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Whether you’re relocating to a new house in Tacoma, WA or an apartment in Houston, TX, moving into a new home in a new city or state can be an exciting adventure. However, the process of long-distance relocation can also feel overwhelming. Proper planning and organization are crucial to ensuring a smooth and successful move. In this comprehensive guide, Redfin provides you with 12 valuable tips to make your long-distance move stress-free and efficient.
1. Start planning early
Long-distance moves require careful planning, so start as early as possible. Ideally, begin the process at least 8 to 12 weeks before your intended move date. Create a detailed moving checklist and timeline to keep track of important tasks. This includes researching moving companies and scheduling necessary services such as transferring utilities. Also, you’ll want to estimate how many moving boxes you’ll need and start gathering those.
2. Hire a reputable moving company
Choosing the right moving company is essential for a successful long-distance move. Research several companies and read online reviews to assess their reputation and customer satisfaction. Obtain written estimates from multiple movers and compare their services and prices. Look for companies with proper licensing, insurance, and a good track record of handling long-distance moves.
3. Get moving insurance to protect your belongings
Accidents happen, even if you find a quality moving company. It’s important to be prepared when moving long-distance, just in case some of your stuff gets damaged in transit. Ask about the difference between basic carrier liability (usually included) and full-value protection (covers replacement or repair).
4. Declutter and get rid of unnecessary items
Long-distance moves can be costly based on the volume of your belongings. Take this opportunity to declutter your home thoroughly. Donate, sell, or discard items you no longer need or use. A garage sale or selling items on Facebook Marketplace can earn you some extra cash to help cover moving expenses, which can come in handy if you’re moving on a budget. Reducing the number of items to move will not only save you money but also make the packing and unpacking process much more manageable.
5. Notify important parties to update your information
One of the critical steps in a long-distance move is notifying relevant parties of your upcoming relocation. Inform your current and new utility providers about your move-out and move-in dates to ensure a seamless transfer of services. Also, notify your banks, insurance companies, credit card providers, and any other institutions you have accounts with about your change of address.
6. Organize important documents
During a long-distance move, important documents can easily get lost or misplaced. Gather and organize essential documents such as passports, IDs, birth certificates, medical records, financial paperwork, and any contracts related to your new home. Keep them in a safe and easily accessible place, and consider carrying these documents with you personally rather than packing them in boxes.
Don’t forget to update your address with relevant government agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and the postal service.. Additionally, inform any subscriptions, friends, family, and other contacts of your new address to continue receiving mail, packages, and services without interruptions.
7. Take inventory of all your things
Create a detailed inventory of all your belongings before the move. It’s particularly crucial for long-distance moves, where your belongings may be transported with other items. Having an inventory will help you keep track of your possessions and ensure that everything arrives safely at your new home.
“With a move of any size, it is prudent to have an accurate assessment of your property,” says Thomas Engelhart of 513 Movers.
8. Plan your travel and accommodation
If you’re driving to your new home, plan the route in advance and make reservations for accommodations along the way if needed. Calculate the distance, travel time, and any potential stops you might want to make. Consider the best time to travel to avoid heavy traffic or bad weather.
If your move involves air travel, book your flights well ahead of time to secure the best prices. Arrange for transportation from the airport to your new home in advance. If you have pets, ensure they have proper travel arrangements as well.
9. Pack methodically
Packing your belongings room by room is a practical and efficient approach. Start with the items you use less frequently and work your way to daily essentials. Invest in sturdy moving boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and quality tape. Wrap fragile items individually to prevent damage.
Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will make unpacking a breeze and help movers place boxes in the correct rooms in your new home. Additionally, keep an inventory list of your packed items using a moving inventory app. Having a detailed list will help you ensure that nothing gets lost during transportation and will serve as a reference if you need to file an insurance claim.
Marcin Cwaliński of Ampol Moving, Inc suggests doing the packing yourself to stay organized and save money.
“In order to keep costs down, we advise anyone who is moving to be as organized as possible,” he says. Cwaliński recommends packing your own boxes and moving items to the garage to speed up the process when the movers arrive to move your stuff.
10. Pack an essentials box
Packing an essentials box is a simple yet incredibly useful step that can save you time and stress during and after your move. Pack a box with items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home. This may include toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, basic kitchen supplies, essential tools, and any items that will help you settle in comfortably during the first few days.
For easy access, keep the essentials box with you during the move, rather than having it transported with the rest of your belongings.
11. Keep valuable items nearby
Even with moving insurance, you never know what might happen during a long-distance move. Insurance might protect you financially, but it won’t eliminate the inconvenience of valuable jewelry and documents getting lost or damaged. Eliminate that variable by keeping these items nearby during the moving process instead of packing them with the rest of your things.
12. Stay positive and stay flexible
Lastly, remember that moving, especially long-distance, can be challenging and unpredictable. Unexpected issues may arise, but maintaining a positive attitude and staying flexible can make the process more manageable. Embrace the adventure and the new opportunities that await you in your new location.
Additional moving tips
Whether you’re prepping for a long-distance move or just moving across town, here are some quick moving hacks to make your transition a piece of cake:
- Pack essential items in clear containers so they’re easy to spot
- Take photos of electronics before moving for easy reconnecting in your new home
- Pack non-essential items first
- Use color-coded labels for each room
- Put small parts in Ziploc bags
- Double-check to make sure nothing is left behind at your old home or missing at your new one
- Keep your phone charged and available in case your movers call
Long-distance moving FAQs
How do you prepare furniture for long-distance moving?
Large furniture should be disassembled if possible. Other items should be wrapped with plastic wrap (or moving blankets for wooden furniture to prevent condensation.
How much does long-distance moving cost?
Although the exact price can vary greatly depending on the distance of the move, a long-distance move can cost anywhere between $2,000 and $10,000, with DIY moves on the lower end of the spectrum and full-service moves on the high end.
How do you transport plants when moving long-distance?
Make sure you stabilize the pots so that your plants don’t tip over. If you’re transporting plants in your car, wrap them in plastic to prevent soil from spilling out. Make sure your plants are well-watered before you move.
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