Moving is challenging, but when you’re making a long-distance move, things are even more complicated.
Every move requires substantial planning, whether you’re relocating locally or a much farther distance. But, long-distance moving, requires even more detailed preparation.
How do you take the stress out of preparing for a long-distance move? Take a look at these tips.
Plan Your Long-Distance Move
Start planning your move early. The best way for you to prepare is to develop your own personalized move checklist.
This list should include everything from scheduling your movers to contacting utility companies and from preparing your household items to making arrangements for child and pet care on moving day.
Make sure your move list is as detailed as possible and include dates for when to accomplish each task.
Set a Moving Budget
As with every other major life event, you’ll need to keep to a budget when preparing for a household move.
Not only will you need to think about costs for movers and packing supplies, but you’ll also need money for travel to get to your new home yourself. This includes any hotel stays and meals for the trip.
Determine how much money you can afford to spend on your move and shop around for quotes to keep your move within budget.
Book Your Movers
Once you know the date that you’ll close on your house, call around for quotes so that you can book your movers.
Movers help eliminate the stress and hard work of your move. Professional movers will handle your possessions with care.
Consider your vehicles and if you’re prepared to make the drive in them to your new home. You may need to think about shipping options for your car.
Get Packing
Packing an entire home takes time — more time than you think. The demands of daily life leave little time for moving preparations.
Don’t wait until the last minute to pack. Make sure you designate specific days for packing each room of your home on your move checklist.
If you pack your home yourself, instead of having the household moving company do it, go room by room. Start with items you know that you won’t need daily, things like out-of-season clothes or seasonal decorations. Then move to the larger area such as your closet or your children’s toys. Always leave the essential items you need for your daily routine to pack last.
Pack methodically and label your boxes. This will help you to keep your boxes organized and save you time when it comes to unpacking.
Make Arrangements for Multi-Day Moving
If you are driving across the country for your move, you’ll want to make sleeping arrangements ahead of time, especially if you have overnight stops on your trip. Select hotels and pre-book rooms to accommodate your family to have a restful night before you hit the road again.
Allow an Adjustment Period
You’ll probably be a little travel weary once you arrive at your new home. If you can, move at least one week before starting that new job or before the kids start school. A week to unpack and arrange your new home will help you settle in with ease.
Take time to get acquainted with the new area. Locate your local grocery store and pharmacy. Drive past your kid’s new school and other unique features in your new community that will make this new area feel like home.
Get Ready to Enjoy Your New Life
Your long-distance move will be worth the effort. Get in touch today and request a quote for your move.
