Long-distance relocation is a life-changing prospect. Whether your move was a sudden decision because of a job or a process that’s been in the works for years, it’s finally time to prepare for the big move. Use this complete guide to moving and packing for long-distance moves to cover all your bases and ensure a hassle-free moving experience. Concentrate on your exciting, new life in your new location and leave much of the stress and exertion of moving to a qualified team of professionals. Here are the basic steps to long-distance moving:
- Create a list
- Downsize
- Gather packing materials
- Work with a moving company
- Pack your belongings
Explore each of these steps to prepare confidently for your big move. A long-distance move can be an exciting, unforgettable experience with the right team and plan to keep things organized and moving forward.
1. Create a List
Long-distance moving is not a project you can afford to procrastinate on. In order to be sure all your bases are covered, a list is essential. Once you have a basic list of the steps you need to take to prepare for your move, break it down into further sections and put them on the calendar.
Downsizing is a process that could take multiple days, weeks or even months, depending on your free time and the amount of possessions in your home. Other steps, like gathering packing materials, can be easily accomplished with the help of professional residential movers.
2. Downsize
Renters and homeowners alike typically have too many possessions. Even if you use the most affordable moving service or move your own items, you’re still spending time and money transporting items from one place to the next. Follow these steps to evaluate your belongings and use this chance to clear unused and unusable items from your possession.
Organize
Take a few hours or days to go through all your belongings. Before you start packaging things, it’s important to know what you have. Organize closets, kitchen cupboards and other storage areas. You may be surprised at the amount of duplicate items you have or the amount of clothing you have that you no longer wear.
As you organize, create must-have, would-like-to-have and don’t-want piles. Go through these as you organize to lighten your load and make long-distance moving less stressful and costly. In the end, you’ll have a trimmed-down household of all your treasured, essential belongings to take to your new home.
Sell, Donate or Recycle
You’ll undoubtedly have a pile (or small mountain) of items that you no longer want, need or can use. Some items just aren’t part of your lifestyle anymore, while others are damaged or unusable. Further sort this pile into items to sell, donate or recycle. This process helps encourage you to send your usable items to a new home, reduce the amount of items that go to a landfill and even give you some cash as you prepare for your move.
Take Stock
After all this organization, you may need to go through the same steps again. Continue to review your items and consider what you may need for your new home. This is particularly true if you’re downsizing from one home or apartment to the next. Moving from a four-bedroom home in the country to a two-bedroom downtown apartment will require serious downsizing of furniture and other belongings.
3. Gather Packing Materials
Moving any distance requires a significant amount of packing materials. Boxes and bags keep all your loose items together and plastic wrap and packing blankets protect fragile items from being damaged along the way.
Take time to gather packing materials before moving day. Some moving services bring their own packing items, so you may not need to spend the time to shop for moving supplies. Confirm this with your moving company so you can have many of your loose items packed away before moving day.
Consider Bulky Objects
Some extra-large furniture pieces or extremely fragile items need further consideration. If you have a priceless vase or family heirloom, you can’t simply wrap it in a blanket and throw it in with your other belongings. Work with a moving specialist who can advise you about the proper moving strategy for all of your items. An experienced specialist will have ideas for the type of padding and other materials necessary to keep your belongings intact on a long journey.
4. Work With a Moving Company
It pays to work with a moving company. If you’re attempting to move on your own, you’ll need to rent the necessary moving equipment. This can be extremely costly for long-distance moving, particularly if you’re leaving the state.
Professional moving companies who are experienced with long-distance moves offer affordable rates and quality services. A qualified company will take the stress out of moving and assist you in temporary storage or other needs you may have along the way. Here are a few ways you should compare moving companies to ensure you receive the highest quality services.
Read Reviews
Customer reviews offer an insider look at your particular moving company. Use customer reviews to compare companies and choose an experienced service provider who is capable of delivering exceptional moving assistance wherever you travel.
Look for Storage Solutions
Many long-distance moves require storage solutions. This may be due to a gap between possession of your old house and new house or a number of other factors. A qualified moving company has its own storage solutions that are affordable and flexible enough for hassle-free storage.
5. Pack Your Belongings
After you’ve decided on the perfect long distance movers for your big trip, it’s time to create a packing schedule. Ask your moving company about an ideal timeline for packing and moving, and schedule moving day ahead of time so it’s an efficient, stress-free experience. You may wish to have most or all of your belongings packed into boxes before movers arrive to speed up the process.
Organize and Label
Don’t forget to keep your belongings organized. Labels on boxes will go a long way in reducing the stress of packing and unpacking. Obviously, fragile boxes should be marked, but you should also organize boxes based on location.
Once your boxes are labeled, your moving team can assist you in unloading boxes in the correct rooms of your new home. Rather than taking up your entire living room with a mountain of boxes, you’ll be greeted with boxes sorted by their location for speedy unpacking.
Pack a Weekend Bag
Many long-distance moves are multi-day projects. If you’re moving far away, remember to keep out enough clothing, toiletries and other accessories for a few days. That way, you’ll have everything you need for moving day and the entire trip to your new home. Pack another outfit and everything you need for the first day in your new home. This will give you a few moments to relax in your new home instead of frantically sorting through boxes.
Prepare for Your New Life with Direct Relocation Services
With careful planning, experienced interstate movers and an organized moving day, you can enjoy your long-distance move. At Direct Relocation Services, we specialize in hassle-free moving services. Work with our team to learn more tips on efficient packing and organization for a long move. Contact us today to receive an estimate or to learn more about hassle-free long-distance moving.