Planning a move is always complex and time-consuming, but planning a long distance move is worse, especially if you have never done it before. If you will soon be moving across the country or to another continent, you could certainly use a few long distance moving tips.
Here is how you can carefully plan your next long distance move.
1. Learn as much as you can about your new home
If you haven’t found your new home already, you need to do it before you start planning your long distance move. Once you know where you are going to move, research and learn as much as you can about what will be your new surroundings.
It’s important to be aware of the local laws, social practices and weather of your new area.
2. Determine your moving budget
It makes sense that a long distance move will cost you a lot more than a local move. If you want everything to go as smoothly as possible, you need to determine your moving budget.
How much money will you spend on your move? How will you travel to your new destination? Will you be able to hire long distance movers?
3. Prepare your moving calendar
Now that you have a better idea of how much money you can spend on your long distance move, try to figure out how much time you have to complete the process.
Make a detailed moving calendar where you will note everything you will have to do, and when you will have to do it. Remember to take it one step at a time.
4. Decide what you will keep and what you will get rid of
It’s always when we get ready to move that we realize how much stuff we have accumulated over the years. Take a moment to decide which items you don’t need anymore, and get rid of them. Ask yourself if it would be a good idea to sell your large pieces of furniture, and to buy new ones later.
Next, make an inventory of everything you want to move to your new home.
5. Find movers with experience in long distance moving
The best option will probably be to hire movers who have a lot of experience in long distance moving. Long distance movers should be able to advise you on all the paperwork you will need to fill out so your belongings can reach your new home with no hassle.
Your movers might even offer packing services, so you won’t need to do it on your own.
6. Make sure your belongings will be packed safely
If you have to pack all your belongings on your own, make sure everything is packed safely so you won’t have bad surprises when you reach your new home.
Get sturdy boxes, and make sure everything you put inside them is cushioned with protective materials. Use moving blankets to wrap and protect large items and furniture.
7. Plan your trip to your new home
You know how your belongings will reach your new home. But how will you get there? Will you drive to your destination, or will you get there by plane? Will you have to stay in a hotel?
Plan your trip in advance so you will be able to get to your new home on time, without feeling rushed or exhausted.
8. Take care of all the paperwork
Changing your address and taking care of the necessary paperwork is something you can start doing at the beginning of your long distance move, but you will have plenty of time to cancel subscriptions, transfer your driver’s license, and update your insurance policies when you are settled in your new home.
