If you have been planning to move to Alaska and asking yourself “Do I need moving insurance?” the short answer is “Yes!” Moving anywhere is an exciting but unpredictable experience and moving to Alaska has its own unique challenges. Moving insurance is not expensive, and the benefit of the peace of mind it can give you is priceless.
Moving Unpredictability
From packing to loading and unloading the truck, possible road hazards, and changing weather conditions unforeseen and unpredictable events can make a move to the Frontier State really unpredictable. Having moving insurance in place can help take the worry out of making your move. Alaska’s weather can be really volatile at certain times during the year; you could be faced with almost constant daylight if you move during the summer months, or an almost total lack of light during the winter months. In mid-summer the Alaskan sun sets briefly around midnight, but skies never truly get dark, making winding down and going to sleep a bit more challenging for many people. That’s where blackout curtains and shades come in really handy! During Alaskan winter, sunlight is so fleeting that it can be a bit daunting, and leave you with too much idle time. Alaskan natives discovered the value of finding an enjoyable winter activity or hobby to occupy their time long ago. If you take a cue from their lifestyle – and we highly recommend that you do – you will also find value in picking up a hobby you enjoy. So pack up those knitting needles, box up those model airplanes, and don’t leave the crossword and word search books behind when you make your big move!
Moving Insurance Price
The cost of an average intrastate move for a household in the lower 48 states can be upwards of $1,200 when hiring a moving company but moving to Alaska involves extra fees that can bump that number up over $10,000 due to the unique nature of the location. You may need to use a variety of services to get all your household goods to their ultimate destination, including ground, rail, and/or air transportation. Moving insurance represents a relatively low cost for the protection it affords. Your current homeowner’s insurance provider may include coverage for moves or be willing to add moving coverage to your existing policy for a small fee. Several reputable national companies provide third-party coverage if your current provider doesn’t offer insurance for your move. We don’t recommend buying moving insurance from the moving company, as terms are likely to be skewed in their favor and the processing of any claims filed could be slowed down significantly. You will need to add specific moving insurance to your existing standard homeowner’s policy, as regular homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies don’t actually cover the costs or risks associated with moving.
Alaska is definitely still a frontier state, with many people choosing to make the move. Whether your move is precipitated by a job change, to make a fresh start, live out a dream, leave the rat race behind, or discover all the adventure that awaits in the largest state, moving to Alaska means experiencing weather patterns not found in the lower 48 states, and that can be a big adjustment. Alaskan winters can be harsh, but most people feel that the stunning landscape makes it worth the challenge. Alaska is an exciting place to live, full of a wide variety of outdoor activities almost all year long, with big cities that provide all the comforts of home, and small towns and villages that hearken back to the early days when the land was first settled. Alaska is also much more popular than you might think, with cities like Anchorage placing in the top 10 best places to live in the U.S. on a regular basis.
Tips for Moving to Alaska
When moving your household to Alaska, Golden North Van Lines can take the worry out of your transition and ensure your personal goods get to their destination in one piece. We have the years of expertise that makes us the best choice to tackle your relocation. When you put your trust in Golden North Van Lines, you can rest assured that we’ll treat your household goods as if they were our very own. We offer you a cost effective moving option that gives you peace of mind, saves time, helps you stay organized, avoid injury, and arrive at your destination ready to begin your exciting Alaskan adventure. With decades of experience successfully moving both households and businesses to and from Alaska, Golden North Van Lines is the moving company you can trust. Contact us today for a free quote and let us help you prepare for a smooth, successful move.