Many people consider moving one of their most stressful life events. Moving is inevitable, and the end result is often fantastic. You may end up in your dream location!
Getting there, however, is a challenge, especially if it’s a long-distance move. There’s so much to do before you even hire a moving company!
We’re here to offer a few helpful tips that can set you on the right track. Lead on to learn more.
Declutter and Get Rid of Things First
It’s no secret that moving is expensive. The more things you have to move, the more expensive it’s going to be. Unless you have an unlimited moving budget, you’re going to want to get rid of as much as possible before you move.
If you’re not particularly attached to your current furniture, it’s best to try to sell it or donate it. It’s often cheaper to replace items than it is to move them, especially if you’re traveling across several states. Keep expensive items and heirloom pieces.
Even small items should be decluttered. Now is a great time to get rid of old clothing and trinkets that you no longer use.
Books are another category of items that you should start decluttering (and sometimes they’re the most difficult). Books are heavier than you think they’ll be, and that weight can make them more expensive to transport. It also makes them more difficult to put on the truck in the first place.
You should start decluttering well ahead of time. As soon as you know that a big move is on the horizon, start getting rid of things. Your future self will thank you.
Time Your Packing Right
Many people think that they have to start packing as soon as possible, but this isn’t really the case. You need to time your packing right or you’ll inconvenience yourself and stress yourself out.
It’s helpful to start slowly packing things that you know you won’t need before the big move. For example, if you’re moving during the summer, you can pack up your cold-weather items as soon as the weather starts to warm up.
You can also start packing things that you never use but you’re still taking with you.
However, don’t pack things that you use or see often. It’s tempting to start packing up decorations and “extra” items, but you never know what you’re actually going to need.
Generally speaking, the last things that you should pack are your kitchen items, your sleep necessities, and your most-worn clothes.
Make a Moving Checklist
When you complete a long-distance move, you won’t be able to (easily) go back to your original home if you forget something. Make a moving checklist so you know that you have everything.
A moving checklist will also help you use your time wisely and delegate responsibilities.
So what should this moving checklist include? It depends on your individual situation. Moving with only a few belongings from one apartment to another apartment will be different from moving with an entire house full of items.
You want to have a checklist for items and a checklist for tasks. Separating them will make them easier to track.
Keep Necessities On-Hand
This is something that many people forget until it’s too late and they end up scrambling to unpack their items on the road.
You are going to pack the vast majority of your belongings in boxes, but there are a few things that you should keep with you while you travel. Some of them may seem obvious but, trust us, people forget them all the time.
First and foremost, you need any and all important paperwork. The last thing you want is to lose things like birth certificates, social security cards, and any other information that you need.
You also need identification, money, and any paperwork that you have for your destination.
You should pack chargers for any items that you’ll be using on the go (like your phone). You’ll also need clothing and toiletries for the first few days at your destination before the movers arrive.
You can pick many of these things up on the go, but it’s best for you to have your own.
Decide How You’re Moving
How do you plan on getting yourself and your belongings from point A to point B?
Again, this will vary depending on your situation. If you’re only moving one room or a small apartment full of items, you likely won’t need movers. You can drive your items to your destination or declutter enough that you don’t even need to do that.
Shipping items is also an option. This is great for anyone who doesn’t have any large objects.
Most people will need to hire movers. Check out local movers and see if they offer long-distance moves. Keep in mind that many local movers won’t go out of state, and if they do, it may be quite expensive.
Ask around for quotes until you find a company that suits your budget.
Secure Temporary Housing
Where are you going to end up?
It’s often difficult to close on a house or even rent an apartment from out of state unless your destination has a lot of transplants. If you’re unable to secure permanent housing, find a long-term hotel or AirBnb to help.
This is a great way to get a feel for your new location so you can find the perfect home for you. You never know if you’re actually going to like a specific neighborhood until you check it out in person.
Get Ready for Your Long-Distance Move!
Your long-distance move is on the horizon. Are you ready for the packing and moving process?
Use these moving tips to prepare yourself so your next move is a breeze. Moving is stressful, but once it’s over, you’ll have a great new place to call home.
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