Since 2020, Remote work has caused about five million Americans to move to a new place. So many people are traveling right now that it’s hard to book flights, schedule a moving service, or even find a place to live. When you add a long-distance move to this equation, there’s a lot more that can go wrong.
That doesn’t have to be the case though. Follow these tips and you’ll see how much less stressful moving can be.
Declutter Wisely
If an item has sentimental value (like family photographs), put it in a separate box so it doesn’t get mixed up with everything else. This decreases the risk of damage.
Next, determine whether something has monetary worth (like jewelry). If so, sell these items before moving day. The goal here is not only less clutter but also extra cash for your new life.
Research Your Moving Company
You want to make sure they’re insured for any damage that might occur during transit. It’s already a challenge to pack and transport these items, so the last thing you need is the added pressure of having to replace them.
If you’re moving your belongings across borders, find out how many stops there will be. You don’t want your items to be delayed in transit.
Contact the company ahead of time and ask about their policies regarding customs fees and paperwork. You can also ask what items are prohibited, and if there are any weight restrictions.
Get Packing Supplies
It’s okay to get more tape than you think is necessary. There’s no telling how much you’ll need for sealing boxes and wrapping furniture. It also comes in handy for packing peanuts to keep fragile items safe during transport.
Packing paper is another essential. It’s for wrapping up breakables. Get something thick so it won’t tear if you have to pack in a hurry.
Don’t forget to grab some stretch wraps, boxes, and mattress bags too. They’re crucial.
If you’re not up for the hassle of shopping around for all the stuff you need, consider hiring professional packers and movers.
Create a To-Do List
Put together an inventory of personal items and their approximate values. Insure anything you can’t afford to lose and document it.
You might have to find an alternative place for pets during your moving process. Not all moving companies have an animal transportation service.
Pack important documents and valuables in a safe place. A lockbox is ideal. If you don’t have one, keep your papers in a handbag, so you can monitor them at all times.
Let your landlord know if you’re leaving an apartment before your lease is up. Make sure to get a written confirmation that they’re going to refund any prepaid rent and deposits.
Cut off water, power, and gas lines. You can hire a professional to do this for you, or you can call your utility company and request that they do it for free.
Research the requirements for updating your driver’s license in your new location and make arrangements to do so.
Take Inventory
Use a spreadsheet or notebook to keep track of each item as you pack it up. This can help you avoid forgetting anything important, like your favorite stuffed animal or the box that holds all your high school yearbooks.
Snapping photos of the containers after they’re full is another wise move. This way, if something gets lost or damaged, you have a record of what was in each box.
Hire in Advance
Hire a storage company next. You don’t want to haul your furniture and computers only to find out that the new house doesn’t have enough room. A storage facility will keep everything safe until you have a place for it.
Then hire cleaners who take pride in their work. We’re talking about cleaners who will scrub down everything from baseboards to ceiling fans. When it’s time to sell your old place or get your security deposit back, it’ll look the same as when you moved it.
Have a Packing Strategy
Start with each room in your house and pack according to which room each item belongs in. For example, clothes go together, kitchenware together, etc. This makes unpacking and setting up easier.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast as well. If it’s going to rain or snow on your move day, pack your valuables and important documents in waterproof bags.
Take Pictures
Before you move into your new place, take pictures of every room in your home. This will provide you with a reference when you need to remember where something was placed.
You can also use these images to retrieve your security deposit at the end of your lease. If there were scratches on the walls or floors, for example, you can send the landlord a picture of them before moving out, so they can’t charge you for repairs.
Ease the Anxiety Surrounding a Long Distance Move
A long-distance move is a stressful experience, regardless of how far you’re traveling. Whether you’re moving across the country or just across town, there’s plenty of work to do before your moving day arrives. Make sure you secure your government IDs and pack all the essentials, so there are no last-minute surprises.
Even with the best preparations, however, you may still have some anxiety about this new phase in your life. This is normal and nothing to stress over, but you should explore our travel articles if you need even more tips to make sure everything goes smoothly.