Moving is stressful, no matter the proximity. Whether you’re staying near or going far away, you still have to go through the same process of preparing, packing, and relocating. But long distance moving can be particularly difficult with many logistics to figure out and the challenges of transporting your belongings somewhere far away. If you’re currently feeling daunted by your upcoming move, don’t fret – our long distance moving tips can help make the process feel endlessly easier! Discover our top ten tips for a successful long distance move.
- Make a plan
First thing’s first – start with a plan. Before you can even take action for your move, you’ll want to create a to-do list and a timeline for the next few months leading up to moving day. Put this to-do list in chronological order, with the more time-sensitive items going towards the top. The responsibilities that need to get taken care of sooner should be prioritized. If you have a specific date you want or need to get something done by, be sure to make note of that on your checklist. While some things can get done towards the end, there are plenty of tasks that will need to be expedited.
Starting this process as soon as possible will be beneficial and do wonders in reducing stress. Begin as far in advance as you can, and space out the responsibilities you need to take care of with ample time so you’re not rushing to complete them at the end. Additionally, you may also benefit from having an inventory of the items you’re bringing with you for your move. Figure out what larger pieces you’ll be bringing with you so you can get a good idea of the storage you may need in order to complete your move.
- Budget your spending
During your move, you’re certain to incur plenty of extra expenses. As you move long distance, you will need to factor in travel expenses much more than you would for a local move. Whether you need to budget for plane tickets, gas money, or hotel stays, keeping track of how you’ll need to allot your expenses is crucial.
You will also need to figure out what items you’ll be buying once you arrive. For instance, you may not think your old couch is worth the cost of transporting, instead opting to purchase a new one upon arrival. Making sure you have a good idea of how much you’ll need to buy at your destination can help so you won’t be caught off guard when it’s time to make your purchases.
- Simplify & declutter
One major way to make your move easier is to cut down the amount of belongings you’re bringing with you. Decluttering your space pre-move will ultimately make the packing and transportation process much more manageable. Sort your belongings into four different categories: sell, donate, trash, and keep. As you decide which items to part with, try to be realistic about what you actually want or need. If you haven’t used something in the past year and have no use for it in the foreseeable future, it’s probably time to let it go. There’s no point in wasting money to bring items that you’ll shove to the back of a closet and never think about again.
- Find long distance movers
Because moving far away can be such a huge job, don’t hesitate to find help from professionals. Making space in your budget for a long distance moving company can make a significant difference in the entire moving process, taking a lot off of your plate in terms of transporting your items. Start your search online, finding a few companies who work in the business of intrastate (or even international), long distance moves. Narrow your search a bit by seeking customer reviews, paring down your candidates to only the ones with solid reviews. You want to make sure you’re putting your trust in a reliable company.
Once you’ve found a few of the best long distance movers for your needs, reach out to a handful of them to receive a quote. Shopping around in this way will allow you to find the best price possible while still obtaining high quality service.
- Pack & protect
The most time-consuming aspect of any move is packing. This process requires plenty of time and preparedness. Start with the right supplies – sturdy boxes, plenty of tape, markers, bubble wrap, packing paper, and anything else you may need. If you can find boxes of the same size with handles, they will be ideal for picking up, carrying, and stacking. The uniform sizes will allow for optimal use of space in your moving truck or storage container.
Since your items will be traveling a long distance, making sure to properly protect them for the journey is crucial. Everything should be packed into boxes concisely with very little room left for movement. The more compactly everything is packed, the less your items can shift –ultimately preventing damage. One way to keep your belongings protected without investing too much in packing materials is to repurpose some of your soft items such as blankets, thick articles of clothing, and pillows. Wrapping or reinforcing fragile items in these cushy materials can shield your things from harm. Plus, you won’t waste space in the way you would with bubble wrap.
- Create an organizational system
As you pack, remember to stay organized. Although keeping an organizational system in place while packing may prolong the process a bit, it will ultimately make unpacking much simpler and save you time when you arrive at your new place. Be sure to label each box clearly on at least two sides. Also, remember to label your boxes in detail, rather than simply writing “bedroom” or “kitchen.” If you’d prefer, you can opt for numbering your boxes and keeping an inventory of what items correspond with each box number. Another option is to color code your boxes, with each color correlating to a different room in your new home.
- Contact the right people
In advance of moving day, you’ll need to contact various services and providers. Updating your address or canceling different utilities ahead of time is extremely important to receive important mail at your new address and prevent any unforeseen bills and charges. Some of the utilities you need to cancel will include:
-
-
- Electric
- Gas
- Water
- Internet
-
You will also need to notify a few different services about your change of address. This list includes:
-
-
- The postal service
- The IRS
- Your bank
- Your insurance provider
- Your employer
-
- Figure out travel plans
As previously mentioned, a long distance move requires more extensive travel, both in terms of budget and planning. Confirming your travel plans with ample time can reduce stress and expenses. If you need to book flights or hotel rooms, do this in advance to get the best prices. If you’ll be traveling by car, make sure to get your vehicle checked at the shop prior to your trip so you don’t run into any unexpected issues. If you’ll be traveling by plane and want to get your car to your new location, seek out a car shipping service to handle the logistics.
- Keep an essentials bag
On moving day (or moving days), be prepared with the items you need most. This should include things like medication, a change of clothes, essential toiletries, towels, basic kitchenware, and anything else you’ll require right away. Since you may not have your items right away if you’re waiting for a moving company to bring things, having what you need with you is crucial.
Additionally, you’ll probably want to bring valuable items with you, separate from the boxes in the moving truck. This may include important documents and identification, as well laptops, tablets, and jewelry.
- Acquaint yourself with the area
In preparation for your move, do a bit of research ahead of time to learn about the new area you’ll be living in. Finding out how close schools or your new office will be from the new house is critical. You may also want to find out where your nearest grocery stores, pharmacies, hospitals, and other important places are. Plus – don’t forget about the fun stuff! Finding restaurants, entertainment, parks, and more near you can make you even more excited to arrive and settle in.
Complete your long distance move confidently!
With our ten tips for a painless, successful long distance move, you’re in good shape to move into your new abode with ease! Are you looking for a long distance moving company to help you during this transitional period? Trust Sunrise Moving & Storage for all your long distance moving needs. With dependable, friendly professionals and quality service, Sunrise can meet and exceed your expectations, as we prioritize customer satisfaction.
