Long-distance moving doesn’t need to be stressful. If you are relocating to another state, country, or even continent, with the right planning, you can ensure a smooth and successful move.
While long-distance moves require extensive planning, they aren’t that much different from short-distance moves. You need to set the moving date, pack your belongings, and find the right moving company.
Here are several important aspects of planning the move as well as long-distance moving tips to keep in mind.
How to Find a Moving Company
By delegating a big part of your move to a moving company, you take some stress out of the process. Renting a moving truck when relocating to another country can be complicated. You could be paying extra for returning it in a place different from where you signed the rental agreement. A moving company that specializes in long-distance moves takes care of these expenses.
Here are the important things to consider when looking for the best long-distance moving company:
- The company should be local so it doesn’t charge you for coming to your starting location.
- Movers should have basic moving insurance included in the price of the move.
- The moving company should offer packing services and materials (if you plan to use this service).
- The company should have sufficient moving equipment and trucks to handle your move
- The moving company should specialize in long-distance moves.
- Movers should have reviews or provide references.
To find the right long-distance moving company, make sure to ask for as many estimates as possible. Respectable movers don’t provide quotes over the phone. They send a representative to evaluate the size of the move and give a precise estimate.
Important: Book a moving company as soon as you know the moving date. Otherwise, you may not find a suitable option for the day and time of your choice.
How to Inventory Your Items
The bigger your move is, the more money you are likely to pay for it. Meanwhile, carrying unnecessary items to a new location is simply counterproductive. That’s why it’s important to take a full inventory of your home to make sure you are moving only the things you need.
Decluttering your house can be a tough task. Here are a few things to remember.
- Inventory your house one room at a time.
- Don’t bring items that you haven’t used in the past year.
- Use the garbage bag method (take a large garbage bag and don’t stop until you fill it).
If you have trouble throwing out items that are in good condition, you can choose one of the following options:
- Arrange a yard sale to earn some money while making sure your belongings continue serving someone.
- Donate your items to charity
- Give your belongings to friends, family, and acquaintances.
Once you declutter your home, the long-distance move will appear less complicated.
Important: Moving large pieces of furniture could be costly and unnecessary. Consider leaving furniture behind. It may not be that much more expensive to buy new furniture than it is to pack, disassemble, assemble, and move the old one.
How to Pack for a Long-Distance Move
Packing is an important part of any move, especially a long-distance one. The easiest way to pack your belongings is to ask for professional assistance. However, these services aren’t always affordable for everyone. Some companies may include packing in their service fees, so make sure you ask this question when choosing long-distance movers.
If you decide to pack on your own, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Make a list of everything you need to pack while inventorying your items. This way packing will proceed faster.
- Pay special attention to fragile items. The longer the move, the more chances of encountering bumps, sharp stops, and other factors that can affect the integrity of your belongings
- Try to organize belongings as you pack. This way you can have a much easier time unpacking. You can group items by type (clothes, books, toiletries) or by room.
- Make sure to label each box with detailed information (keep the label on the side of the box since boxes are usually stacked on top of each other).
- Put your name on the label. Sometimes moving companies group several long-distance moves together. In this case, you won’t get your boxes mixed up.
Important: Keep in mind that some movers don’t take responsibility for equipment and appliances packed without their assistance.
How to Notify the Necessary Parties
When you are moving to another city, country, or continent, you need to notify various people and companies about your plans. Here are the parties you shouldn’t forget to do notify:
- The post office
- Federal revenue and state tax agencies
- Gas, electric, phone, cable, internet companies
- Home and renter’s insurance companies
- Employer
- Banks and credit card companies
- Insurance providers
- Online shopping sites that arrange door-to-door delivery.
Important. The majority of notifications can be done via email or phone. It’s up to you not to forget any of the parties.
The Takeaway
By planning a long-distance move carefully, you can avoid problems that often accompany long relocations. Make sure to work with a respectable moving company, pack your items properly, and notify all the necessary parties.
Bonus: If you want to save money on the move, keep these tips in mind:
- Shop for the company with the best quote.
- Move during the off-season.
- Research your new neighborhood’s parking regulations to avoid parking tickets for the moving truck (yes, you are responsible for providing a parking spot during unloading).
- Don’t buy expensive moving supplies. You can get free moving boxes from liquor stores, large retailers, and other places.
- Don’t buy moving insurance unless you have highly valuable items. Many movers include insurance in their fees.
Take advantage of these tips and have a safe move!
