This content has been reviewed by the National Van Lines Team
Moving across the country? Whatever your reason for moving, being prepared is the key to success. Each year, roughly 14% of people take on the adventure to relocate to a new home. If you’ve never moved a long distance, knowing what to expect will help ease the process.
Here are 6 things to keep in mind when planning a long distance move:
1. Move During Off-Season
Moving can be an expensive experience. Looking to save some money? Make a choice to move during the off-season can increase your chance to save on expenses and give you the opportunity to take advantage of special rates. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, July and August are the most popular months for people to move. If you have the option, think about making your move sometime between September and May. Understand the delivery spread.
2. One Year Rule
Throughout the packing process, pay attention to the items you haven’t used, or even seen within the last year. While we often choose to keep things just in case, chances are if you haven’t used it in the last year, you never will. If that’s the case, let it go!
3. Relax
Moving your entire life is both a commitment and a process. Though it would be easy if everything went according to plan, a move often takes on a life of its own. The best thing you can do during these times is to relax. At the end of the day, all of your belongings will get packed, and everything will make it to your new home. A go-with-the-flow state of mind will help you sleep at night.
4. Pack Properly
When planning for an cross-country move, one of the most important things to think about is how you’re packing your goods. By ensuring everything is packed properly with the correct boxes, tape, and wrappings, we can be sure that your possessions will arrive to your new home safe and sound. Be sure to get boxes, tape, and newspaper ahead of time so you’re not feeling rushed closer to your move.
5. Soak In The Memories
Whether you’re moving due to a new job opportunity, looking for a change, , this journey is not one to be taken lightly. While making the decision to move is without a doubt exciting, taking the time to soak in the memories is an important part of the process. Take a moment to reminisce about the time you stayed up late watching old movies with friends and on your child’s first steps. You’re not saying goodbye to the old, but rather preparing for the new.
6. Give Yourself Time To Adjust
A long distance move can involve different time zones, a possible climate change, and maybe even a different culture. Giving yourself time to adjust will allow you to get settled into both your new home and new surroundings. This is especially critical if you have kids. Building in extra time to handle that adjustment period is what children need. Everyone will be in better spirits, making your move easier.
Bonus Tips
Moving is never a simple affair. Relocating to a new state or across the country can throw a load of new complications into the mix. You need to know what to expect as you begin researching moving companies and preparing your home for relocation.
Packing for Long Distance
Packing for a local move often seems easy compared to a long distance move. Everything still needs to be packed, but how securely each item is packed has a lot more impact during a long distance move. Open boxes and previously used packing supplies might keep your dishes safe enough if you’re just moving a few blocks away. However, during a long distance move, with all your belongings traveling by van down highways, this sort of packing is guaranteed to be disastrous. At least a month in advance, you need to purchase new, quality packing and padding materials. Research how to adequately pack fragile items, such as dishes and flat screen televisions, so they can make their journey safely.
If you prefer, our professional long distance movers can take responsibility for your packing. A professional will make sure to use new, quality boxes. For added protection against the unexpected, you should also discuss valuation plans with your mover.
Itemize Everything
Your official inventory is significant to your long distance move, especially when using a professional moving company. An inventory provides a system of checks and balances for both your family and the moving company. It helps all parties involved track the items and notice instantly if something is wrong. The mover will use your inventory to provide a moving estimate. The driver will use your inventory to verify all items make it on to the moving van and off again. You will be expected to confirm all items in your inventory have been successfully delivered at the end of your move.
No matter what, a professional moving company will create a complete inventory for you. However, when you label each box appropriately and make sure you know exactly what is in each box, this system of checks and balances is easier to manage.
Know How Movers Talk
There is a lot of jargon involved in the moving industry, such as stair carry, broker and high-value articles. Make sure you completely understand the terms a mover is using to discuss their services before signing a contract. Watch for signs of true professional moving companies and do your homework. The Better Business Bureau and review sites can be a good place to start, but there are always companies trying to scam innocent people online. The best way to know if a moving company is right for you is to speak to them directly and discuss your inventory.
