Like with any endeavor, preparation is your friend for a seamless activity. When preparing for a long distance move, there are many actions you can take to ensure the move is as hassle-free and seamless as possible. The following is a list of the top tips to help prepare you for your upcoming move that will make the entire process easier, less stressful, and cheaper.
Tip#1: Create a Reasonable Packing Timeline
Determining the length of time, it may take to pack up your home or apartment can be challenging. However, by breaking down the home packing process into manageable mini-tasks, you can remain motivated over the weeks it takes to pack. Assign deadlines for each mini-job so you can ensure the packing process is progressing efficiently.
Tip #2: Eliminate Unwanted Items
The cost of a long distance move is dependent on the number of items being transported between the two locations and the total weight. Therefore, it costs you money to transport items that you do not need or use. Do yourself a favor and determine what items stay and what can be sold, gifted, or donated to charity.
Tip #3: Inventory Your Home
As part of the unwanted items process, take inventory of your home to help sort and eliminate what you do not need. To do so, go from room-to-room and note all household items in each then sort into four categories: donate, move, recycle, sell.
Tip #4: Label All Moving Boxes
Labeling your moving boxes may seem like a futile and pointless activity but this is one of the most important to expedite unpacking after the long distance move. It only takes a moment to mark the box based on the room where the items will be unpacked. Make sure to label at least two sides of the box, write down the contents, room, and special handling information.
Tip #5: Prepare Your Pets
One point that is often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of the packing and moving process is preparing your pets for a long distance move. This is always a challenging aspect of any move because regular moving companies cannot transport pets. Luckily, there is a process and end solution to this challenge. First, take your pet to their local vet for a thorough checkup to ensure they are ready for the lengthy journey. Second, move your pet in your car which will keep them comfortable and give you peace of mind they are OK. If this is impossible, transport them on a flight or hire pet movers to transport your animal.
Tip #6: Request Moving Estimates ASAP
As soon as you find out about the long distance move, start researching and requesting moving estimates immediately. It could take months to get a date for a long distance move. Always request multiple estimates from the best local movers in your area.
Tip #7: Start Packing Immediately
As soon as you learn of the long distance move, it is important to start packing. This is the longest stage of the long distance move and could take weeks to accomplish. In the first tip, you have been tasked with creating a reasonable packing timeline so make sure to closely follow each milestone to make moving day as stress-free as possible. Always start packing in the rooms that are the most difficult to pack and sort.
Moving across the street or the country is a stressful activity. However, by utilizing these tips, you can ensure your long distance move is seamless and as stress-free as possible. Reach out to Winter Moving & Storage for your next big move!