Long Distance Moving – What You Need to Know

No matter where you’re going, any long distance move can be a stressful and hard to coordinate, especially if it’s your first time or don’t know what you’re doing (and who does, really?).  Long distance moves are always a pretty big undertaking, and differs in many ways to the more local moves you might be used to, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into so you can prepare as much as possible prior to moving day. With our long distance moving tips, you’ll be set up for the best long distance move possible.

Before You Move

Some of the most imperative aspects of the moving process revolves around pre-move preparation and in making sure you’ve packed everything efficiently and properly. Plus, proper packing is key to making sure you can keep track of your items, and that everything is stored safely during your move. 

• De-Clutter Well Before Your Move
  • One of the best things you can do to kick off the packing process is eliminate anything you don’t want, use, or need. Start the decluttering process early, and take it room by room. Separate any eliminated items into donate/give away, sell, or throw out piles and save yourself from packing any unnecessary items!
• Take Inventory
  • After eliminating any unnecessary items, take an inventory of what you have and where it should all go, as well as what condition it was in prior to moving if you’re using a moving company. This will allow you to keep track of your items, make informed packing decisions, and hold the proper people accountable if your items are damaged or lost.
• Pack Your Items with Care
  • During a long distance move, your items will be handled by multiple people and will be riding in a truck for a long period of time. Make sure all of your items are well cushioned and protected from the elements, and that fragile items are well protected in their boxes, as well as making sure to properly mark what is in which box so no fragile items are mixed in with heavier items or placed in a less than safe spot. Also, make sure to separate any expensive items or items that might not be able to withstand hot or cold temperatures. Additionally, don’t pack any food or liquids with regular items.
• Separate Essentials
  • Make sure to keep any essential or overly expensive items with you so you have access to them throughout the moving process. Especially with items like your license, social security card, or birth certificate, make sure you keep track of anything that you will need.

During Your Move

Moving day is here! Keep yourself and your family as stress free as possible through preparing for anything during moving day, and make sure you’re well informed and ready to take on the day.

• Separate Kids & Pets
  • Make sure to keep any children or pets you might have out of the way of any movers you might have coming in and out of the house. Either keep children or pets in separate rooms or in the backyard to play while people are coming in and out, or send them to a family member’s house or to a friend’s so they don’t get in the way or get hurt while furniture is being moved around.
• Figure Out Your Move-In Situation
  • A lot of times, moving companies will give you a delivery window as to when to expect your items to arrive to your new location. Make sure you’re aware of the delivery window, and be prepared if items come early or late. Make sure the delivery window estimated by your company works for you, and read all the fine print in your contract so there are no surprises. Additionally, if you’re moving into a building or need to coordinate how to accommodate a moving truck on your new building’s small backroad or alley, be prepare for any access issues. You also might need to give your landlord notice or reserve time for your movers to move your things into your building – do your research make sure you anticipate any surprises. 
  • Bring Enough with You 
    • Sometimes moving deliveries can be delayed, or run into problems coordinating move-in deliveries to your new location. Make sure you have enough clothes, toiletries, etc., packed with you to last you until the rest of your items get to you.

No matter where you’re moving, it’s important to pack smartly and stay well informed of your moving company’s processes and any problems that could arise during a long distance move. No move is a walk in the park, but by following these tips you can save yourself a lot of hassle and unpleasant surprises.

Contact E.E. Ward today to plan your upcoming relocation.