Long distance moving requires much more planning than a short-distance move. There are more opportunities for things to go wrong and if not planned properly, can leave you feeling frazzled by the end of it. To help make your long distance move easier, check out these 8 tips:
Get Rid of What You Don’t Need
Decluttering is the first thing you should do before packing. There is no point in packing things you don’t need or won’t use in your new home. Look at each item you’re about to pack. If you haven’t used it in over a year or if it doesn’t hold sentimental value, then it’s likely that you don’t need it. Take the rubbish to the tip and take a few trips to the charity shop. You could make a bit of money by having a yard sale or auctioning off old furniture and decorations. Since you’ll be moving far away, you should eat any perishable food as it will likely spoil during transit. Most moving companies charge by weight, so you could end up paying for shipping items you don’t want or need if you don’t get rid of them before you move.
Hire Movers Instead of Renting a Van
If you’re doing a long distance move on your own and you have a lot of belongings, then it might be better to hire movers instead of renting a moving van. You can only move so much in a single van, and you won’t want to make several long-distance trips to your new home and back. Hiring movers with a few vans will save you a lot of time and energy. The movers can also help you pack things and unload them from the vans and bring them into your new house.
Vet Moving Companies
Long distance moving companies will obviously charge more, but don’t just go for the cheapest one. Look at their reviews online and see what their past customers had to say. You’ll want to go with the moving company that is the most trustworthy. You should also make sure they’re licenced and have insurance. Once you’ve narrowed down your list, contact each one and let them know what will need to be moved and ask for a written estimate. Don’t wait until the last minute to book a moving company. If you’re moving long distance, you’ll want to book them a minimum of six months in advance. To help you find long distance moving companies in your area, look up “movers long beach” online.
Re-direct Your Mail
Make sure you inform everyone that your address will change. You can go to your local post office and have it temporarily redirected when you move, so you’ll have more time to contact people and change your address permanently. This will prevent the awkwardness of finding out that the occupants of your old home are receiving your junk mail and bank statements.
Pack a Bag
Think of long distance moving as any other kind of travel. Depending on how long you must travel, pack enough clothing, toiletries, snacks and pre-prepared food, and bottles of water for each day of the journey. If you’re driving, make sure you bring some essentials with you, so you can immediately get comfortable in your new home. You could pack a kettle, some tea, and your favourite mugs; toilet paper and towels; and duvets, pillows, and bedding.
Decide on the Best Time to Move
Most people like to move in the summer, so you’ll probably find that a lot of moving companies will be fully booked around that time. Consider moving at a different time of year and take the weather into consideration. You should also plan on what time of day you want the movers to show up and the time you want to get to your new home.
Plan the Route
Map out your route before you leave. To cut down on the travel time, look for quieter routes. Taking the most direct route may seem like the most obvious option, but if you’re faced with lots of traffic, your journey may take longer than you think. Experienced Orange County movers should be able to pick out the routes to get your belongings to your new home quickly and safely. If the trip to your new home is going to take more than a day, you should factor in hotel stays before you leave too.
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