Two women sitting on a sofa surrounded by moving boxes. one woman is pointing out the window as the other woman looks.

Tips for a Long-Distance Move

Are you uprooting and making a long-distance household move to another part of the country? Relocation can be overwhelming and tedious — especially when moving a long way.

Here are some essential points to remember.

Before Your Long-Distance Move

There are plenty of tasks you’ll need to complete before moving. So, it’s helpful to make sure you have everything in place in preparation for your move:

Create a Timeline

Timing is crucial when planning your move. Develop a timeline to guide you through the process. Create a document to help you organize your tasks. Include everything you need to accomplish, from eliminating your unused items to scheduling your utilities and moving to completion. Online planning tools help you create a moving timeline and schedule. Include every detail, no matter how small. 

Develop a Budget

It’s critical to set a budget when planning a long-distance move. A complete budget will help you avoid financial worries during and after your move. Include everything from professional mover fees to hotel and meal expenses when traveling to your new home.

Lock-In Professionals

Contact several full-service moving companies for estimates when your plan takes shape. Check to see what moving services they have and determine which ones you will need. For instance, full-service packing and unpacking can save you a lot of stress and work both at your old home and the new one. Also, decide if you need specialty services like vehicle relocation or if you will be driving your cars to your new home.

Declutter

Decluttering your belongings prevents you from bringing unnecessary things to your new home. Start by organizing your belongings based on utility and value. Then, donate the unneeded items, or if time allows, sell the larger items through online apps like Marketplace or Nextdoor.

Organize

An organization plan will reduce your packing and unpacking time. Separate and pack your items according to your new home’s appropriate room or final destination. Organizing ahead will save you from rummaging through your stuff once you’ve arrived at your home.

Manage Emotions

During your moving process, your mood and emotions will likely fluctuate from excitement to sadness and everything in between. Do your best to manage those emotions by eating healthy meals, getting a little exercise when you can, getting adequate sleep, and practicing some calming meditation techniques. Reward yourself with a night off here or there so that you can recharge your batteries. Taking a long walk, watching a movie, or visiting with a friend are all ways you might relax during the chaos.

Pack an Essentials Kit

An essential kit includes necessities for you and your family during your home transition. Here are just a few suggestions about what to incorporate.

  • Medication
  • Toiletries (including first-aid supplies)
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Snacks and drinks
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Charging and power cords
  • Entertainment

Long-Distance Moving Help

Long-distance moving requires significant planning, dedication, and appropriate tools. If you hire professionals, they can help with those things, keep you on schedule, and reduce your frustration.

Contact us today for an enjoyable, no-hassle long-distance moving experience.