The Internet's Best Family Guide To Moving Long Distances

If you are moving a short distance, it is easy to just pack up a few boxes, drop them in the back of your car, and make several trips back and forth between your old and new living quarters. However, if you are moving a significant distance, this is really not an option. As such, here are a few things that you should consider if you are planning a long-distance move.

Start With A Plan

Moving across the country, or to a different nation altogether, is a major life step. You are taking every possession you own and transporting them thousands of miles away. Therefore, you will need to create a comprehensive plan in order to remember and cover all aspects of your move. Try writing each task crucial to the move on a spreadsheet or in list form and checking off each item as it is completed. This way, you won’t miss anything important.

Once you write it all out, schedule when you would like to complete certain tasks. Many items are time-sensitive, and these should take priority, like turning on utilities. Set reminders on your phone a few days in advance so you don’t miss any deadlines.

Declutter And Downsize

It is always in your best interest to take stock of items in your home that you are no longer using, yet you’ve still held onto. If you have books you already read, out-of-style clothing, or kitchen appliances that you never use, either sell them online or donate them to a charity or shelter in your local area.

Put Aside Essentials

Remember, it is a possibility that you may not receive all your boxes right away, so it is critical to put aside some everyday items that you will need immediately after moving. Simply pack a box, which you will keep open until the day you leave, with toiletries, clean towels and bedding, a few changes of clothes, pots, pans, dishes, and other essentials. You’ll be grateful later!

Pack Everything Accordingly

Don’t just throw mismatched items in random boxes. Try to keep them organized by room or purpose (a box full of cosmetics, for example). That way, unpacking will be much simpler later. Also, since your things are going to be driven or flown around for quite a while, try packing them accordingly. For example, wrap delicate items in bubble wrap or newspaper and mark these boxes clearly as “fragile”.

Also, label all boxes so you are aware of the contents of each one prior to opening them. And, put your name and phone number on them as well. Some moving companies pack trucks with boxes belonging to different clients, so, if this happens in your case, your cartons will need to be identified.

Pay For Specific Moving Insurance

If you already have auto or home insurance, see just what they may cover when it comes to moving and your personal items’ protection. If either offers coverage, take advantage of it, but if they do not, that is where moving insurance can be a lifesaver. These policies are often offered by moving companies, but tend to be quite limited. Therefore, if you have some items that are high in value, it may be best to purchase additional coverage.

Hire Your Chosen Long-Distance Movers

When you partner with a quality moving company, you will find the help to be invaluable and time-saving. In addition to placing your furniture and already-packed boxes on their trucks and transporting them for you, some moving companies offer packing services, as well. This sure comes in handy if you are working long hours or have family obligations taking up your time.

Just be sure to take the time to read online reviews of movers in your current area to see which company is best suited for your own unique needs.

Ship Your Vehicles

If you are moving a far distance, and don’t want to drive, or if you are moving over a body of water, consider a vehicle shipping company. For example, you should look into Hawaii car shipping if you are moving to the archipelago from the continental United States. That way, you get to keep your car rather than having to sell it and buy a new one.

In conclusion, follow these simple tips and your long-distance move should be a breeze. As long as you diligently plan ahead, and stay organized, you should never have to worry about forgetting anything.