How to Prepare For a Long-Distance Move: What You Need to Know

Make Your Big Transition Look Easy With Long-Distance Moving Services

Moving to a new part of the country is a major change. A new adventure awaits; it’s both exciting and nerve-wracking. There will be plenty to look forward to, but it’s hard to say goodbye.

These complex feelings are what life is all about. Bravely facing our challenges is what makes us wiser, stronger, and even more grateful. Unfortunately, we tend to miss out on being present in these moments because we’re stressed out. All the hustle and hurry can sometimes distract us from our most meaningful experiences.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. We’ve created a guide to help you prepare for your move, so you can focus less on the logistics and pay more attention to the opportunities in front of you.

Your Most Important Partner: A Long-Distance Moving Service

Besides the support of your family and friends, the long-distance moving company you choose will be your biggest resource. They’ll take your belongings on the road and ensure they’re waiting for you at your new home. A superior long-distance team will even see to it that you can sleep in your own bed on your first night in your new home.

However, not all long-distance moving teams are worth your time. You want out-of-state, cross-province, or cross-country movers who have your back throughout the process.

Here are six key qualities to look for in a long-distance mover:

1. They’re able to go the distance. They have the resources to get you wherever you’re headed, whether you’re moving across state lines, from province to province, or sea to shining sea.
2. Your movers can meet your timeframe. Your movers must be on time and on point, so your belongings arrive when you arrive at your new destination.
3. Your long-distance moving company uses the latest moving industry technology to calculate your estimate. Your budget matters on a long-distance move, and you need to know exactly what to expect. Smart technology accurately determines the cost of your move.
4. You have opportunities for communication along the way. If your trip requires you to fly to your destination or stay overnight, you want peace of mind knowing that if you have any questions about your belongings, you can always call your movers.
5. Your movers are committed to keeping your belongings safe. You’re headed a long way, and you don’t want to run the risk of damaging your prized possessions. Good movers protect and safeguard your belongings during loading, transport, and unloading.
6. The moving team you chose understands your situation. Everyone moves for different reasons. Whether your move is exciting or bittersweet, emotions are in play, and your long-distance movers should be understanding, respectful, and supportive.

Preparing For Your Move

After you’ve chosen a moving team, it’s time to start the process of packing. Perform these key tasks in the months and weeks leading up to your move:

• Set a cancellation date for your utilities and provide your new address for future bills and communication.
• Cancel your home services, such as lawn mowing and house cleaning.
• Begin sorting items into three categories: keep, donate, and trash. Drive items to your preferred donation center, or hire a junk removal service to take care of them for you.
• Return your router equipment to your internet provider.
• Try to use the remaining food in your pantry, fridge, and freezer, so you won’t have to waste food or box perishables. Donate any items that are left over, or pack a single box with dry goods.
• Fill out a change of address form with the United States Postal Service, and update your address with your bank, meal kit subscription service, magazine subscriptions, and more.
• Purchase packing supplies, including tape and tape guns, bubble wrap for fragile items, packing paper, and permanent markers for labeling. Boxes can be expensive, but they are often cheaper (or even free) on online marketplaces for your community. If you don’t want to pack, ask if your long-distance moving company offers complete packing services.
• If you choose to pack yourself, use a moving checklist like this one.
• If you have small children, consider making a special suitcase of items that they’ll want to have nearby, even after many of their belongings are packed. Items may include stuffed animals, books, special pajamas, toys they play with frequently, and keepsakes from your home.

Taking Care Of Yourself and Your Family

You will spend a great deal of time preparing your home for your big move, but it is equally important to prepare yourself. Take good care of yourself during the packing process by following these suggestions:

• Set small goals for each day, so you don’t feel completely overwhelmed.
• Reward yourself for your efforts and schedule extra time to relax in the evenings.
• Order takeout food while you work, so you don’t have to burden yourself with extra tasks.
• Allow time to talk with your family and friends about your move, so you can discuss how you’re feeling. You can even ask family and friends to stop by as you work, so you can connect with them.
• Ensure you give yourself enough time to spend time with family and friends before you have to say goodbye.
• Decide on important places in your current town or city that you want to visit before you leave, such as special restaurants, stores, and parks. Consider purchasing items that you know you’ll miss in your new location.
• Remember that your out-of-state, cross-province, or cross-country move is going to feel emotionally difficult. Give yourself room to experience these feelings, knowing that they’re completely normal.

Make Your Long-Distance Move As Stress-Free As Possible

Your next phase of life awaits in a completely new place. Some days will feel challenging, and other days will be full of promise.

Everyone who makes a big move feels the many ups and downs of relocating. The way you plan and prepare can make your experience easier.

There’s no need to feel the stress of endless tasks, when you can be focused on making a more meaningful transition. Smart preparation and the help of a long-distance moving company allow you to make the most of this important life event.