Top Tips For A Long Distance Move

Moving across to another town or city on the other side of the country is usually very stressful. Your address, friends, and job are all going to change, and for most people, this can be overwhelming. Here is a list of tips you should be considering for a long-distance move.  

1. Make An Inventory Of All Your Belongings

Pull everything out of your cabinets and closets. From here, formulate a list and take photographs. Your inventory will give you an accurate idea of what you will be taking with you. 

2. Get Rid Of Everything You No Longer Need

The costs involved with long-distance moves depend on how many items you plan to move from your old home to your new one, along with how much everything weighs. 

You can drastically cut down on moving costs by making sure you only take what you need. Decide on items to leave behind by using the 1-year rule. If you have not used something for over a year, then you don't need it. From here, you can sell items that still have value by hosting a yard or garage sale or sell these items online. Any other items can be gifted to family members or donated to your favorite charity. 

3. Get Estimates On Packing Services, Trucks, And Moving Companies

When it comes to long-distance moves, it's best to hire professional long distance moving companies. Most people are aware that while moving is not easy, it becomes increasingly difficult with the longer moving distances. Once you have decluttered your home and know what you plan to take with you, obtain estimates from Moving Astute on what will cost you to hire a reliable moving company. 

4. Decide On A Plan For Packing

Since it will probably take you a few weeks or even more to pack, it is best to develop a strategy. Start with items that you won't be needing or using before the move. This could include family heirlooms, ornaments, holiday knickknacks, and more. Pack these items into containers or boxes, and make sure each box is labeled and organized. If you put wall hangings with items from your kitchen into one package, you might end up regretting your decision when you start unpacking. 

5. Wrap Your Furniture

Imagine arriving at the new house. You are excited and amped to start unpacking and organizing your furniture. You already have an idea where that beautiful vintage dresser should go. But once you start unpacking these items, you discover that your treasured dresser is scratched or even broken. One of the movers thought it was okay to pack your dog crates on top of the dresser inside the truck. This is why it is imperative to invest in moving blankets to provide a layer of protection from dents, chips, and scratches. 

6. Make Lists Of Accounts That You Need To Cancel Or Update

Make a list of all your subscriptions, government organizations, and bank accounts that will need the address of your new home. If you cannot remember everything, refer to your snail mail or your bank account statements. Keep this list in a place where you can see it clearly, so you can carry on adding accounts as soon as you think of a new one. 

7. Protect Your Dishware

The next step involves wrapping your fragile dishware. You may have sets of bowls and matching plates that you have kept from your anniversary, and you wouldn't want any of those items to break. This process will take a bit of time, but with a few foam pouches, you can hold on to those treasured items without having to worry whether they will make it safe to the other side. 

8. Keep Paired Items Together

Not much else is worse than unpacking items to find that a piece is missing. Elements that you use together should always be packed and wrapped together to avoid Tupperware containers' shipping boxes without any lids. You can secure any paired items with an industrial-strength stretch wrap. It is similar to heavy-duty plastic wrap, and it works well. 

9. Protect Your Beds

Beds are expensive, and you want to make sure your place to rest has protection from the weather or elements. Once your moving day is finally over, you want to ensure that your mattress is in the same condition, which means no suspicious liquids, dirt, or stains. It would be best if you were using bubble wrap to cover your mattress. 

Final Thoughts

All the many things linked to moving to another city, like finding new friends, starting another job, and finding a new doctor, can be very stressful, but this doesn't mean that your move should be. Maintain to-do lists, throw away what you no longer need, and make sure your items are protected from breaking to guarantee a safe and smooth move.

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The Difference Between Local and Long-distance Moving

4 reasons to get several quotes moving for a long distance

Moving to Another State? Your Guide to Planning a Stress-Free Move