Shipping Car and Belongings Together: Tips and Considerations

Moving to a new home can be both an exciting and overwhelming experience, especially when relocating to a different state or country. One of your biggest challenges is deciding how to transport your car and personal belongings to your new destination. Shipping a car and personal belongings together may seem logical and cost-effective, but it’s important to consider the potential risks and factors. In this article, we’ll provide you with comprehensive insights on shipping a car with personal belongings, from the benefits to the preparation, packing and selecting the right car shipping company. We’ll also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this process to help you make informed decisions and ensure a smooth and successful move.

1. Reasons to Ship Your Car and Personal Belongings Together

If you’re planning a move, one of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is how to transport your car and personal belongings. One option that many people consider is shipping their car and personal belongings together. Here are some reasons why this might be a good choice for you:

• Convenience: Shipping your car and personal belongings together can save you a lot of time and hassle compared to arranging separate shipments. Instead of coordinating with multiple companies and worrying about different delivery dates, you can pack everything into your car and have it all transported together.
• Cost-effectiveness: Shipping your car and personal belongings together can often be more cost-effective than shipping them separately, especially if you’re moving long-distance. Many car shipping companies offer discounted rates for customers who transport their cars and belongings together, allowing them to maximize their shipping capacity and reduce costs.
• Security: When you pack your personal belongings in your car, you have more control over their safety and security. Unlike when you ship them separately, you can lock your car and keep an eye on it during transit. Additionally, reputable auto transport companies often have strict safety and security protocols in place to protect your vehicle and belongings during transport.
• Familiarity: Moving to a new place can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Having your personal belongings with you in your car can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort during a long move. You’ll have your own familiar items with you, which can make the transition to a new home much easier.
• Reduced environmental impact: By shipping your car and belongings together, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment. Rather than using multiple vehicles to transport everything, you can consolidate your belongings into one shipment, which can reduce emissions and fuel consumption.

Overall, there are many reasons why shipping your car and personal belongings together can be a smart choice. From convenience and cost-effectiveness to security and familiarity, it’s an option that’s definitely worth considering if you’re planning a move. Just make sure to do your research and choose a reputable auto transport company that can provide the high-quality service you deserve.

2. Things to Consider Before Shipping Your Car with Personal Items

When you need to move your car to a new location, especially if it’s a long-distance move, shipping it with personal belongings can be a convenient option. However, before packing your car and choosing an auto transport company, several things must be considered to ensure a safe and stress-free transportation experience.

Weight Restrictions

One of the most critical considerations is the weight limit for personal belongings that car shipping companies have. Exceeding this limit can result in additional fees or even the rejection of your car shipment. Therefore, it’s essential to check the total additional weight you are adding and the weight limit of the company you plan to use and ship boxes accordingly.

To ensure you don’t exceed the total weight limit, consider getting rid of items you don’t need and only pack the essentials. You can donate, sell, or dispose of items you no longer need or can easily replace at your new location.

Insurance Coverage

Another crucial consideration is insurance coverage for your personal or household items. While car shipping companies are required by law to cover carrier’s cargo insurance, they don’t always provide coverage for personal belongings packed in your car. Therefore, checking with the auto transport company to see if they offer insurance coverage for your car and belongings is essential.

If your items are not fully-insured, you can purchase additional coverage from your provider or a third-party company. Ensure you understand the coverage’s terms and conditions to ensure your personal belongings are adequately protected.

Accessibility

When packing your car, it’s vital to consider accessibility, as you won’t have easy access to your car during transit. Therefore, you should avoid packing items you might need during transportation, such as important documents, medication, or snacks.

Before packing your car, make a list of essential items you might need during transit and keep them with you. This way, you won’t have to rummage through your packed belongings to find what you need, making your journey more comfortable and stress-free.

Prohibited Items

Car shipping companies prohibit certain items from being packed in your car, such as hazardous materials, firearms, illegal substances, and live plants. Therefore, it’s crucial to check the company’s list of prohibited items and ensure you don’t pack any restricted items to avoid delays or rejection of your shipment.

Some car shipping companies may also have additional restrictions, such as no electronics or no alcohol. Therefore, checking the company’s guidelines before packing your car is essential to ensure you comply with all the rules and regulations. Some companies remain technically legal even though they restrict almost all personal goods from being shipped.

In a nutshell, when shipping personal or household items with your car, it’s essential to consider weight limits, insurance coverage for the car and belongings together, accessibility, and restrictions of shipping personal items. By keeping these considerations in mind and following the auto shipping company’s guidelines, you can ensure a safe and stress-free transportation experience.

3. Tips for Packing Your Car for Shipping

When packing your car for shipping, follow these tips to ensure your personal belongings are safe and secure:

• Use sturdy boxes and packing materials to protect your belongings from damage.
• Pack heavy items at the bottom and lighter items on top to prevent crushing.
• Fill any empty spaces with soft items like pillows or blankets to prevent shifting.
• Don’t pack anything on the dashboard or rearview mirror that might obstruct the driver’s view.
• Remove any valuables or important documents from your car.

4. Choosing an Auto Shipping Company that Allows You to Pack Your Car

Choosing an auto transport company that allows shipping items with the car is the first step if you want some of your stuff to be moved easily.

Not all auto transport companies allow shipping stuff with your car. Choosing a company that does is important, so you can save time and money by shipping your car and personal belongings together. 

