Whether you’re moving to the other side of the state or the other side of the country, there’s no question that a long distance move is stressful. There are far more factors to consider than a move down the street, and without a detailed plan, you’re going to find yourself in over your head.
Now, there’s going to be a certain level of stress no matter how prepared you are. But with a few tips, you can make moving long distance as easy as possible, minimizing the amount of stress you experience.
To learn the steps you need to take for a smooth long distance move, just keep reading!
Make a Plan Early and Stick to It
Unless your plan to move is years in the future, it’s best to begin preparations as soon as you know you’re moving.
The best way to move a long distance is to start a document, whether that be on your phone, computer, or inside your planner, and write down everything. Every moving-related task and point should be added, including to-dos, calendars, estimates, and receipts.
It’s better if this document can be carried with you; that way, you can add to it no matter where you are. After all, don’t our best ideas always seem to come at the most inconvenient times?
Keep in mind that you’ll need to plan, not only for the transportation of yourself and your belongings from one home to the next but your route and basic necessities along the way as well. If you’re planning a cross country move, for example, you’re looking at a multi-day trip, so you’ll need to plan for food, shelter, and clothing for every day of the journey.
Pare Down Your Belongings
Once again, it’s essential that you start as early as you can with this task. Going through your entire home and everything you own is going to take time, but it’s something that should be done before any move.
The more you’re packing, the more expensive your move is going to be. And do you really want your new home to be cluttered? It’s much better to give yourself a fresh start, free of the distressing clutter weighing you down.
To do this, go through each room of your home and analyze each belonging, one at a time. Each belonging should go in one of three piles: keep, donate, and toss. Your keep pile should be filled only with the items that get frequent use, have a purpose, or give you joy.
Because this can be such an emotionally taxing task, in addition to taking your time, you should also start with the rooms with the least emotional attachment. These are typically the bathroom and kitchen. Once these are completed, you can move on to more intimate spaces, such as your living and bedrooms.
Get Estimates and Make Reservations
Moving a short distance can be done by yourself without much difficulty. When you’re moving long distance, however, it’s best to call the professionals. You’re going to have more than enough on your plate with the task of transporting yourself and your family alone. The last thing you need is more to worry about.
Don’t rush into hiring a moving company. Do your research, look at reviews, and get multiple estimates before making your decision. Most moving companies do provide insurance, but it’s limited at best. For a long distance move, it’s wise to get more comprehensive coverage to protect yourself and your belongings.
After you’ve chosen your movers and booked a date, you can now nail down the details of your journey. Go ahead and make any necessary reservations, including flights, hotels, and temporary accommodations in your new town, if need be.
Make a Plan for Your Pets
If you have pets, be sure that they’re accounted for as well. Moving via road trip allows you to take your pets with you, should you choose to do so, but not all airlines allow pets, especially if you have exotic pets or certain breeds of dog.
Whether your pets are traveling with you or not, they’ll need food and any medications they’re taking for the journey. You’ll also need to ensure that they’re up to date on their vaccines and that you have a pet health certificate if you’ll be flying or using pet transportation services.
Take Care of Your Mail, Utilities, and Documents
When you get closer to the date of your move, take a day or two to forward your mail, transfer your utilities, and collect important documents. You’ll need to arrange for the utilities at your current address to be shut down on your move-out date and to be turned on in your new home.
Moving long distance means that you’ll more than likely be switching to a new electric and water provider, but you might be able to maintain accounts such as your internet and phone. You’ll simply need to change the address in your records.
As far as important documents, make sure that you have all your medical, veterinary, and school records in one place and carry them with you. Don’t forget that your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and bank information will need to be changed once you arrive at your new location.
Tackle Your Long Distance Move Like a Pro With This Guide
The main thing to remember when approaching a long distance move is this: slow and steady wins the race. Trying to juggle all the tasks that come along with moving cross country or across the state at the last minute will leave you overwhelmed and anxious.
However, if you start your preparations as soon as you decide to move, taking the necessary steps between normal daily activities, you’ll find that you’re able to stay calm, cool, and collected through the entire process.
Looking for more tips and tricks for making your next move as smooth and stress-free? Be sure to check out our blog!
