The Finest Long-Distance Moving Tips You’ll Ever Find

When people decide where to move, they usually pay more attention to how they will furnish their new home and where they will work and live. Important aspects of the move (like how to move safely and the ever-present packing of fragile items) get neglected. There is no better way to avoid relocation stress than learning how to get organized to move. Our essential long-distance move tips feature all the things you should do before relocating.

First Step – Create a Relocation Checklist

Preparing for the arrival of your West Coast movers takes time. In fact, it’s quite easy to lose yourself in all the tasks. Having a relocation planner with all receipts, deadlines, personal task lists, and email reminders will ensure you stay organized during the whole process. Take a sheet of paper and write down all the things you have to do before the relocation day.

It would be best to create a timetable for each task. Decide how many weeks in advance you have to pack your belongings, collect travel documents, schedule your cross-country movers, and so on. Also, if you are at a loss on how to properly create a relocation checklist, get a printable relocation planner that can be found online.

Create a Relocation Budget

So, how much does it cost to move house? You might be wondering if the move will take a significant financial toll on your savings. But with an appropriate relocation budget, you won’t be unpleasantly surprised by unexpected fees. Start budgeting by researching how much it will cost to hire a relocation company. Cross country moving services usually cost approximately 5,000 dollars. Evaluate how much money you will have to spend on supplies, materials, and other costs. Don’t forget to have some money on the side for everyday expenses and additional expenses.

Research Long-Distance Moving Companies

Hiring the right long-distance moving company is easier said than done. Sometimes it can take longer than expected because you have to find a reputable and trustworthy firm. When researching online, check if the firm you are interested in has testimonials and reviews on its website.

Googling to see if some people left positive or negative comments can also be useful, but don’t overestimate any firm because of their unrivaled reputation online. No relocation company is perfect, so if you see only positive reviews, you might fall prey to rogue movers. Reading reviews and testimonials is not enough – reach out to your friends and family for reliable recommendations.

Get Moving Quotes

The next step in finding an adequate company is contacting at least three different companies and getting in-home estimates. It would be best to call and get your quotes as early as five weeks before the move. In this way, you will have enough time to plan, organize, and budget accordingly. There is some preliminary information online that you can give to a company and get a quick estimate, but the most accurate relocation quotes are given only after East Coast movers come and inspect your home in person.

Collect Important Documents on Time

Among the long-distance moving tips is collecting important records and documents. You should know, for example, that in order to register with a physician in a new city, you will have to visit your primary care physician and get all the family medical records, like vaccination records.

Also, in case you are relocating with kids, you must reach out to the school your child attends. You can receive all the school records or arrange for the documents to be transferred between the old and the new school.

Update Your Documents and Change Address

Soon you’ll be changing your address, and that means that all of your documents and records have to be updated. Don’t hesitate to go to the DMV and get all the necessary information for updating your driver’s license and registration. Plan ahead and research everything that needs to be done.

What is more, when changing your address, you will have to let the post office know. But, there are different ways you can do this. You can submit your address online or by phone. You will have to fill out a form with all the necessary information, so check if you have the right house or apartment number and how the name of the street is spelled.

Organize the Packing Process

The success of your relocation largely depends on the boxing-up strategy. Ensuring your belongings reach your future home intact is a number one priority. That is why you should inform yourself about some relocation hacks necessary for keeping your items safe and protected.

Make an Inventory List of Your Belongings

All of your necessary stuff and relocation essentials like clothes, furniture, electronics, appliances, and valuables should be written down on the packing list. So, how do you create a list of everything you own? Simple, use a notebook and a pen (or an app) and write down every item you want to be transported to your future home. Ensure you jot down in what condition the item is or get a serial number if it has one. You can also take a photo of your belongings so you can compare the condition of your things before and after the move.

Declutter Your Home and Get Rid of Unwanted Items

One of the most useful relocation tips is to declutter your house. Purge the space and decide if there are adequate reasons to move some items. Don’t plan on transporting old furniture, broken appliances, worn-out clothes, and books that you are never going to read. If you don’t see value in something you own, it is better to get rid of it than transporting it to the new home and creating clutter from the start. Some of the things can be donated, recycled, or sold in a yard sale.

Here is a helpful video on decluttering do’s and don’ts – make sure to watch it.

Before You Pack, Purchase Essential Packing Supplies

You cannot start boxing up your whole house without adequate supplies and materials. Evaluate your packing list and plan everything you will require to safely store and protect your stuff. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cardboard boxes,
• Duct tape,
• Labels,
• Box cutters,
• Bubble wrap,
• Packing paper.

Some people want to ensure they save up on their supplies and packing materials as much as they can. Everyone has an option to get free cardboard boxes from local businesses, hardware stores, and supermarkets. Or you can check the Craigslist website, where you can find free or exceptionally cheap relocation supplies.

How to Pack Your Belongings?

The most crucial part of any relocation is getting your packing right. Before you put anything in cardboard boxes, assemble them and see if they are clean and dry. It would be wise to tape the edges, corners, and bottoms. Be especially careful when boxing up fragile items. For example, when you pack dishes, you will have to add cushioning material to the bottom of the cardboard container.

Don’t overfill your boxes, and make sure that the boxes aren’t too heavy to carry. When you finish placing your belongings in the box, add bubble wrap or paper to fill any voids and gaps so that your stuff won’t shift or fall over in transit. When you seal the box, label it. Use either a waterproof marker or colors on the box’s surface so the crew knows where they have to unload the package.

Bear in mind that you’ll require a toolbox when preparing your items for the move. In order to wrap and disassemble furniture, you’ll require screwdrivers, a small drill, and pliers.

Invest in Auto Transportation

Getting all of your belongings safely loaded into the truck and transported is just half of the job. What you also need to think about is your vehicle and how to carefully get it transported to another location. Driving is an available option when moving to another state or city, but if you want to avoid risking damaging your vehicle and getting into unexpected accidents, consider investing in auto transport services. Your car will be transported on open or enclosed carriers by professional drivers, so you won’t have to worry about the vehicle’s safety. In this way, you will move efficiently.

Get a Storage Unit

You don’t have to box up and load all of your items on a relocation truck. Some things such as old or bulky furniture, items you are not yet ready to part with, and musical instruments can be transferred to a storage unit. Contact your long-distance movers and invest in storage services so you can leave some of your things in their capable hands. That is one of the best tips for a long-distance move because when people are relocating at the last minute or they don’t know what to do with their belongings, they can use the storage space.

Take Your Time to Get Accustomed to the New Environment

When you get a chance to move to a new city, you will have to figure out how to live and get accustomed to the new environment. What you can do as soon as you arrive is visit the most prominent places in the town, get to know the neighborhood, and meet new neighbors. Get all the necessary information about where to buy food, where to go out and what the best schools in the area are. This will allow you to get a better idea of your home.

With These Long-Distance Moving Tips, Your Move Will Be Successful

Relocating cross country can be exhausting and stressful. But, following the best instructions will allow you to easily overcome this task. Don’t forget to leave enough time to write down an inventory list, research all the available companies and get the appropriate supplies and materials. If you run into any problems, don’t hesitate to reach out to the call center representatives and ask any questions you may have.