Moving is always a big event, and when you’re moving to or from the continental U.S. to Alaska, there are special considerations. When shipping household goods to Alaska, there are unique circumstances to consider, such as the possibility of shipping over waterways or by air in addition to conveying your possessions over the road.
When shipping your household goods to Alaska over waterways:
Your shipment will receive extra handling, as the process usually includes:
- Transferring goods to a metal container
- Loading into large wooden crates (known as liftvans)
- Transported to a sea port in Seattle/Tacoma, Washington (or Anchorage if moving from Alaska to southern destinations)
- Unloaded at the wharf
- Reloaded onto a container vessel or barge
- Unloaded onto the wharf at the destination port
- Reloaded onto a freight hauler or flatbed truck
- Transported to its final destination (your residence or a personal storage destination)
Shipping household goods to or from the continental U.S. using air cargo services is not a viable option when moving to Alaska but is a consideration when moving goods to or from remote or inaccessible areas of Alaska to a major city for further transport. Air cargo is useful for small shipments but is not practical for larger households due to the expense. A combination of several types of transportation services will likely be the most effective method of shipping household good for long distance moves.
When shipping your household goods to Alaska over the highway, keep in mind:
- Not all communities are accessible via highway
- Local waterway shipping to a port accessible by highway may be necessary
- In most cases, using the services of a professional moving company such as Golden North Van Lines means your household goods are loaded from your residence directly into a moving van, and unloaded at your final destination, whether it is in Alaska or the Continental U.S.
When planning your move, remember to reserve your moving van in advance, and check your calendar to ensure your household items won’t be delayed by holidays or other blackout dates. Keeping in mind the time of year and weather conditions, especially when moving to Alaska, verify the timeline with your moving representative so that all the details can be coordinated accordingly. Inquire about accessibility to your household goods if there is a delay in their arrival, in case you need to retrieve a specific item prior to the unloading of your entire shipment.
One of the biggest questions you probably have about moving to Alaska is the cost. Dependable moving companies should always offer an upfront estimate of your moving costs. Knowing the average price for moving companies in Alaska can help you find the best deal. The most inexpensive moving company may not always be the best choice. For your peace of mind, ask for references of happy former clients from any moving company you are considering. You want a company that you can rely on to not only move your items, and charge you a fair price, but one with the services you need and the experience necessary to ensure all your household goods arrive at their final destination undamaged.
If a move to Alaska is in your future, contact us today for a free quote, and let us help you lay the groundwork for a successful move. We are an Alaskan moving company and relocation service with offices in both Anchorage and Fairbanks, and we’ve got decades of experience successfully moving households and businesses to and from Alaska. Whether you’re moving a household or an entire commercial business, at Golden North Van lines, we’ve got you covered.