5 Tips for an Easy Long-Distance Move
Completing a long distance relocation can be extremely daunting. Understandably, moving yourself, your family, and all your belongings to a faraway location can feel like a lot to juggle, in addition to the fact that a long-distance move is a huge life change.
Despite the difficulties, you don’t need to dread the process of your big move. In fact, as long as you follow the right steps, a long distance relocation can be a smooth and straightforward task.
Curious about the best way to accomplish an easy long-distance move? Want to make the process as simple as possible? Keep reading to learn about our five tips for an uncomplicated relocation!
How to Improve Your Long-Distance Move
To make your relocation a positive, stress-free experience, it’s important to follow a few simple steps. Read our five tips below!
- Make a Schedule (and Stick to It!)
As you get ready for your relocation, the very first step you should take is to create a schedule to follow throughout the entirety of your move.
One of the most important keys to improving your move is staying organized and on task, which then allows you to complete all necessary tasks in a timely manner. This schedule will act as a timeline of tasks you need to accomplish before moving day, and having them in a succinct schedule with set deadlines will go a long way in assisting you to get everything done on time.
Although it’s easier said than done, try your hardest to stay on task with your schedule. Part of this will require making a realistic schedule from the get-go so you’re not setting lofty goals that you’ll end up being unable to meet. Instead, create a plan that can be manageably handled in small chunks, and try your best to keep yourself honest throughout the process.
Meeting reasonable and realistic goals for your moving timeline will generally make the experience a lot more enjoyable for everyone involved.
- Hire a Moving Company You Can Trust
Next on your list, you should hire a reliable moving company that can complete long distance and interstate relocations. Although using professional help for your move isn’t a requirement, it will absolutely make the process feel seamless.
Full-service movers have the ability to handle your move with the knowledge and expertise needed to make the process easier. They will be able to handle everything efficiently, and the teams of experts at these companies can move your belongings from point A to point B much easier than you could on your own.
As you search for a reliable moving company, be sure to do the proper research required to get the job done right. All moving companies are not created equally, and it’s advisable to be thorough as you look for the right company for you and your needs.
Search for movers that have the required credentials, such as a license from the U.S. Department of Transportation and good standing with the Better Business Bureau. Avoid any companies with shady practices or missing information that would prove their validity.
- A Thorough Declutter Makes A Big Difference
To prepare for packing, it’s crucial to take the time to complete a thorough declutter of your space. Decluttering involves getting rid of the items you no longer want or need, similar to spring cleaning. Doing this ahead of a move will reduce the amount you need to pack and unpack, and it will save you some money if you’re paying for professional movers.
Additionally, this will allow for you to have a neat, clutter-free start in your new space. For these reasons, decluttering your home is a necessity before a long distance relocation.
Approaching your declutter certainly doesn’t need to be complicated. Start the process with four categories: donate, sell, trash, and keep — these will be the four sections your belongings can fall into. It’s usually easiest to begin with areas of your house where items easily get pushed to the back and are soon forgotten, such as drawers, closets, and cabinets.
If an item hasn’t been used recently and won’t be used in the near future, that likely means it’s time for you to say goodbye to that item. If you need help being more objective about what belongings to get rid of, enlist the assistance of a friend to determine if an item stays or goes.
- Pack in an Organized Fashion
It’s not just about how much you have to pack — it’s about how you pack. The most successful packing experience will come from an organized packing process.
Although you may feel like taking extra time to organize only makes the task a lot more long-winded, it’s important to note that being organized can ultimately save time when you unpack, and it can make the experience feel a lot less stressful. These two elements are highly desirable during a long-distance move.
Handle the task of packing by moving from room to room, only moving to the next room when you’ve completed the first one. If you have items you can’t pack until the last minute, it’s okay to move on, but be sure not to combine items from different rooms into the same boxes, as this can become complicated when you’re unpacking and searching for specific items. Additionally, although labeling your boxes is a tried and true way to stay organized, creating an inventory can be even better.
Especially for long distance moves, keeping track of all your belongings is the key to success. If you can keep a detailed inventory of what’s inside each box, unpacking at your new home will feel like a piece of cake.
- Protect Your Fragile Items
Last but definitely not least, as you pack your home, prioritize protecting your fragile items. While this step is crucial during any relocation, it’s especially important during a long distance move, as your belongings have a lot farther to travel and have a much higher chance of sustaining damage in transit. For this reason, it’s best to use protective materials such as bubble wrap or packing paper to ensure fragile items don’t break while being transported.
You can also repurpose belongings you already own, such as blankets and towels, to wrap around fragile items and use them as padding for any jostling that may occur in transit.
Additionally, using soft items like blankets can be helpful to fill space in boxes that aren’t filled all the way. Leaving any spots empty in your boxes will allow the items to shift around, and this can cause damage. Instead, be sure to minimize movement within your boxes for the best possible outcome during your move.
Prepare for Your Long Distance Relocation!
With these five simple tips, moving doesn’t need to feel hectic. Instead, it can be extremely straightforward and headache-free. If you need a long-distance moving company to get the job done right, trust RLD Relocation & Logistics with your next relocation!
We have provided Northeast Ohio and beyond with top-tier moving services since 1978. Plus, our status as an agent for Wheaton World Wide Moving empowers us to provide our customers with the very best in interstate relocations. Discover how our services can improve your move by requesting a free quote online today!