming into the territory have to be at least eight weeks old.

International Van Lines (IVL)

The World’s Best International Moving Company

International Van Lines (IVL) is the world’s premier long-distance and international moving company. The IVL advantage? Simple. We’ve got the infrastructure, the personnel, and the experience. No other mover can match what we do.

Whether you’re moving to the other side of the street or the other side of the planet, we guarantee a smooth, predictable, and stress-free moving experience. Believe us when we say: you’ll never regret choosing IVL over all other moving companies. We guarantee that all your belongings will arrive on time, on budget, and in pristine condition.

Based in Coral Springs, Florida, but now serving over 180 different countries worldwide, IVL’s reputation for excellence continues to grow. Over the past 25 years we’ve mastered every aspect of full-service door-to-door relocation. No other long distance mover does it better.

IVL relies on the following transport methods: air freight, ocean freight, and our enormous and growing fleet of high-end moving vans and trucks.

If you need a storage unit long-term or short-term, we also offer our customers a wide variety of storage services (see below), so whatever your plans may be upon arrival at your new home, we’ve got you covered.

Click Here for Your Free Long-Distance Moving Quote Today!

To get your free long-distance moving quote online, and for easy access to all the moving info you’ll ever need, head on over to our website. If you’d like to speak to an IVL team member directly, call us any time at (877) 647-1336. We’re always happy to assist existing and would-be customers with their long-distance moving needs.

Click Here for Your Free Long-Distance Moving Quote Today!

IVL’s Services

As a full-service mover, IVL offers comprehensive services that are door-to-door and encompass every aspect of the moving process. Here’s a brief overview of what we offer:

• Local moves, long-distance moves, and international moves. We do it all!
• Comprehensive packing and unpacking services.*
• Furniture assembly and disassembly.
• Personalized services for high-value and/or fragile items, including art and antiques and important documents.
• Transport via ocean and/or air freight, as well as via our fleet of high-end moving trucks and vans.
• Debris pickup.
• Vehicle transport, domestic or international.
• Varied storage services (short-term, long-term, standard, climate-controlled).
• Full customs clearance management
• Insurance coverage provides basic moving protection; full value protection available for purchase.
• Full corporate and military relocation services.
• Live chat and customer service 24/7.
• Easy, real-time shipment tracking.
• A wide range of other services. Call us today to find out!

A great way to reduce your moving fees is to start packing before IVL even arrives on the scene.

Generally speaking, if you pack a few boxes on your own–and we spend less time packing–you’ll pay less. Also keep this in mind: we can direct you to local sources of packing supplies, including cardboard boxes (both large boxes and small boxes), other kinds of moving boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, packing tape (to pack boxes tightly), masking tape, paper towels, garbage bags, and box cutters. Your local grocery store will have a lot of basic moving supplies on hand, and this is also a great place to score a few boxes since more boxes–when you’re moving–is always a good thing.

Also remember: IVL can offer you a ton of useful packing tips, and genuine moving hacks, to simplify the packing process. Finally, remember this little tip: remove all used toilet paper rolls in your old home and put some new toilet paper rolls in place for the new owners! It’s a small thing, but it can make a big impression.

How Much Does IVL Charge?

To get a firm grasp of what IVL charges, we recommend you do one, or both, of the following:

Use Our Online Moving Cost Calculator

Take a few minutes to check out our online moving cost calculator, AI-driven and reflective of up-to-date fuel costs and other expenses, to get a solid feel for what your move is likely to cost. When requesting a moving quote from IVL, be sure to provide your move details in full, including your destination zip code, to ensure the most accurate quote possible.

Contact IVL Directly

Feel free to contact IVL directly for a much more detailed quote based on your specific circumstances. Remember: understanding the variable nature of moving costs is crucial to avoiding confusion and disappointment. Sometimes, rough estimates may differ slightly from the final bill you receive.

Under all circumstances, however—from charges and fees to logistics and tracking—IVL, unlike many other professional movers, is fully transparent with you, the customer. In the end, it’s your opinion that matters to us—no one else’s. 

For Your Free Long-Distance Moving Quote, Click Here!

Is There Anything Else I Should Know?

Partnerships

To promote the speed and efficiency of your move, IVL, like many movers, may choose to partner with one or more local moving companies at certain points of the moving process.

Fees and Charges

There is also a 25 percent deposit required to reserve a moving date. The balance is then split into two separate payments: 50 percent on moving day, and the remainder upon delivery. The deposit can be made using a credit card, check, or ACH. 

Cancellation Policy

The initial deposit is refundable in the event of cancellation.

However, given the complex and time-consuming logistical arrangements that international moves require, deposits and fees collected for such moves are not refundable in the event of cancellation.

Is IVL Fully Licensed?

Yes. Per federal requirements regarding proper licensing, IVL is licensed by DOT, FMC, and AMSA (the latter having been recently absorbed by ATA).

For Your Free Long-Distance Moving Quote Click Here!

Or Contact IVL Directly at (877) 647-1336