Whether you’re moving a hundred or a thousand miles away, moving to another place will always be a lot of work. There are several things to consider, including how much money you should allot for it, what mode of transportation you’re going to use, and which items you should keep and let go of. To make moving day as stress-free as possible, here are some tips to keep in mind as you prepare for a long-distance move.
Get Long Distance Moving Estimates
There are several different ways to get your things to your new home. You can rent a truck and move them yourself, or if you don’t have a lot of items, you can even use your own car. However, you may not have the time or ability to do these, so it’s important to hire reliable long distance moving services.
To get the right deal, do your research on reputable moving services and get quotations from them. Get estimates from at least three movers and find the best deal for you. Avoid solely getting quotations online, and have the company check your house and belongings first. This will allow you to have an accurate estimate and avoid additional fees.
Update Your Licenses and Other Legal Documents
Relocating to another place isn’t just picking up your things and putting them in another place. There are important documents you need to update once you move. These include your driver’s license, bank information, car registration, and other vital identification cards. Save yourself a lot of time and headache in the future by keeping these documents up-to-date. This is especially the case if you’re moving out of state.
Make an Inventory of Your Items
Keep track of all of your things by creating a detailed inventory. Jot down how many boxes belong to each room, number each box, and write down what is placed in each box. It’s a lot of work, but it will help you avoid opening a dozen boxes first when you’re looking for just one item to use.
Measure Furniture
Smart tip: measure the dimensions of your furniture first. Keep these noted down, and compare them to the measurements of the doorways of your new place. You don’t want the trouble of moving all of your furniture and finding out that you can’t get them inside your new home. If you discover that your furniture won’t fit, consider leaving, donating, or even selling them for extra money to help your relocation.
Let Go of Unwanted Items
If you have any unwanted items, don’t bring them with you. They’ll only occupy space which you can better allot to other things. Go through your belongings, and create a discard pile of things you don’t mind letting go of. If they’re still usable, consider holding a garage sale or donating them to charities. A lot of companies pick up donation items for free, which can help you immensely if you decide to donate your other belongings.
Keep Your Valuables Close
No matter how reliable your moving company is, it’s always a good practice to keep your valuables close. Items such as jewelry, gadgets, important documents, collector’s items, and the like should be packed separately and securely. If you’re planning on using a car to go to your new place, you might consider bringing them along if they can reasonably fit inside your vehicle.
Label the Boxes
To efficiently move, make sure to label your boxes properly. Write down your name and the room where the box is supposed to be placed. Some moving companies deliver boxes from different families together, so having your name on your boxes will help identify them. For any particularly important boxes, put down your phone number as well, so you can be contacted if they get misplaced.
Get Moving Insurance
On the road, you’re not sure of what may happen. To protect your property, it’s important to have insurance. Some moving companies offer insurance, but if you have items that are particularly valuable, consider getting extra insurance for them. It’s an extra expense, but it’s better to be safe than sorry in case something happens during the move.
Learn the Rules for Moving In
Some apartments and residences have rules when it comes to moving in. Find out if there are any guidelines you need to follow, such as parking issues and documents you need to show. After arriving at your new place, use the inventory to check off items and ensure that everything arrived in one piece.
Moving to a new place isn’t easy, but it’s often a necessary milestone for a lot of people. Avoid wasting resources and stress by planning beforehand and keeping track of the moving process. Doing so will help ensure a smooth transition from your old home to a bright new life in your new place.