If you are moving across the country, you know a lot of work is involved. There are many things to consider when making a long-distance move, such as what to pack and how to get your belongings from Point A to Point B. Many people choose to hire a professional moving company to handle the heavy lifting, but there are some things you can do to make your cross country move easier. Here, we will provide some tips for making your move as smooth as possible.
1. Declutter Before/During Packing
One of the most important things you can do before moving is to declutter your home. This will save you time and money, as you will not have to pay to move items you no longer need or want. You can declutter by holding a garage sale, donating items to charity, or simply throwing away anything you do not use regularly. If possible, start decluttering a few months before your move, so you are not rushed. This will also allow you to go through your belongings and decide what is worth keeping.
2. Hire a Moving Company
Many people hire a professional moving company when making a long-distance move. This can be a great way to take some of the stress out of the process, as you will not have to worry about renting a truck or driving for days on end. Be sure to research when hiring professional cross country movers and get quotes from multiple companies before making a decision. Reviews can be a great way to gauge the quality of a company, and you may even want to ask for recommendations from friends or family who have made a similar move.
3. Pack by Room
It is essential to be organized when packing for a long-distance move. One way to do this is to pack by room, which will help you keep track of your belongings and make unpacking easier once you reach your destination. Be sure to label all of your boxes clearly, and consider taking pictures of each room before packing to know where everything goes. This will save you a lot of time and frustration later on. A recent study showed that the average person spends over 100 hours packing and unpacking when making a long-distance move, so anything you can do to make this process easier will be worth it in the end.
4. Figure Out Whether or Not You’ll Have to Drive or Fly
Figuring out whether you will have to drive or fly to your new home is an important part of the moving process. If you are moving a long distance, you will likely have to fly, as driving for days on end can be quite tiring. You may have to ship your car if this is the case, which will take some planning ahead. However, driving may be the best option if you are only moving a few hundred miles. This is especially true if you have a lot of belongings, as you will not have to worry about renting a truck or paying for storage. Be sure to consider all of your options before making a decision, and factor in the cost of gas, hotels, and flights when deciding which method of transportation is best for you.
5. Get Your Pet Ready to Travel
If you have a pet, you must take extra steps to prepare for your move. This includes getting them used to being in a carrier and ensuring that their vaccinations are up to date. You will also need to obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian, which may be required when crossing state lines. According to the ASPCA, over 60% of pet owners say their pets have anxiety when traveling, so it is essential to do what you can to make them feel comfortable.
6. Entertain the Kids
Sometimes, the hardest part of moving is keeping the kids entertained. If you have young children, pack some of their favorite toys and games, so they have something to do during the move. You may also want to bring along some snacks and drinks, as this can help keep them happy during what may be a stressful time. For older children, you may want to let them help with the packing process, as this can give them a sense of ownership and responsibility.
These are just a few things you should remember when making a long-distance move. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your move goes smoothly and that you can settle into your new home with ease. Good luck!
Written by Taylor Thompson, a PR Specialist for Ship A Car Direct
