Ready for a Smooth Move?
Let's Get Started.
Ready for a Smooth Move?
Let's Get Started.
We'll give you an exact quote in minutes. No pressure. No surprises.
We'll give you an exact quote in minutes. No pressure. No surprises.
Published on Apr 8, 2021
•5 min read
By Murphy Jackson,Guest Author
Every year, 40 million people pack up their belongings and leave their homes behind for bigger and better things. It could be a job or family matters that call them away, but no matter what the case, moving can feel extremely overwhelming!
Moving long distances can be even more stressful. Making the journey thousands of miles from home can invoke not only an emotional response but a practical one as well!
If you’re moving a far distance and have no idea how to prepare, keep reading for our ultimate move-out checklist, which will be your guide to make sure you’ve thought of everything, and leave nothing behind!
While moving will likely include several preparations, here are some of the most important tips you need to remember.
Hiring a moving company is one of the best decisions you can make when you’re moving far. Long-distance moving companies have better equipment that’s capable of catering to a long move.
Attempting the move yourself is not recommended with long-distance moving because the costs could be too high. Be sure to inquire about moving insurance as well.
Call long-distance moving companies and get an estimate of your move, or have them come to your home and evaluate the costs. Research moving companies by reading reviews and testimonials.
The more you move, the more it will cost. Also, you’ll have plenty to sort through when it all arrives at your new home.
Reduce the stress and pack less by selling or donating some big-ticket items like furniture and similar items. Some people take no furniture and purchase new pieces when they arrive at their new home.
Things like updating documents like a license or other registration papers, like change-of-address forms should be done before your big move. If you have children in school, don’t forget their school and medical records for the transfer.
If you’re moving with pets, don’t forget to prepare them for the move by having them checked by a vet and obtaining their medical records as well.
One of the best ways to pack your belongings is to sort them into categories and boxes, and then label them. For example, for all your kitchen belongings, pack them into several boxes and label them ‘kitchen’ so you know where they belong.
Without labels, you spend time searching for your things, instead of settling into your new home.
It’s not enough to throw things in a box and label it. Wrap fragile items and prepare them for a long move.
Because the moving truck will likely not get to your new home when you do, pack some essential personal items with you, like clothes, toothbrushes, toilet paper, and so forth.
If you have valuables that you want in your possession, keep those close by putting them in your car as you head to your destination.
If you can, knowing the basic layout of your new home can be helpful for both you and the movers. Once you know where each room is in the home, you can direct the movers efficiently and quickly, resulting in a smooth move.
It will also help if you plan which items will go in each room, especially if you’re still taking furniture.
If your move isn’t for a few months, you can still get a head start on packing! This will make for less packing later, resulting in a less-stressful move.
You will also have many other things to do between working and family life, so decide what’s non-essential to use over the next few weeks or months and pack it up.
If you’re driving a long distance, you will likely drive your car there to save on money. However, if you’re traveling across oceans, you’ll need to find out how much it costs to ship your car to you.
Even if you’re not traveling to another country, the idea of driving your car the distance, consider hiring a long-distance car shipping company. People do this so they avoid putting miles on their car, or if the car is particularly old.
It may take several weeks to arrive at your destination, so make plans to have another mode of transportation if you need it.
Traveling a long-distance means that it may take several days or longer for the moving company to deliver. Being realistic about your move is one of the best things you can do. You might not see your things for a while, so try to envision or plan to be without them for a time. Tip: use a moving company that offers direct service to avoid delays.
If there are things you need, keep them with you and don’t store them in the moving van.
Your movers work hard, too! Consider tipping your movers or offering them refreshments as they move your things. If you’re unsure about how much to tip, ask the company what’s the normal tipping amount, and if there is a tip included in the cost.
Moving long distance is challenging, but with a move-out checklist, it should go a smoothly as possible. Moving can be an emotional experience, so having all your practicalities in order will allow you to focus on more important things.
Are you looking for experienced professional movers to help you with your next move? Visit our website today to learn about our long-distance moving services!