How to Prepare for a Long Distance Move

Are you planning a long distance move in the future? If so, it’s important to plan and prepare accordingly in order to have a smooth transition. Just moving around town is a huge undertaking, but with moving across the country, there are extra considerations.

Here’s everything you need to know about preparing for a long distance move.

Plan and Prepare

When it comes to a long distance move, there’s a lot to take into account. You’ll not only need to plan to move your household items but also yourself and family members, pets, and vehicles. Once you have your new move in date, start making your to-do list and plan backward from there. You’ll want to keep your to-do list, any important dates, receipts, and estimates in one place to stay organized throughout the process.

Hire Professionals 

While you may be able to get away with moving yourself for a shorter distance transition, a long distance move means you’ll need to call in the professionals. It’s recommended you get estimates from at least three different moving companies before making your decision. Price is an important factor, but the reputation of the moving company is just as important, especially when you’re trusting someone to move all of your belongings across the county. As such, you’ll want to make sure that the company you’re considering has good reviews.

Make Reservations

Once you’ve vetted a few moving companies, including companies that can transport your vehicle, it’s time to choose one or two that meet your needs.

You’ll also want to start making air and/or hotel arrangements for your journey, depending on how you plan to travel. Additionally, you’ll want to plan for pet transportation. The easiest way to move with a pet is by car, but if this isn’t an option for you, you’ll need to consider whether you want to fly with your pet or hire a separate pet transportation company. Keep in mind that with air travel, different airlines have varied pet policies, so you’ll also need to look into that.

Invest in Quality Supplies

Now it’s time to get packing. If you’re planning on packing yourself, it’s important to invest in quality moving supplies, especially when moving across the country. This includes heavy duty boxes, bubble wrap to keep fragile items secure, blankets to cover furniture, and a few rolls of packing tape.

Pack Away

If you are packing yourself, you’ll definitely want to downsize as you pack. Downsizing during a long distance move ensures that you don’t have to pay extra to move unnecessary items as well as a smoother move-in process.

While you’re packing, you’ll also want to start creating an inventory list in the event that not all of your items arrive with you at your final destination.

Situate Mail and Utilities

Before you leave, there’s also a few housekeeping items you’ll want to take care of. This includes changing your address with the post office, cutting off utilities at your current residence and starting services at your new address if possible, and registering your children at their new school(s) if this applies to you. 

Separate the Essentials

When moving a long distance, it’s important that you separate essential items and keep them with you during the journey. Items you’ll want to keep on your person include any prescription medications, important documents, valuables, clothing and toiletries for the journey, baby food and supplies as well as any pet food and supplies.

Prepare for Takeoff

As you prepare to head out, be sure to plan for plenty of breaks, bring lots of snacks, and make sure all of your devices are charged, especially if traveling with kids and/or pets.

While nothing ever goes according to plan, having one in mind will ensure a smoother and less stressful long distance move.