Although moving is never really easy, doing it locally certainly makes it easier. So when you’re moving somewhere far away, you’d best be prepared. It takes quite a bit of planning to organize a long-distance move. You’ll need to research and hire long distance movers Florida, pack your belongings safely for a long trip and figure out how to settle in in a completely different place. So where should you start? And what can you do to make your move easier? With these tips from moving professionals, you’ll organize a long-distance move in no time and with no stress!
Preparation: where should you start to organize a long-distance move?
When someone says “moving”, your first thought is probably of driving to your new home with all your possessions in a moving truck behind you. But there’s plenty to do before that day comes. And you can’t just hire interstate movers Florida immediately and call it a day. There’s still some planning and preparation to do first.
Start early and give yourself plenty of time
Preparing and organizing a long-distance move can take a lot of time. So don’t waste a single minute! Start preparing for the move as soon as you know there’ll be one. This will significantly reduce your stress levels as you won’t have to deal with any time pressure. And if anything goes wrong during the move, you’ll have some leeway to fix it.
Get organized and plan ahead
There are certain things in life you don’t want to play by ear. Moving is definitely one of them. And when you’re moving long-distance, staying organized and having a plan is absolutely crucial. If you’re the type of person who likes writing things down and having solid paper in your hands, get a folder or a binder to keep all your moving documents, notes, to-do lists, and schedules. On the other hand, if you prefer to keep things in electronic formats, make an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of your progress.
Hire professional movers
While nothing is impossible, organizing and executing a long-distance move all by yourself may as well be. Your best choice is, therefore, to hire professional movers who have the experience and knowledge to make even a long-distance move easy. The right full-service moving company can take care of the entire relocation for you. From packing to transportation to unpacking, you’ll be covered!
Do your research before you decide
Before you make a final decision, be sure to do thorough research on your options. Make sure all movers you’re considering are legitimate. Check out the companies’ ratings and reviews on the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of what to expect from their services. Finally, don’t forget to get a few different moving estimates to compare prices and find the most cost-effective movers in the area.
Don’t forget to deal with the paperwork while you organize a long-distance move
You’d be surprised by how much paperwork moving involves. You’ll need to change your address with the USPS, update your IDs and licenses, re-register your vehicles, cancel your utilities, collect and move all your medical, school and veterinary records, and of course, keep track all your moving receipts. Make sure to research any additional documentation you might need, especially when moving to another state or country.
Packing: tips on how to pack when you need to organize a long-distance move
Packing is arguably the most difficult part of a long-distance move. So it’s important to take your time with it and set aside a few days just for that!
Do some downsizing before you pack
Before you even start packing, think about what you need to pack. The more stuff you bring with you, the more difficult your move will be. So do you really need everything you own? Probably not! Old clothes, furniture, and electronics you no longer use have no place in your new home. Give them away, donate or sell to lighten the load.
Pack boxes with distance in mind
It’s a long and potentially bumpy road to a long-distance move. And we do mean that literally! So when you’re packing, make sure you use high-quality durable packing material. Don’t overload boxes but don’t leave them too empty either. You want the stuff inside to move around as little as possible to prevent potential damage. Remember to use plenty of stuffing and protective material too. If you’re not sure you can do it yourself, professional packers can help you with this as well.
Keep the necessities and valuables with you
With long-distance moving, the delivery window for your possessions can be as long as two weeks. Adding in potential delays, you may have to live without your stuff for a whole month. So plan for that! Bring a few basic necessities like toiletries and a couple of changes of clothes with you. And don’t forget to keep your documents and valuables on your person so they don’t get lost!
Moving: after you organize a long-distance move, put your plan into action
All your planning and organizing finally leads to the big day! And now it’s time to put your plan into action.
Organize a long-distance move off-season
If at all possible, try to schedule your moving day off-season. Not only is moving in the summer going to cost you more but movers may also be busy at the time you need them or require more time to complete your relocation due to their increased workload. So avoid moving in the summer whenever you can.
Get to know your new neighborhood
Ideally, you’ll have the time to visit your new neighborhood and home before you actually move in. This isn’t always the case if you’re moving far away. So try to do a bit of research while you organize a long-distance move, join local groups on social media, check out advice for tourists and newcomers to the area and spend some time on Google Maps. Where is the nearest store, the nearest parking lot, the best restaurant that delivers to your new address? It’ll be easier to settle in if you know what you’re expecting!
