How did moving companies begin?
Moving companies today help millions of people and businesses move each year. But they were not always so busy. In fact, these services were not commercially available in the United States until the 1940s. Until that time, if you wanted to move your home or office belongings, you had to use your own transportation and muscle power.
Covered Wagons for the First Long Distance Moves
Covered wagons were the first cross-country moving vehicles, made popular during the westward pioneer movements of the 1800s. These specially designed horse-drawn wagons carried all of a family’s belongings, from pots and pans to household furnishings. If what you owned did not fit in your wagon, you simply left the remaining items behind. Because of the dangers of these long distance moves, families formed wagon trains and worked together for convenience and safety.
Railroad Transportation and the First Automobiles
The Intercontinental Railroad was the biggest innovation of the 1800s, with automobiles running a close second as the century came to a close. Both of these modes of transportation helped individuals and families move from one geographic location to another. Of course, unlike wagon trains, these methods were not convenient for moving everything a person owned. Families and individuals had to leave most of their furnishings and bigger, heavier objects behind.
The First Moving Companies and Their Trucks
In the late 1800s, automobile manufacturers developed the first moving trucks. They were basically the same as other automobiles in terms of their two axles and two cylinder engines. But they featured a rear bed more like a wagon. Although they did not have great horsepower or strength, you could certainly move more of your belongings at a time if you could afford the moving companies’ rates.
Due to limitations in their durability and engine size, these early movers did not provide cross-country moving or long distance moves. But into the early 1900s, more and more local moving companies popped up in cities throughout the United States.
Post-World War II Moving Companies
During World Wars I and II, hearty vehicles like trucks were dedicated to the war effort. But civilians needing to move during these eras could again rely on horse-drawn wagons or trains for their cross-country moving or other long distance moves. If you could not afford a horse, wagon or train freight arrangement, you simply gave up your belongings to start over at your destination.
After World War II ended in the late 1940s, the moving industry boomed. Young men came home from war and found jobs, married and started families. All of this upward mobility meant personal financial growth and the ability to move from one home to the next, bigger one. Coupled with the latest fads in home construction and development of suburbia, moving companies experienced unbridled growth.
Raleigh’s Moving Experts
Due in part to the growth of the moving industry after World War II, Americans developed a taste for following their dreams and hearts to other locations beyond their birthplaces. Now, we consider cross-country moving and long distance moves commonplace. If we find a job in another city or state, quality moving companies can now transport every personal belonging to where life begins anew.
Branch Out Moving & Delivery is one of Raleigh, North Carolina’s most affordable moving companies. You can trust us to provide the highest quality of moving services for you, your family or even your company. We provide a wide range of services, including local moves, long distance moves, cross-country moving, packing, unpacking and storage move-outs. Call us at 919-888-0090 to discuss your upcoming move and for a price quote.