Moving long distance can be overwhelming, but with proper planning, you can reduce stress and save money. Start by figuring out how you will transport your belongings and get in-home estimates from multiple moving companies.
Some people choose to travel to their new location before moving to get a feel for what life will be like there. Visiting also helps them research schools and neighborhoods.
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1. Plan Ahead
Moving is a stressful experience in general, but when you’re moving long-distance, it can feel overwhelming. The key to a successful move is planning ahead. From creating a budget to hiring a moving company, there are many things you need to think about and prepare for before your move.
One of the most important things to do when you’re moving long-distance is to make travel arrangements. This includes booking flights, renting a car, and arranging hotel stays or Airbnbs if necessary. It’s also a good idea to use up perishable food items and clean out your refrigerator/freezer before the move so you don’t have to transport these items to your new home.
Another important aspect of planning ahead is making sure you have a place to store your important documents. Having these documents in a safe place will help you get settled in your new home quickly and without any stress. You may also want to update your voter registration and ensure you can get around your new city or town until your belongings are delivered.
If you have children, planning for child care or babysitting on the day of your move is a good idea. Having someone to watch your kids or pets will reduce the amount of time you have to spend packing and unpacking, which can be stressful for everyone involved. Lastly, it’s a good idea to pack non-essentials first and then move on to your essentials like clothing, kitchen items, toiletries, and small electronics. This will help you avoid unnecessary stress during your move and allow you to focus on the more fun parts of moving.
2. Pack Early
A big part of packing for a move is sorting through your belongings and determining what to keep, donate, or throw away. If you haven’t used something in over a year, it is probably time to give it up. This decluttering process will also help you save money on moving costs since the more items you ship, the more it will cost.
Start the packing process early as soon as you know your moving date. This will allow you to get organized, and it will be easier for you to track your progress. It’s also helpful to create an inventory of your possessions as you pack so that you have a record should any item be lost or damaged during the move.
If you have any particularly valuable or fragile items, make sure to pack them separately from the rest of your belongings. This will prevent them from getting thrown around and possibly broken during the move, which can be especially dangerous for fragile objects. You may also want to consider a safe deposit box or other type of storage unit to store your most precious belongings during the transition period.
It is also a good idea to have a plan for what to do with any special items you have, such as pets or plants. This might involve finding a pet transport company or keeping them with you, depending on their temperament and how far they’re traveling. You should also make sure to have updated vaccination records and health certificates for your pets, as well as a travel kit with food, water, and medications.
Also, canceling any subscriptions or memberships you no longer use before you move is a good idea. This way, you won’t have to worry about them being canceled at the last minute and incurring unnecessary fees.
3. Declutter and Downsize
Decluttering and downsizing are an essential part of the pre-move process. It is a great way to purge items you no longer use or need and to minimize the amount of stuff you have to move across the country. It can be difficult at first, but once you get into the groove of it, it is a liberating and stress-free experience. Plus, it will help you make space for the new items you want in your home!
One way to start the decluttering and downsizing process is by making a list of all the items in your home. Then, sort and categorize them into keep, donate, or sell piles. Be ruthless in your decisions and only keep items that are truly useful or hold sentimental value to you. You can also consider donating items that are no longer working or in good condition, such as electronic devices and appliances, to charities or recycling facilities.
Another way to downsize is by envisioning how your things will fit in your new home. This will help you decide whether or not you need to pack up and move your belongings. By doing this, you can avoid wasting time and money on moving items that will not fit in your new place.
It’s also important to avoid buying any new items before your move. This will prevent you from adding to the clutter in your home that you’ll then have to deal with later. If you do end up purchasing something you don’t need, you can always store it temporarily with storage services until you have settled in your new home and know what you want to do with it long-term.
4. Hire a Reputable Moving Company
When relocating long-distance, there are many more things to consider than when moving locally. You must be sure that you’re partnering with a reliable moving company to ensure your belongings are in good hands. It’s also important to plan ahead, as you will need a much longer window of time to reach your new home. If needed, you will also have to factor in extra expenses, such as travel costs and storage.
Whether you’re relocating for work, getting married, or simply wanting a change of scenery, about three million people relocate across states every year. While relocations can be exciting, they can also be stressful, especially if you’re moving across the country. That’s why hiring a full-service moving company is essential.
Many moving companies offer online quoting, upfront pricing, and specialty packing for high-value items. You can also choose between a variety of packing options, such as self-packing, where you pack your items and the moving company provides the supplies, or full-service moving, where the movers will do everything for you. In addition to packing and transporting your belongings, some companies also offer storage facilities that can accommodate any unforeseen needs that may arise during your move.
Another way to reduce the stress of your move is to downsize as much as possible. This will not only save you money but will also help prevent any unexpected charges from your movers. For example, downsizing can help alleviate a linehaul charge that is typically included in your moving estimate. Be sure to speak with your movers about these charges and any other fees that may be applicable to your move. Also, be sure to update your address with family, friends, and your bank.
5. Update Your Address
The first thing you’ll need to do is change your address. You can do this by going to a post office branch and filling out form PS 3575, or you can do it online at USPS.com. Make sure to change your address at least a week in advance of your move so that all important mail is delivered to your new location.
It’s also a good idea to notify your bank, credit card companies, insurance providers, and any other organizations you may do business with. This will ensure that your bills are sent to your new address, and you won’t receive any unexpected surprises after moving.
If you’re moving long-distance for work, it’s a good idea to let your employer know about your relocation several weeks in advance. This will give your manager enough time to find a replacement and send any important paperwork to your new location. You should also change your address with your state Department of Motor Vehicles (or similar agency) before you relocate. This will help you transfer your license and get a new plate for your car if necessary.
It’s also a good idea to update your address with any utility providers that you use, such as electricity, gas, cable TV, and Internet services. This will prevent any problems with your service and ensure that your utilities are turned on when you move into your new home. In addition, you should also change your address with any organizations that send you paper bills, such as insurance providers, banks, and lenders. Finally, you’ll want to notify any schools that your children attend or where you have academic records and prescription medicine.