There are certain limitations to the stuff you can add to your vehicle while shipping it through car carriers. 

When choosing a vehicle shipping company, it’s essential to consider factors such as price, reputation, and insurance coverage. While price is important, it’s not always the most important. A lower price may not necessarily mean better quality of service. Reputation is another key factor to consider. Research the company’s reviews and ratings to ensure they have a history of providing excellent service. Additionally, make sure to verify the company’s insurance coverage to protect your car and personal belongings during the shipping process.

It’s also important to consider the type of vehicle shipping service you need. There are two main types of vehicle shipping services: open and enclosed. Open car transport is the most common and cost-effective option, but it leaves your car exposed to the elements during transit. Enclosed auto transport, on the other hand, provides extra protection by enclosing your car in a trailer during transit, but it can be more expensive.

Tip: Know More In Our Guide to Enclosed Car Shipping

5. How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping

When you are moving to a new location, you may need to transport your car to your new home. Shipping your car can be a convenient and cost-effective solution, but it’s important to prepare your car properly to ensure it arrives safely at its destination. In this article, we’ll discuss how to prepare your car for shipping in detail.

Clean Your Car Thoroughly

Before shipping your car, you should clean it thoroughly inside and out. This will make it easier to inspect your car for any pre-existing damage and ensure that your car is ready for transit. Be sure to:

• Wash the exterior of your car, including the wheels and undercarriage, to remove any dirt or debris.
• Vacuum your car’s interior, including the trunk, to remove any loose items or debris.
• Wipe down the dashboard, console, and other surfaces with a damp cloth to remove any dust or dirt.

Cleaning your car thoroughly can also help prevent any damage during transit caused by loose debris.

Take Photos of Your Car

Taking photos of your car from all angles is an important step in preparing your car for shipping. These photos will record your car’s condition before shipping, which can help you file a claim if any damage occurs during transit.

Be sure to take photos of the following:

• The front, back, and sides of your car
• The interior of your car, including the dashboard and seats
• Any existing damage, such as scratches or dents

Make sure your photos are clear and well-lit so that you can easily see any damage.

Check Your Car’s Fluids and Battery

Before shipping your car, you should also check your car’s fluids and battery to ensure that your car is ready for transit.

Be sure to:

• Check your oil and transmission fluid levels and top them off if necessary
• Check your coolant and brake fluid levels and top them off if necessary
• Check your battery and make sure it’s fully charged

By checking your car’s fluids and battery, you can help prevent any damage that could occur during transit.

Disable Your Car Alarm

If your car has an alarm system, be sure to disable it before shipping your car. This will prevent the alarm from accidentally going off during transit, which could cause unnecessary stress on your car’s battery and potentially result in a dead battery when it arrives at its destination.

6. What to Expect During the Car Shipping Process

Shipping a car can be daunting, especially if you’ve never done it before. However, understanding the vehicle shipping process and what to expect can make the experience smoother and less stressful. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

Preparation: Before the car is shipped, it needs to be prepared for transport. This includes removing all personal items, ensuring the fuel tank is less than a quarter full, and documenting any pre-existing damage. It’s important to follow these preparation guidelines carefully, as failure to do so can result in additional fees or damage to your car.

Booking: Once you’ve found a reputable car transport company, you’ll need to book the service. This involves providing details about your car, pickup, and delivery locations, and the desired shipping dates. Be sure to book well in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak moving seasons.

Pickup: On the day of pickup, the driver will inspect your car and note any new damage that may have occurred during transit. They will then load your car onto the transport truck. Make sure to be present during pickup and carefully review the inspection report to avoid any disputes later on.

Transit: During transit, your car may be moved from one truck to another or placed in a storage facility. The shipping company should keep you informed about the progress of your car’s journey and any delays. If you have any concerns or questions during transit, don’t hesitate to reach out to your contact person at the company.

Delivery: When your car arrives at its destination, the driver will inspect it again for any damage. Once you’ve confirmed that everything is in order, you can sign off on the delivery and take possession of your vehicle. Again, make sure to review the inspection report carefully to ensure that any damage that occurred during transit is noted.

Insurance: Make sure you understand the insurance policy offered by the vehicle shipping company. Most reputable companies will offer some level of insurance coverage, but it’s important to know the limits and exclusions of the policy. Consider purchasing additional coverage if you’re shipping a particularly valuable or rare car.

Costs: Car transport costs can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the distance between pickup and delivery, the type of transport truck used, and the level of insurance coverage. Ensure you get a detailed quote from the shipping company before booking their services, and be aware of any additional fees or surcharges.

Timeframe: Shipping a car can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on the distance and the shipping company’s schedule. Make sure you understand the expected timeframe for your car’s delivery and plan accordingly. Consider shipping your car well in advance of your planned move-in date to avoid any delays or unexpected issues.

Communication: Maintaining good communication with the vehicle shipping company is important throughout the process. Ensure you have a contact person who can answer your questions and update you on your car’s progress. If you encounter any issues or delays, make sure to communicate them to the company as soon as possible.

Reviews: Before booking a vehicle shipping company, checking online reviews from previous customers is a good idea. This can give you a better idea of the company’s reputation and help you make an informed decision. Look for companies with a high overall rating and positive reviews specifically related to shipping a car with personal items.

We have been helping clients ship cars with household belongings to help cut their stress during a relocation. Get a quote from one of our auto transport specialists now.

7. FAQ: Shipping a Car with Personal Items