The moving process can get overwhelming — especially a long-distance one.
Thankfully, with the proper planning in place, moving can be a breeze.
Want to know how to reduce your stress and plan for an (almost) perfect move? We have the answers.
Plan Ahead
Typically, for a short-distance move, you can begin planning two weeks before moving day.
Stated by Dallas long distance movers, a long-distance move involves more time, distance, and costs, which means more planning than the average move.
It’s advised to start the moving process five weeks before your move-out date for a long-distance move.
Planning this far in advance will give you enough time to get things organized, pack and declutter, make moving day plans, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
Two of the biggest decisions in the planning stage are determining when you will move and whether you will hire movers or do it all yourself.
Declutter Your Home
When you set out on a long-distance move, you won’t be able to go back and forth as easily to move things in multiple trips — well, maybe you can … but it won’t be time- or cost-efficient.
If you opt to hire a moving company, you’ll pay more for multiple trips or an extra-heavy load, so lightening your load as much as possible before moving is in your best interest.
To declutter, go through your closets, rooms, and drawers and sort things into three piles: throw away, donate, or sell. It’s best to get rid of any clothing you haven’t worn in the last year — the same rule applies to any miscellaneous items around your home unless the item has sentimental value.
Throw out furniture that is damaged or older than three years unless it is antique or well-crafted.
Hire a Moving Company
Hiring a moving company tends to make moving a lot easier and massively reduces stress levels.
When looking for a moving company to hire, find a reputable moving company with plenty of reviews, references, and insurance coverage.
Remember, you often get what you pay for, so the cheapest option won’t be the best-quality option.
Get price estimates from multiple companies. Doing this will help you get an idea of what a long-distance move will cost and allow you to find a reputable company within your budget.
Don’t accept any over-the-phone estimates and ask for a walkthrough (virtual or in-person) for an accurate quote.
If you’re asked to put a deposit down, stay away; this is a common scam tactic. Many trustworthy moving companies don’t require a deposit.
Gather Your Packing Supplies
Gathering packing supplies is a great way to save money on your long-distance move and it allows you to pack as early as you’d like.
To gather free or cheap supplies like boxes, ask local stores if they have any spare cardboard boxes they planned on throwing away.
You can also order bulk packing supplies for cheap from stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot.
If you gather supplies and pack yourself, you will save money — and the money saved here could be used to buy new furniture or decor for your new home.
Update Information and Utilities
When moving, it’s essential to update your address with important parties like the U.S. Post Office, your utility company, and your work.
Before you move, update your legal documents, pet information, utilities, and address with the post office.
The last thing you want to happen is to get to your new home and realize your electricity hasn’t been turned on or you don’t have running water.
If you need to change providers for anything, for example, your internet provider, plan for this in advance. Do a little research, find out what providers are available in your new area, and take a look at different hughesnet internet plans. See if you can get everything all up and running for arrival day.
If you can, try to plan your move around your billing cycle for your utilities.
After you move, update your license and job with your new address.
Get Excited About Your Move
After you’ve moved in and unpacked, start exploring your new city; this will make it feel more like home and help you get a better idea of the city’s layout.
If you’ll be commuting to work or taking the kids to school, try to plan your route before the day of to reduce stress. Knowing the route and the amount of time it takes to get there will help you have a smooth trip.
Driving around for the first few days after a move will also help you figure out where to eat, where to work out, and what entertainment options there are.
By following the steps above, you’ll have smooth sailing during your long-distance move.
Lastly, make sure to have fun during this exciting time!