Moving to Alaska: The Real Checklist You Need Before You Book Your Move

Your 9-Step Checklist for Moving to Alaska

Here’s the practical side: what you should actually do before you book your move.

1. Decide what you’re really taking (and what you’re not)

Because of the distance and logistics, shipping everything you own isn’t always smart—or necessary.

Do this first:

• Walk room by room and mark items as ship / sell / donate / replace later.
• Prioritize items that are expensive or hard to replace in Alaska. (Some things are more expensive there.)
• Ask your mover if they price more by volume or weight, and adjust your plan accordingly.

Hercules advantage: We help you look at your inventory and give honest feedback on what’s worth bringing based on volume, replacement cost, and your budget.

2. Time your move around Alaska’s seasons

Weather and seasons matter more in Alaska than almost anywhere else.

• Winter moves can be done, but you’ll face more risk of delay and harsher conditions.
• Spring “breakup” can cause soft roads, load restrictions, and slower freight.
• Summer is peak demand—routes and capacity fill up quickly.

Hercules tip: Secure your desired window early and ask your coordinator to walk you through best-case vs realistic transit time for the season you’re targeting.

3. Understand your route and transit method

Depending on your origin and destination, your belongings might travel by:

• Line-haul truck from your current state to a West Coast gateway
• Barge or ferry service to Alaska
• Local truck or even air for final delivery into remote communities

Ask your mover:

• “Which modes will my shipment use?”
• “Where are the hand-offs between carriers?”
• “What happens if a barge or ferry is delayed?”

Hercules advantage: We design the full route before you book, so you know how your belongings are getting from {ORG-STATENAME} to Alaska, where the touchpoints are, and how we handle delays. If you’re coming from Southcentral, our long-distance movers in Anchorage guide is a great deep dive into what that route looks like.

4. Get your documents and insurance right

For many Alaska moves, your shipment may pass through Canada. In those cases, you may need:

• Proper inventory documentation
• Customs declarations on household goods
• Proof of insurance that covers your items across borders and in remote transit

Canada’s border rules for movers outline how household goods are treated when they enter the country, which can affect documentation if your shipment routes through Canadian territory.

Even when your route doesn’t cross borders, long-distance moves come with:

• Required mover documents (estimates, bill of lading, consumer information & rights, etc.)
• Options for upgraded valuation/insurance if you want more protection.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) also publishes an official guide, Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move, which is worth reading before you sign anything.

Hercules advantage: We walk you through the paperwork and coverage options before anything is loaded, so you understand your protection and responsibilities.

5. Choose a mover that actually knows Alaska (not just “long distance”)

Some movers will happily quote “to Alaska” without any real experience planning these routes.

To protect yourself, the FMCSA recommends:

• Verify the mover’s USDOT number and registration.
• Get a written estimate—avoid vague or verbal quotes.
• Read up on reviews and complaint history.

Hercules advantage: Hercules Moving Solutions is licensed, insured, and experienced in Alaska routes. You can find us on Google Reviews, Great Guys Moving, Verified Movers, and My Good Movers for additional social proof, and you can review more details on our consumer information page.

6. Build a realistic budget (and where you can save)

Long-distance moves to Alaska can be several times more expensive than similar-distance moves within the lower 48.

You can control the cost by:

• Cutting volume before you get a quote (biggest lever).
• Being flexible on dates when possible.
• Avoiding last-minute bookings that force premium rates.
• Asking where access issues (steep driveways, remote roads, shuttles, stairs) might add cost.

Hercules advantage: We don’t just give you a number—we explain why it costs what it costs, where you can save, and where cutting corners would actually be risky.

7. Prep for “life while you’re waiting”

Even with a well-planned move, Alaska transit can take longer than you’re used to.

• Pack a “living kit” with clothes, work supplies, meds, and essentials.
• Plan how you’ll handle housing if your stuff arrives before or after you do.
• Think about what you need to hit the ground running in an Alaskan climate (coats, boots, gear).

Hercules tip: Ask your coordinator for a realistic delivery window—not just the earliest possible date.

8. Make a room-by-room packing game plan

Packing for Alaska isn’t just about boxes—it’s about protecting things against:

• Cold
• Moisture
• Multiple hand-offs

Use sturdy boxes, padding, and clear labels. Consider:

• Extra protection for electronics and temperature-sensitive items
• Proper crating or padding for artwork, instruments, and fragile items
• Tight, stackable packing to handle long transit and movement

Hercules advantage: We can handle professional packing for you or guide you on how to pack specific items for a multi-mode Alaska route.

9. Assign one person in the family as the “move captain”

Things will go smoother if one person:

• Communicates with the mover
• Tracks timelines and documents
• Confirms addresses, contact numbers, and availability on both ends

With Hercules, you also get a dedicated move coordinator, so you’re not chasing five different phone numbers to find out where your shipment is.