When you’re preparing for a long distance move, there are a lot of things to take into consideration. It can be overwhelming, and if you make any mistakes along the way, it can really add to the stress of the process.
Luckily, there are some helpful tips and tricks you can use to ensure your move goes smoothly.
Packing with Distance in Mind
When moving long distances, it’s essential to pack your belongings with the proper care. This will help ensure your items arrive at your new home in one piece and avoid damage.
If possible, start packing a few weeks before your move. This will give you plenty of time to sell or donate any items that you no longer need.
It’s also a good idea to go through each room in your house and decide what to keep, sell or donate. This will save you a lot of time, energy and money.
Another great long distance moving tip is to start packing up the rooms that you don’t use often, such as the garage, basement, attic, and closets. Getting these boxes packed up early will help you save money and time on the actual move.
Hire Professional Packers
Long distance moving requires an enormous amount of planning and effort. You need to notify insurance companies, tax agencies, utility companies, your internet service provider, and more.
Hiring professional movers to pack and transport your belongings is an excellent way to streamline the process. These reputable, licensed, and insured professionals will protect your items from damage while in transit and provide peace of mind during the entire move.
Getting professional packers can be costly, but it’s worth it in the long run. They will do a thorough job and protect your items from damage while in transit, which will save you from hefty repair costs in the future.
Update Your Information
Changing your address is one of the most important items on any moving checklist. It can be easy to forget about, but it’s essential to keep your new address on file for a variety of reasons.
First, make sure to update your address with the post office. This is typically free and can be done online or at a local post office.
Next, let your doctor, dentist, veterinarian and other service providers know about your new address. They’ll need to know so they can provide you with services and bill you accordingly.
It’s also a good idea to notify your bank and credit card companies of your new address. This will ensure that they’re able to send you information about your accounts, statements and new cards.
Keep a Moving Binder
Keeping a moving binder is one of the most effective ways to stay organized and reduce stress during your long distance move. It holds all of your important paperwork, such as contracts, leases, contact lists and other relocation-related information.
It’s also a great place to keep your receipts, such as for purchases related to the move or your new home. This will save you time in the future when you need to look for a receipt or return an item.
It’s best to start preparing your moving binder about two months before your move. This gives you plenty of time to find boxes, clean your current home and prepare for the move itself.
Pack Fragile Items
Long distance moving can be a stressful time, but packing up your fragile items can help you minimize damage during the process. The right packing can also make your items easier to unpack and organize in your new home.
When it comes to fragile items, you should consider using a variety of different packing materials and tapes. Newspaper, packing paper, bubble cushioning rolls, socks, clothes, blankets and towels can all be used to keep items safe from the bumps and knocks of long-distance transportation.
Glass kitchenware, for example, is a common source of breakage during a long-distance move, so it’s important to take care when packing them. Use crumpled paper in the bottom of the box and top it with plenty of padding to avoid any scratches or cracks from the glass.
