There’s clutter and chaos everywhere. Random items are lying around the house and half-filled boxes are taking over each room. You can’t find your own toothbrush in the morning or a pot to cook dinner in during the evening hours.
Moving can get messy, especially when you’re planning a long-distance move, but it doesn’t have to be. With an entire lifestyle change ahead of you, there’s a lot on your mind.
Will my children like their new school? Will we all meet new friends? Will we like our neighbors and our new jobs and teachers?
We know moving can be stressful, so with everything else on your mind, don’t let the process of moving your items worry you as well. Below, in our guide, we’ve put together a list of several tips to ensure a successful long-distance move.
Continue reading below to learn how you can prepare for a stress-free move!
1. Start Organizing And Planning ASAP
Things get more chaotic when you wait until the last minute to start planning. To keep things calm and stress-free, begin organizing and planning as soon as you can. You never know what obstacles you might come across, and they’ll be easier to tackle when you have time to do so.
Once you know you’re moving, create a schedule for the moving process and be sure to stick to it. A move of any kind requires a lot of work. A long-distance move adds to the amount of work needed to get done.
Create a list of all the moving tasks you need to get done and then check them off as you go.
2. Make Changes To Important Documents
Some things you might not consider when planning a move are the changes you need to make to all your important documents. Everything in your name right now is in the state you’re currently located in. You’ll need to switch everything to your new address and state.
Request an address change, request medical records, school forms, change the address on your driver’s licenses, and do the same for your car license and registration as well.
3. Begin Going Through Your Items
Before you can begin packing everything up, you need to go through your items. A great way to save time and money during the move is to create 3 separate piles now. There should be a pile for items to keep, items to donate, and items to throw away.
The more items you’re able to donate and throw away, the fewer items you’ll need to worry about transport. Once you’ve done this, create an inventory list of what you are bringing with you. Organize this list by room to make it easier for you to keep track of everything.
As you load the truck and unload the truck, mark all items off the list. If something is missing, you’ll know.
4. Place Items In Boxes By Room
When it’s time to place your items into boxes, be sure to place them in boxes by room. All kitchen supplies should go in boxes marked, “kitchen” and so forth. Be sure to label all of your boxes and leave them in the room they belong in.
When the movers come, they’ll load the truck by room and all your kitchen boxes will be together, all of your living room boxes will be together, and so on. This will make the unpacking process much easier for everyone. Check all boxes for damages as you pack them.
Some boxes may have rips or holes in them, and you’ll want to toss those to prevent damages to your items. You can also consider having professional movers pack up each room for you. This will give you peace of mind.
Don’t forget to set aside boxes with essentials in them as well. Each family member should have their own “essential” box with their own essentials items in it to keep with them.
5. Choose To Move During The Off-Season
Not all moves can be done on our time. Sometimes, we don’t have any say when a move happens. If you are able to choose your move date, however, be sure to choose a move during the off-season.
Moving during the summer is one of the more expensive choices, as many people choose to move during this time. Move during the school year or during the week to save some money.
6. Switch Utilities From The Old Address To The New
It’s easy to become wrapped up in all the big moving details. You want to ensure you don’t forget anything and that all items make it to your new home undamaged. What you don’t want to forget, however, are all the small details as well.
Switching the utilities from your old address to your new address is one of those small details that are pretty important. Switch the utilities as soon as you can. You don’t want to get stuck paying for water or electricity in a home you’re no longer living in.
You also don’t want to show up to your new home and have no running water or lights to turn on.
7. Become Mentally Prepared For The Move
Making such a big move can be exhausting both physically and mentally. To help with the transition, do your best to become mentally prepared for your move. Let your friends and family know about the move in the early stages so everyone has time to let it sink in.
Spend a good amount of time with friends and family before moving to your new home. This gives you enough time to say your goodbyes. You should then start focusing on all the positives.
Think about what new adventures await for you. Maybe your move will open new career opportunities. Maybe your new home has all the features you’ve been looking for in a forever home.
Jot down a list of all the positives and read it each morning or night to remind yourself of them.
8. Hire A Professional Moving Company
Professional movers make moving much simpler for you. They know how to pack, transport, and unpack safely and professionally to ensure everything goes smoothly. They’re also the perfect people to turn to when you have questions about the move.
To find a reputable moving company, it’s essential to do some of your own research. Look into what past clients are saying about the company. Check out reviews online and ask for references to do this.
You should also ask for moving quotes or estimates from each company. Narrow it down to the top 3 choices and then speak with each one face-to-face or over the phone before making your final decision.
9. Know What Items Can’t Travel With Movers
When it’s packing day, be sure to keep everyone safe during the packing process. Professional movers will be coming in and out of your home while carrying all of your items. If possible, schedule for a babysitter this day for your children and your pets.
You’ll also need to ask the moving company about what items can’t be moved. Flammables, perishables, animals, and a few other items might not be able to travel in the moving trucks. Know what these items are ahead of time so you can plan how you’ll get them to your new home.
If you’re driving your car to your new home, then these are the things you’ll want to bring with you in your vehicle.
10. Purchase Moving Insurance
Purchasing moving insurance is a good way to give yourself peace of mind. This is true whether you have many expensive items or not. You can first call your home and auto insurance companies to see if either of them cover moving incidents.
The moving company you hire is your next step. Many moving companies will offer insurance for you available to purchase. Ask them what is and isn’t covered under the insurance policy.
If the insurance is a limited insurance policy and you have many expensive items you want to be covered, then ask about a more extensive insurance policy. If the moving company can’t offer you this coverage, then find a company that’ll cover your items for the move.
What Will Your Long-Distance Move Look Like?
Planning a long-distance move takes time and a lot of hard work. Be sure to start the planning process as soon as possible to make things easier for everyone. Then, follow the tips listed here in this guide for smooth sailing throughout the entire move.
For the most enjoyable moving process, request a quote, and see how professional movers can help you!
