24 Nov

Roughly 11% of the American population relocated in 2017, and while some relocated to the next city over, others relocated to the opposite coast. It’s one thing to move across the street. It’s another thing entirely to move across the state or even moving across the country.

If you’ve never even contemplated a major move before, actually taking one on can be hugely intimidating. Fortunately, there are resources available for you, from long distance moving companies to realtors who will help you find a new home remotely if need be. The more prepared you are, the easier the move will be. That’s why we’re looking into some of the steps that you should take when preparing for a long distance move.

1. Choose a Moving Company

Not every moving company is up for handling long distance moves, so you should begin your research early. Look into different long distance moving companies, as well as the different services they might cover. If you decide not to take some items with you immediately, for example, would the moving company be willing to offload them into a storage unit with you before you move? How far are they willing to go? Working with long distance moving companies allows you to relax somewhat about one aspect of your move, and begin focusing on the rest. You’ll definitely have more to be concerned about than you would if you were moving a short distance, but a professional mover will be able to help you get organized and set to work.

2. Sell What You Don’t Need

Professional long distance moving companies can move whatever you want to have moved. However, you may not want to move to a new location with excess baggage, as it were. Consider what you need to take with you, and what you can sell or throw away. The less the movers have to pack up, the more quickly they can begin actually moving your belongings to a new location. Keep in mind that if you’re moving a long distance, you may not even be able to see your new home in person before you move in. If you have the money to buy replacement items, or simply don’t want certain things anymore, get rid of them.

3. Consider a Storage Unit

Sometimes, long distance moves are short term. You may be relocating to another country for your company for a year, being relocated for a military assignment. Therefore, you may be better off storing some items that you don’t need or can’t have at your new location in a storage unit. You can talk to long distance moving companies about whether or not they can help you move and offload bigger items, as previously mentioned. A storage unit will keep these items safe until you’re ready to get them back.

4. Decide How You’re Traveling

Because your items are being moved professionally, you can fly. In some cases, you may very well need to fly. You can keep in touch with the moving company as you travel to give you peace of mind and rest assured that everything is being taken care of by people who know what they’re doing.

5. Have Your Utilities Turned On Ahead of Time

If you don’t need to be present when your utilities are turned on at your new home, make sure they’re ready ahead of time. In fact, if you can do the same for your internet service, you should. This will make it easier for the movers to offload your items will of course make you more comfortable as you move in.

Don’t discount the benefits of working with a good moving company when you move long distance. A good company can mean the difference between a stressful move and one wherein you can focus on your future.