Each year, about 40 million Americans box up all their stuff and move to a new home. For some, it’s a just local move to a better apartment or a new house. For others, though, it’s a long distance move to another part of the state, another state, or another part of the country entirely.
A long-distance move can prove more challenging in some ways. It doesn’t need to become a stressful, nightmare scenario for you. If you have this kind of move on the horizon, keep reading for our quick guide on preparing for a long-distance move
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Write a Plan
One of the biggest favors you can do yourself is to sit down early on and write out a plan for a move. Write down everything you can think of that you’ll need to do. You can even make a checklist or two and a schedule for completing tasks, such as:
- Collecting medical records
- Collecting school transcripts (if applicable)
- Buying moving supplies
Make a separate checklist for things you must do at your destination, so you don’t have to try and remember once you get there.
Schedule the Movers
You might not know it, but moving companies are very busy during the summer. So, don’t wait around thinking you can just call someone last minute. Get movers out to give you an estimate on the cost for you to move across the country.
You’ll sign some paperwork for the moving service once you select a mover
Not sure when you’ll move but want to get a headstart on saving for moving costs? A cross-country move can run you anywhere from $2000 to $6000. Plan accordingly.
Declutter
Channel some Marie Kondo and use the move as a chance to declutter. Start in places like your attic or garage where you store things you don’t use often or at all.
Packing for a Move
Take your packing in several stages. Start with the stuff you aren’t using now, like off-season clothing. Then, move on to things you’ll want in the medium term, but can live without for a few weeks.
Pack up the short-term necessities last, as not having that stuff available will prove frustrating.
You can also look for movers who will pack your home up for you. If you go that route, make sure you pack up any important documents or valuables and keep them with you.
A Long Distance Move and You
A long distance move poses plenty of logistical challenges, but that doesn’t mean it must drive you to the edge. You can take a lot of stress out of the process with some pre-emptive planning and organization.
Make checklists and draft a schedule for completing those tasks. You can even assign specific tasks to one person or another based on their time or skills.
Schedule the movers as early as you can manage it or you find that you can’t move when you planned.
Looking for more moving tips? Check out the posts in our Lifestyle and Travel sections.