How AAA Can Help You Plan a Stress-Free Move

Article overview

Whether you're relocating across town or across state lines, AAA has the tools, coverage and member discounts to make your move smoother from start to finish.

In this article, you'll learn how to:

• Map your moving route and book hotel stops with AAA's travel planning tools

• Stay protected on the road with AAA Roadside Assistance

• Save money on moving trucks, packing supplies and full-service movers

• Prepare for moving day with a simple, stress-free checklist

If you're a AAA Member (or thinking of becoming one), you already have access to a suite of tools designed to take the guesswork out of moving. From mapping your route to securing roadside coverage for the big day, AAA's resources cover nearly every step of the journey. Here's how to use them to your advantage.

Why is pre-move planning so important?

A successful move starts long before the truck pulls up to your door, and starting your packing process early and building a detailed timeline is one of the most effective ways to avoid last-minute chaos. 

It's important to choose a detailed planning approach if you're moving long-distance or across state lines, where unexpected road closures, weather or vehicle issues can derail your timeline.

How can I plan my moving route with AAA?

Instead of guessing how long each leg of the trip will take, Members can use AAA tools to:

• Plan your route: AAA's TripTik is your ultimate pre-move planning tool. Use it to get turn-by-turn directions, locate gas stations along the way and identify the best places to stop and rest.

• Book hotel stops: For multi-day moves, AAA Hotels helps you find and reserve accommodations at AAA-rated hotels, so you're not scrambling to find a place to sleep after a long day of driving.

• Budget for fuel: Long drives with a fully loaded vehicle burn through fuel faster than usual. Use the AAA Driving Costs resource to estimate fuel expenses along your route and factor those costs into your moving budget upfront. You can also use the AAA Mobile app to find nearby gas stations and compare prices along the way.

Mapping this out in advance means fewer surprises and a clearer sense of what each day of the move will look like.

What should I do if my vehicle breaks down during a move?

Moving day comes with unique risks. Overloaded vehicles put extra strain on tires, batteries and engines, and a breakdown far from home can quickly turn into a major setback. AAA Roadside Assistance is available 24/7 to help with flat tires, dead batteries, fuel delivery and more. 

If you're planning a long-distance move, it's worth checking whether your current membership tier's towing limit is sufficient. AAA Plus offers up to 100 miles of free towing per service call, while AAA Premier covers the first tow up to 200 miles. Choose AAA Plus or Premier if you're moving across state lines, where a basic towing limit may not get your vehicle all the way to your destination.

What AAA Roadside Assistance covers on moving day

A lot can happen between Point A and Point B. Here are some of the most common moving day mishaps, and how AAA Roadside Assistance handles each one:

• Flat tire: Overloaded vehicles are harder on tires. If you get a flat, AAA technicians will install your usable spare or help arrange a tow when a spare isn’t available.
• Dead battery: Short trips during loading and unloading can drain a battery fast. AAA offers on site testing, jump-starts, and competitively priced replacement vehicle batteries with special member discounted pricing, backed by a nationwide 3-year free limited replacement warranty.
• Lock out: It happens. Keys left inside a packed car on a hectic day is incredibly common. AAA's vehicle locksmith service gets you back in quickly. • Out of fuel: Long drives with a packed vehicle can burn through fuel faster than expected. AAA delivers enough fuel to get you to the nearest gas station.
• Worn or cracked wiper blades: AAA roadside technicians in many markets can replace wiper blades as an add-on during a regular service call in just a few minutes.
• Breakdown or mechanical failure: If your vehicle becomes undrivable, AAA's 24/7 towing service transports it safely to a vetted AAA-owned Car Care or AAA Approved Auto Repair facility, where members receive a special discount on repair labor and other benefits.

How can AAA help me save money on moving supplies and services?

Beyond travel planning, AAA offers discounts or earn cash back that can significantly cut moving costs. Depending on your needs, you can save through:

• Penske Truck Rental: Discounted rates on moving trucks, ideal for do-it-yourself movers handling their own logistics. As a bonus, all Penske trucks come with 24/7 roadside assistance, so you're never left stranded on moving day.

• Atlas Van Lines: Member pricing for full-service, long-distance moves.

Choose Penske if you're comfortable handling the driving and logistics yourself. Choose Atlas Van Lines if you'd rather leave the heavy lifting, literally, to professionals.

• CRS Move Management: Save up to $800 on state-to-state moves, with a $50 auto transport fee waived for Members.

• The UPS Store: Up to 15% off packing supplies, plus savings on UPS shipping for items that need to be mailed and mailbox services to help manage your address transition.

• The Home Depot, Ace Hardware and The Container Store: Discounts or cash back on boxes, tape and storage solutions to keep your packing organized.

What else should I do before moving day?

A few final steps can set you up for success once the moving trucks are packed:

1. Declutter before you pack: Donate, sell or recycle items you no longer need to reduce moving volume and cost.
2. Label and inventory your boxes: Clear labeling makes unpacking faster and helps you keep track of your belongings.
3. Keep valuables and documents with you: Passports, jewelry and important paperwork should stay within arm's reach, not packed in the moving truck.
4. Update your address early: Notify USPS and set up mail forwarding so nothing important gets lost in the transition.
5. Confirm auto-renewal for your coverage: Double-check that your insurance policies, subscriptions or memberships are set to auto-renew before the move. This ensures there's no accidental lapse in coverage or service during the transition.
6. Transfer your AAA Membership: If you're moving to a new state, contact AAA to update your membership for your new region. This keeps you covered for roadside assistance and other benefits without interruption.

A move doesn't have to feel like a logistical nightmare. With the right combination of route planning, roadside coverage and member discounts, AAA gives you the tools to handle the unexpected and save money along the way. Before you load the first box, take a few minutes to map your route with Trip Canvas, check your membership tier's towing coverage and line up discounts on the supplies and services you'll need.