Moving is always a stressful experience, but a long-distance move presents its own unique set of challenges. The longer the distance, the more vital preparation becomes.
If this is your first long-distance move, avoid the added stress of last-minute arrangements, potential delays, and expensive mistakes with these 10 long-distance moving tips!
1. Craft a Complete Moving Plan
Moving is an enormous undertaking, and the last thing you want is to forget an important task that ends up setting you back—or worse yet—derailing your move altogether. Of course, the best antidote for a moving catastrophe is a detailed moving plan.
Get out your computer, phone, or notepad, and create a spreadsheet with all of your moving tasks listed in one place. It’s a good idea to give each line item its own deadline. This will help you stay on track so that everything isn’t left until the last minute!
2. Use a Professional Furniture Shipping Company
If you’re like most homeowners, you have heavy, expensive furniture that you need to arrive at your new location in one piece. Rather than risking damage by piling your furniture into a standard moving truck, make arrangements with a reliable furniture shipping company that specializes in long-distance moves.
Of course, availability may become an issue as you approach your moving date, so you should begin your search for a furniture shipping company as soon as possible.
3. Plan Your Route Ahead of Time
Whether you’re driving a personal car or a moving truck, there are several factors to consider when planning your route. First, how many days do you want to spend driving? If you plan to break up the trip over multiple days, you will also need to start thinking about stopping points and accommodations.
When plotting your route, be sure to take driving time, tolls, and potential traffic into account. To be safe, you should also plot an alternate route in case you encounter a significant detour or slowdown at some point along your main route.
4. Change Your Address with USPS
By submitting a USPS change-of-address request, all of your mail will be forwarded to your new address for the next 12 months.
Keep in mind that an “individual” change-of-address request will only forward mail in your name, while a “family” change-of-address request will forward mail addressed to anyone with your last name.
5. Notify All Important Parties of Your New Address
Although USPS should forward any mail to your new address, you can avoid unnecessary delays by updating all of your accounts. This will ensure that your mail arrives on time even after your 12-month forwarding period has expired.
Over the years, chances are that you have created a bevy of accounts that have your current address on file—including banks, credit card companies, insurance companies, tax agencies, and others. Comb through your recent mail (and emails) to ensure that you don’t overlook anyone important.
6. Budget Accordingly
With the average cost for a cross-country move being $4,804, you will want to account for all of the different expenses you might incur. Create a complete moving budget, and be sure to include the following line items when applicable:
– Truck rental
– Gas
– Tolls
-Packing supplies
-Packing and unpacking services
-Professional movers
-Furniture shipping
-Moving insurance
-Professional cleaners
-Vehicle shipping
-Move-in expenses (rent/mortgage, security deposit, insurance)
-License and registration
7. Determine If You Will Need Car Shipping Services
Car shipping is a service that is rarely required for local moves, and therefore, one that is often overlooked prior to a long-distance move. However, if you are planning to rent a moving truck and don’t want to put thousands of miles on your vehicle, you will need to hire a car shipping company.
Keep in mind that not every auto transport company will service all 48 contiguous states. Confirm that both your current location and new location are within range while researching companies and gathering quotes!
8. Gather Quotes for Truck Rentals
Truck rental fees have the potential to balloon up during a long-distance move. The average rental truck fee for a long-distance move is $1,780, while the average rental truck fee for a local move is only $130. Rather than being caught off-guard when it comes time to start the trek to your new destination, it’s wise to shop around for the best prices ahead of time.
Remember, you will not only be charged for the time when the truck is in your possession but also for the number of miles driven—not to mention, any gasoline that isn’t replenished. Finally, be mindful that truck sizes are often limited as you approach your moving date. Reserve the size you need as soon as possible!
9. Transfer All of Your Utilities
Depending on the state you’re moving to, there might be one provider or multiple offered in that area. You should research this weeks (if not months) in advance, as certain providers may require a few weeks’ notice.
Then, create a list of companies you will need to contact. Some of the most common utilities and services include the following:
-Electricity
-Water
-Internet
-Cable TV
-Trash collection
Be sure to also notify your current providers of your move so that they can terminate your services on time and send you the final bill!
10. Order an In-Home Moving Quote
Hiring professional movers for a long-distance move is a significant investment. On average, it costs $2,100–$7,800 for a two-to-three bedroom move over 1,000 miles.
For this reason, you should meet and vet the company you will be using. What you don’t want is for your movers to show up late, not show up at all, charge hidden fees, or provide a poor service that risks damage to your belongings.
The best way to avoid a potential issue is to order an in-home moving estimate prior to your move. A representative will visit your current home and give you an accurate assessment of which services you will need and what they will cost. If you are denied an in-home moving quote, chances are that you’re dealing with a broker rather than an actual moving company!
An international move is a significant step, making it essential to take all the necessary measures, which may sometimes include speaking to an immigration consultant to ensure a smooth and well-prepared journey. These consultants possess specialized knowledge of visa requirements, entry regulations, and documentation processes for various countries. As a result, consulting with them can be terrific for your move into a new country. They can help you understand the specific requirements for your destination, ensuring that you have the required visas and paperwork in order.