If you’re facing a long-distance move, you know the process can be a little stressful. Luckily, proper planning can prevent frantic scrambles as your moving day draws near. Whether you’re moving a few states over or across the entire country, a few moving tips can help streamline your long-distance journey. When you head into your move feeling prepared and ready, it’s easier to focus on settling into your new space, rather than stressing out over everything you still need to do. Here are a few tips:
1. Start Planning Early
The best thing you can do to enjoy an easier move is to start planning as early as possible. Not only does this prevent last-minute scrambles, but it’s also a great way to ensure you’re checking all the boxes and that you’re not leaving out any important details.
How early you’ll want to start planning will depend on when and where you’re moving. For example, if you’re making a major move across the country, you’ll want to start planning at least three months in advance. If on the other hand, you’re just moving around the corner, a few weeks of planning should do it.
During this planning period, hire a moving company, start packing the items in rarely-used rooms and areas of the home, and arrange to have your mail and subscriptions forwarded. While these are small details, they can make the days leading up to your big move easier and much less stressful.
2. Hire a Moving Company
During a big move, one of the smartest things you can do is hire a professional moving company to help you get the job done. If you’re moving long distance, look for a company that handles long-distance moves and has the tools, skills, and team needed to get you and your items to your new place safely and quickly.
If you’ve never worked with a moving company before, be sure to do your research before you sign the contract. You want to partner with a company that’s experienced, insured, and trusted by its clients. Spend some time reading online reviews and finding a company that strikes you as professional and friendly.
After all, you’ll be spending a great deal of time with your movers, and you want it to be a positive experience!
Let Colonial Van Lines Get You Moving
With Colonial Van Lines every move is personalized to fit your long distance moving needs and budget.
3. Start Packing
The earlier you start packing, the easier it will be to get rid of clutter and use your time efficiently. If you’re not sure where to begin, start packing by category or room. For example, extra linens first, then clothing and kitchen items. Make sure to buy actual moving boxes we even found a breakdown of how much moving boxes cost. As you pack, label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. This will make unpacking and getting organized at your new place easier.
If you can’t bear the thought of packing amid everything else you must do, hire a moving company that offers professional packing services. This will save you time and hassle and allow you to focus on other aspects of your move, like researching the exciting attractions around your new home. Colonial offers professional packing services to give you peace of mind during your relocation.
4. Insure Your Belongings
You’ve hired a professional moving company. Do you really need insurance? The answer might be yes! If your moving company doesn’t offer moving insurance of its own, or if it’s minimal enough to not cover all your items fully, you may want to take steps to insure your belongings.
While an accident during moving is unlikely, it does happen, and you want to be able to replace your television or dinner table if something happens during transit. Ask your moving team about your insurance options. They’ll be able to give you a good idea of where to start and how much coverage you should seek out. Read some frequently asked moving questions to get answers to common questions like moving insurance offerings.
5. Pack a “Day of” Box
Moving has a way of making all your items hard to find and virtually impossible to reach while you’re in transit. To make moving easier, pack yourself a “day of” box filled with items you’ll need handy on the day of your move.
If you have kids, use this box to stash a change of clothes, some snacks, their favorite toys, and a book or two. You should also toss in some shipping tape, a marker, a water bottle and some snacks for yourself, and a toiletry bag with your toothbrush, any needed medications, and some aspirin.
Moving Made Simple
Long distance moving doesn’t have to be difficult! Before you start your move, contact Colonial Van Lines to get a free quote for our moving services, storage, packing, and more! One of the most comprehensive moving companies in the country, we’ve got the skills, team, and experience you need to get on the road faster, and to enjoy an easier move. Contact us today to learn more.
