Find a company that moves cars. Most companies that move cars from one location to another ship them on the backs of trucks. Typically, these companies will allow you to pack belongings in your car as full as possible, as the car is not being driven and doesn’t need to have any room in it for anyone to sit. If you are going to have your car shipped in this way, you can pack belongings in the trunk and in the front and back seats, all the way to the ceiling. Just be sure that you don't pack things like food or drink that might freeze in cold temperatures or explode in hot temperatures. Also, don't pack living things, like pets or plants, as there is no guarantee of the temperatures or the time it will take to move your car.
Some companies will ship your car on the back of an open truck, and some will ship your car in an enclosed truck. Generally there is a higher fee for shipping in an enclosed truck, and at an even higher rate you can find companies to ship your car in a climate-controlled enclosed truck. When shipping items in an open truck, keep in mind that the items should be covered so they aren't visible, and therefore fodder for thieves. You can pack items a little more securely in a car if it is going to be shipped in a climate-controlled closed truck, but remember that items that are visible are always targets, no matter what.
If you choose to go with a company that ships your car on or in a truck, and therefore you are told you can pack your car completely full, keep in mind that there will be a pickup charge for them to come and get your car. Some companies might let you drop off your car at their location, and if this is the case you can drive your car there and have a friend follow with more belongings which you can load into your front seat once you have dropped it off. Ask the company what their policy for pick up or drop off is.
Some companies will drive your car across the country to your new home. If you decide to go with one of these companies, you need to talk to them about the amount of things that you can pack in your car. Typically, you can pack things in the trunk and in the back seat, but you'll need to leave room for any luggage that the person who is driving your car might have. Keep in mind that in this case your car might be sitting out in hotel parking lots, or other places where items can be seen. If you pack items in a car that is going to be driven from one place to another, cover up any items that are expensive so there is no reason for anyone to break into your car or try to steal it.
A company that will drive your car will have specifications about what can be packed in it and how much can be packed. Generally, you'll be asked to pack items only in the back seat, and not to pack items higher than the top of the back seat, so that the driver can have full visibility. Some companies also have a pet-driving policy, according to which they will drive your car, some belongings, and your pet across the country, complete with potty and feeding breaks for your pet. Discuss this with your company. Always take the offered or extra insurance when your car is being driven across country. If the driver damages your car, he is covered by his company's insurance and you will be compensated, but if items are stolen out of your car or something happens to your car that is not the fault of the driver, the insurance you purchase or that is included by the shipping company will cover costs.
Ask about insurance when you talk to a company about shipping your car. Some companies provide insurance for the car and the belongings that is included with the price of shipping. Some companies charge extra for insurance and only insure up to a certain amount. Therefore, it is suggested that you pack items in your car that don't have a lot of value, such as cookware, books and small furniture, instead of valuable items like CDs, DVDs, jewelry or stereo systems. Pack items in your car that you can replace easily with insurance money if they are stolen.
