There are many reasons people plan to relocate. You may need to move long distances due to a new job, to live closer to your family, or for a change of scenery. Whatever the reason, moving to a new state can come with a lot of challenges. It requires proper planning, preparation, and organization to ensure a hassle-free and streamlined process. You will have to plan and consider many things including packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking. In fact, there are even more things involved in a move. This checklist will help you plan and complete your move more efficiently and effectively.
1. Plan Your Move
A long-distance move will almost always be more complex than a short-distance move. So, it will have to be well planned. It is recommended to plan as early as possible and address the following points:
- Fix a Moving Date: Set the moving date so that you can organize everything accordingly. This can give you an estimate of the time you have for packing and coordinating everything with your movers.
- Setup a Moving Budget: Create an estimate of all the costs involved. An easy way to budget your move is to determine the cost of each factor, such as moving services, supplies, fuel costs, and lodging.
- Compare Movers: Research and compare different movers having specialized experience in long-distance moves. Get quotes from different movers to determine what best suits your budget.
Once you have found the perfect moving company, make sure to schedule the move as early as possible.
2. Organize Your Documentation
Start by taking care of all the documentation and inform all the relevant organizations and government agencies where you have records. The main steps include:
- Inform All Relevant Organizations: Update your new address with your banks, the DMV, credit card companies, and other government agencies. This can help ensure your bills, notices, and bank statements are received at your new address.
- Transfer School & Medical Records: Get in touch with your children’s schools and your healthcare providers. Ask them to move your records to new institutions and providers.
- Inform Your Utility Companies: You should not only activate utility services at your new place but also disconnect the existing services.
- Update Your Address with the USPS: Visit your local post office to update your new address. You should also update the address with any of your subscription services.
3. Declutter
Declutter before your moving company can begin the packaging process. The steps include:
- Declutter Each Room: Sort out all the items in each room based on whether you want to keep, sell, discard, or donate them. This can help make the relocation more convenient and affordable.
- Create a List of Items for Moving: Such a list can help organize the packing and prevent anything from being left behind. It can also work as a record for insurance.
4. Packing
When it comes to packing, you have two options. You can either let your moving company take care of it or handle it yourself. Whatever option you choose, it is recommended to start packing things first that you will not need in the weeks or days before the move. This includes items such as:
- Holiday decorations
- Seasonal clothing
- Non-essential items
Whether you are handling the packing yourself or it is the moving company, make sure you have all the essential supplies in time to start packing. This includes:
- Boxes
- Packing tape
- Bubble wrap
- Markers
Before you move, make sure to pack a box of all the essentials that you will carry along while traveling. Verify all the items and make your final packing. It is also important to ensure all the valuables are fully secured. So, follow all the steps and tips mentioned above to ensure a seamless and hassle-free long-distance move.
