Moving is a lot of work. Whether you’re moving across town, across the state, or across the country, it’s one of the most stressful events in a person’s life. As if packing up your life and driving halfway across the country isn’t enough to worry about, it’s even more difficult when you’re doing so over a long distance. Around 3 million Americans move interstate each year.
These four essential tips will make your long-distance move way easier!
Plan Ahead – Change Address Details Early
If you’re moving long-distance, one of the most important things you can do is change your address before moving. You’ll want to start gathering your mail and canceling subscriptions as soon as possible so that they stop sending you items while you are on the move.
If you are getting a new job in the area, contact your new employer and let them know that you will be arriving soon so they can make any necessary arrangements for housing.
Start packing as soon as possible because it will save time later.
Pack with Distance in Mind
When you’re packing for a long-distance move, the first thing to remember is your time spent on the road. You’ll want to load as much as possible into your vehicle, even if you’re using household moving services, so that you have less of a chance of having to make another trip.
It’s important to plan for things that might be difficult or not possible to bring with you if you’re going long distance. For instance, bulky items or fragile items may need special packing and handling, so plan ahead and make sure you know what your moving company will require of you.
Downsize Your Belongings and Prioritize What Needs To Move With You
One of the most important things to consider when moving long distances is what you need to bring with you. If possible, try to get rid of your belongings and only take the essentials with you.
The less furniture and other items you bring with you, the less likely it is that something will break during transit. This means that if there’s a small item that would break in your new home but not in your old one, chances are it’s worth leaving behind.
Your new home may also come with different utilities or amenities than your old one, so make sure to take those into account as well when deciding what to pack up.
Allow Yourself Plenty of Time
One of the most important things to keep in mind when planning a long-distance move is that you’re going to need time. Time is necessary for packing up your life and getting it ready for transport, driving across the country, unloading your stuff, and unpacking it all.
The best thing you can do is give yourself plenty of time before you have to be out of your old place and into your new home. If possible, start packing at least a month before you’re set to move. This will ensure that you don’t leave anything behind during the process. Additionally, if you find it challenging to find someone else to go with you on the trip, recruit a friend or family member for some emotional support during the drive.
