Things to Know Before Making a Long Distance Move

by Josh Biggs in Tips on 16th March 2023

Planning a long-distance move is an undertaking that takes careful consideration and preparation. Moving cross-country or internationally can be exciting, but it’s also a big step with plenty of potential pitfalls.

If you’re planning to move, it may seem like all the work is ahead of you as you prepare your household for this significant change. You’ll need to find a long distance moving company, plan how to pack up everything you own and transport it across town or the country, and then unpack all your belongings when you arrive.

How to make moving stress & worry free

When moving long-distance, it’s essential to have a plan and stay on track with it. Start gathering resources as soon as you start thinking about moving. Of course, this does not mean you should wait until the last minute — many things can happen between when you decide to move and the day of your relocation that will change your strategy. But starting early is always a good idea in these cases because it gives you enough time to prepare for the move.

Tips and guidelines on how to prepare for a long-distance move

Start early

The longer you have to plan, the more likely you are to be successful. While it’s tempting to try and make all your preparations shortly before the big day, especially if you’re looking at a particularly tight timeline, it is much better to start getting things ready well ahead of time.

Make a plan

Plan your strategy for packing up all your belongings into boxes and transporting them safely from one location to another. If your move is moving you cross-country, you’ll need to make a plan for establishing a temporary home base in the new location as well. If you’re moving very far away, you’ll need to think about things like internet and phone access.

Know what you need to take

When planning a long-distance move, you’ll need to have a list of everything that needs to be taken. This becomes an exercise in figuring out whether certain things are worth the shipping cost versus just storing them and picking them up later.

Consider the use of professional movers

You could hire a professional moving service to help with the transport. This can be a perfect way to get things done efficiently and quickly and may save you some money in the long run.

Don’t overlook the possessions you take

Make a list of all your possessions, both big and small. This list should include not just furniture but also glassware, bedding, electronics, kitchenware, and any other things you want to take with you. Ensure to consult with your moving company beforehand so that they can arrange for transport.

Make copies of important documents

Such as insurance policies, lease documents, and banking information. After moving out of the house and getting your address in your name, you will want to change your mailing address with the bank, utility companies, and other necessary organizations. It is also an excellent idea to keep accurate track of whose responsibility it is to get the mail for new addresses.

Check the location of all emergency services

These can include hospitals, police stations, fire stations, and convenience stores that you may need in case of an emergency in your new locale. You should also know how to get from one place to another without problems.

Decide on a moving date

It is a good idea to know what day you will be moving by so that all your negative thoughts about moving can be put to rest. The best time for moving is the day before so that you get used to everything and have everything ready to be packed.

Purchase moving insurance

Moving is pretty expensive, and losing some of your valuables could turn your savings into a loss. Purchase moving insurance to protect your stuff and ensure you get the best out of your funds, primarily if you transport high-end items. Also, most moving companies offer discounts on their services if you’re a first-time customer.

Make sure you have enough money saved up

One thing that most people do when they move down or across town is look at their current budget and see if they can afford it before making any decisions or starting any packing, or looking for apartments. Unfortunately, that’s not the case when moving long distances. The problem with long-distance moving is that you don’t know how much the move will cost – there are too many factors to consider. Remember that you’re going to one place and then returning to another. You have to rent a business while there, pay for your family’s meals, gas, and airfare, and then, of course, the price of shipping everything back home. In some ways, you might be spending more money moving down or across town than you would. So, when packing up– make sure you have adequate funds available.

Research movers

Find out from residential moving companies in your area or other people who have previously hired movers what the best ones are by asking for references and checking their licensing and certification status. Get at least three estimates, and check references and previous moves. Also, check your state’s laws to ensure the company has a permit to do business in your state if you’re moving across state lines.

Don’t over-pack

The aim is to keep down the number of moving boxes you must unpack and repack. So keep things as simple as possible. Properly pack your items, add personal items like photos and keepsakes, and then use a box or two to pack up smaller items like odds and ends.

Now that you know what’s needed, you must prepare your schedule accordingly to be ready when your moving day comes. This means packing up only some of your belongings at a time. You want to ensure everything is handled so you’re prepared for the big day.

Categories: Tips

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