Preparing for a move to Alaska requires big decisions in order to ensure that your belongings arrive safely and on time. With 80 percent of Alaska being inaccessible by road, usual transportation methods often aren’t feasible. The Alaskan-bound have four major options when it comes to transporting their household:
- Container Moving Companies transport your goods in large metal “cans” or containers which make their way to Alaska via ship. The advantages of this choice include that the containers are customizable, affordable, get your belongings there relatively quickly, and free you from worrying about logistics. Disadvantages can be fluctuating prices, difficulty procuring containers during spring and summer, and space limitations.
- Professional International Movers offer the total package, including packing and unpacking, loading, ground and sea transportation, and set up at your new home. After your goods’ journey by ship in containers, a local moving company picks up the containers and transports them on the final leg to your home. The biggest benefit of this choice is having others do the work for you door-to-door. Detriments can be a lack of control during packing and delays because of treacherous land travel. This choice can understandably be pricey.
- Freight Companies offer cheaper transportation by truck with plenty of room for your belongings, although some companies will move only furniture and no household goods. They handle the headache of navigation; however, you do the packing, loading, and unloading, and weather obstacles can delay delivery. Container moving generally beats freight moving since the container method is designed for household moves.
- Renting a Truck and handling the move yourself should be reserved for the adventurous and only be attempted during mild weather months. And this method can come with a high price tag, so saving money shouldn’t be the motivating factor.
Experienced Professionals who Care Can Ensure a Successful Move
Timing your move to Alaska can be crucial, since parts of the state receive almost no sunlight between November and January and weather plays a role during most months. Experienced professional movers like Golden North Van Lines offer the best service and wise guidance about moving to the Last Frontier.
In addition to residential and commercial moves to Alaska, Golden North offers military moving and storage and tracking information, among other services. They go the extra mile through such things as providing a guide to choosing schools in Alaska. Their personal care extends to calculating the cost of driving versus shipping your car, and they offer discounts to military. They value customer service, because they know the importance of peace of mind during the stress of a move.
Regardless of which method you choose to get you and your belongings to Alaska, Golden North Van Lines can help. And once you get there, you’ll join the adventure of being part of the Last Frontier.