Moving can be difficult no matter where you’re moving, but if you’re getting ready to embark on a long-distance move to a new state or city, it makes the process all the more difficult.
Keep reading to learn about a few things you can do to make your long-distance move a little easier.
10 tips for a smooth cross-country move
#1. Do your research
Moving across the country can be incredibly stressful, but having the right moving company on your side can make a world of difference in the peace of mind department. But, unfortunately, not all moving companies are made equal.
Take your time to do your research before committing to a mover. Read their reviews to see what kind of experiences their past customers have had, double-check that they are licensed and insured, and make sure they offer the services you need.
#2. Get multiple moving quotes
Once you’ve narrowed your list of long-distance movers down to two or three, you’ll want to get quotes from each mover before you sign any paperwork or a contract.
Getting multiple quotes will help to ensure that the rates you’re being asked to pay are in-line with other movers in your area. If the quotes are significantly lower or higher than average rates, ask why.
If their rates are super low, they may be new and just looking to build a customer base, or they may offer scaled-down services or are operating without a license. Either way, you need to know what you’re signing up for.
#3. Scale down your stuff
In most cases, the cost of hiring cross-country movers will depend on a number of factors, including how far you’re moving and how much your stuff weighs. The heavier the stuff, the more it will cost you to move.
Moving is a great time to go through your stuff and scale down, giving you a chance to get rid of some clutter and enjoy a fresh start in your new home. Best of all, it will make your move easier and more affordable.
#4. Pack boxes with care
When you’re moving to another home in your city or state, your belongings won’t have to travel far, and they won’t be in-transport for long. But, when it comes to long-distance moves, they have a lot farther to go.
Take your time and pack your boxes with care for your cross-country move. Wrap your fragile items in bubble wrap, and place soft items around them, like t-shirts and socks. If you’re not confident in your packing abilities, you can always let the professionals do it for you.
#5. Take an inventory
While you’re packing up your stuff (or while you’re going through your stuff to decide what to keep and what to donate), take an inventory of everything you’re going to ask your movers to move for you.
Knowing exactly what your movers will be moving will help to avoid complications later on. Take photos or videos of your items, and document the condition they’re in before moving. This is especially important for rare, expensive or otherwise important items.
#6. Label your boxes appropriately
Labeling your boxes is an important part of staying organized for any move, but it’s beneficial for long-distance moves in particular because it helps to make the second half of your move a whole lot smoother.
Whether your movers are unpacking for you or just moving boxes into your home for you, when you properly label your boxes, they’ll know exactly where everything is supposed to go. This will free up more of your time on moving day to do one of the many other things on your plate.
#7. Keep your travel essentials separate
Most of your stuff will go straight from your home to the truck, and from the truck to your new home. But, there are some things that you’ll need for your trip, and you’ll want them to be handy.
Pack a suitcase with what you’ll need while you’re traveling from point A to point B. Consider carrying your most valued possessions with you in your suitcase, if possible. Accidents can happen even with the best moving companies.
#8. Make travel arrangements in advance
Long-distance moves are often complicated, and there are a lot of moving parts to keep track of. Between selling your old home, buying your new home, hiring movers, planning your life in a new city and everything else that comes with a long-distance move, it’s easy to forget things.
One important thing you absolutely don’t want to forget is to make travel arrangements for yourself and your family. Are you planning to fly or drive? Do you have pets or kids to consider? Will you need to ship your vehicle? These are all things you’ll need to think about well in advance.
#9. Prepare your pet for your move
Pets add a new dimension of stress to any move, but moving pets can be especially complicated when it comes to long-distance moves.
Not only do you need to figure out how your pet will travel to your new home, but you also need to make arrangements with your veterinarian for the move and get a copy of your pet’s health records. Also, do some research about pet laws in your new city.
#10. Wrap up the loose ends
There are a lot of extra steps involved when you’re moving to a new state or city. You’ll need to do all of the normal things, like change your address at the Post Office, with your bank, etc., but you also may need to get a new driver’s license, find a new doctor, etc.
But, before you start arranging the next chapter in your life in your new city, you’ll need to wrap things up in your old one. This includes scheduling a date to shut off your utilities, canceling gym memberships and collecting your personal records.
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