Whether you’re relocating from Wyoming to Maine or planning a West Coast move to Florida, preparation is key when it comes to completing a long-distance move. However, even with the right preparation, it can be easy to make mistakes that cause problems in the moving process. If you’d like to avoid these as best as you can, then the tips below can help. These can streamline the moving process so you can avoid stressful mistakes and enjoy a smooth transition to your new home.
Dos
1. Go Through Your Belongings
The more you move, the more you’re going to pay to haul everything to your new home. For this reason, it’s important to go through your things and decide what you should donate, throw away, or sell. It’s also important to go through the food in your pantry and fridge/freezer and either eat or donate everything you can before moving day.
2. Hire Movers
Although moving on your own is more affordable, movers will take much of the stress out of the logistics. They will come to you with a moving truck, haul your boxes and furniture out of your home, and drive to your new home.
3. Book Travel
If you do end up hiring movers, then it’s crucial to book your travel ahead of time, so you don’t pay high last-minute fees. Don’t forget to investigate travel accommodations for pets if you are taking any with you.
4. Create a Checklist
Creating a checklist of things you need to do will help ensure you don’t forget important things before you leave. As you do these, mark them off, so you don’t second-guess yourself and cause unnecessary stress.
5. Change Address
You can change your address easily online or at your local post office, so your mail forwards before you even leave. It’s also important to cancel local memberships before you go and let them know your new address for final bills.
Don’ts
1. Pack Everything
Chemical cleaners, paint, flammable items, and aerosols cannot be packed and moved because they can be dangerous inside a moving truck. It’s also important to note that you cannot transport wine, food, and beer shouldn’t in moving trucks because they are not climate controlled or refrigerated.
2. Make a Tight Schedule
The contractors you hire, including the movers, may end up being late. For this reason, don’t make your schedule too tight. This pointer is especially true if you are hiring movers and flying out. If this is the case, you’ll want to leave the day after the movers are expected to drive out.
3. Pick Movers at Random
Always compare long distance movers to determine which one offers the best value. Since you likely have several options, it’s important not to settle.
4. Forget Your Essentials
Keep electronics, chargers, snacks, baby items, clothes, and shoes with you in a separate bag. You’ll need these things until you unpack your items from the moving truck, which could be weeks.
5. Over-Extend Yourself
If you need help, then ask friends and family for it. It’s also recommended to hire contractors as you need them, which may include packers, movers, car transportation, and house cleaners. The more help you have, the less stress you’ll experience.
A Successful Move Made Easy
Long-distance moving can seem like it will be a lot of work when you think about everything that you must accomplish. However, by planning and utilizing help from those around you, it can be a simple process that goes by quickly.
