Whether you’re relocating to another state or just a couple hundred miles, you’ll need reliable long distance movers on your side to make the trip a success. There are many moving parts involved with a long distance move, so logistics, planning and muscle will come into play here a lot. From that first day when you learn about your move to the last day when boxes are delivered to your new doorstep, here are some tips to make sure the process goes seamlessly.
1. Come Up With a Plan
As soon as you’re informed of the move, you have to start planning. Moving hundreds or thousands of miles away is no simple task. It’s a good idea to invest in a notebook and pen, or create a spreadsheet on the computer. Whichever way you choose to do it, start a plan and stick with it.
2. Stay on Task
A plan is nothing in itself unless you vow to stay on schedule. Tasks such as utility installation, doctor location and school enrollment are all time sensitive, so don’t leave these to the last minute. You can schedule out chunks of time on your calendar or create reminders on your phone.
3. Get Many Moving Estimates
Part of making a smooth long distance move is having a reputable company behind you. Don’t rush the research phase because the one you choose will make or break your experience. Get at least three in-person estimates from three different companies. You should do this at least four weeks before the move, but truthfully, the earlier you can do this, the better. Read all the fine print before making a choice.
Ultimately, you will want to choose the most reputable and trustworthy movers you can. Price is a big part of the decision, but it shouldn’t be the only one. There are many scammers out there that just want your money. It’s better to pay a little bit more for a reputable, established company and peace of mind.
4. Update Important Documents
Changing your address is a no-brainer when you move, but it gets even more complicated when you move a long distance, such as out of state. There are many places where you’ll have to update your address, and it can get mind boggling. Your driver’s license and registration, as well as your mailing address with the post office, are all big ones. But there are many other smaller places you may not think about right away. Go through all your credit cards, doctors, school info, subscriptions and more to change your address. You’ll also have to update important documents such as bank accounts and wills.
5. Get Additional Moving Insurance
Make sure you know what the movers’ insurance does and does not cover. The insurance they give you is usually not enough – especially if you have a lot of valuable items. In this case, you may want to call your insurance company and find out how to purchase additional coverage. This is important since your valuables will be transported over many miles, with more potential for loss or damage.
6. Come Up With an Inventory
When moving long distance, your stuff will be spread out over many cities and states. It can be easy to lose track of things without a detailed inventory of your belongings. You can use an app on your phone or a notebook and pen, but don’t neglect this task. Take photos, too, and cite the condition of each item. Then, when you’re in the new place, you can make sure everything made it over in one piece.
7. Take Time to Downsize
Purge any unwanted items before your move, getting rid of clothing you haven’t worn in a year, any duplicate kitchen gadgets or small appliances, and books you won’t ever crack open again. If you don’t love it or need it, get rid of it. This will lower the price of your estimate – not to mention it will make an easier task of packing and unpacking.
8. Keep Items With You
Some things shouldn’t be packed on the truck, such as very expensive jewelry, important documents, and a first night box. In this box, you’ll pack everything you need for the first few days and nights in the new place so you don’t have to go digging through boxes upon boxes. Because your arrival and the truck’s arrival don’t always match up (especially over long distances) you need to make sure you’ll be stocked with the essentials in the meantime.
In this box, pack:
- Towels and bedding
- A pot and pan
- Dishes or paper plates
- Toiletries
- Few changes of clothing
- Personal necessities
- Chargers
- Prescription medications
- First aid kit
- Water bottles
9. Pack Methodically
With distance in mind, be methodical in how you pack your boxes. You’ll need to put in some additional packing effort, taking extra care with fragile things. Use bubble wrap, paper, blankets and old t-shirts to wrap these items and keep them organized. Label those boxes as fragile so your movers take extra care.
It’s a good idea to pack your belongings by room so when you go to unpack later, everything will be placed right where it should be. Assign each box a number to correspond with your inventory list, or use color coding. Whichever you choose, be clear and tell your movers what your codes mean.
Always put your name on every box. Sometimes, especially over long distances, you are sharing a truck with other families. The last thing you want is for your boxes to get mixed up with someone else’s and dropped at a different location. It’s not a bad idea to also include your phone number for extra peace of mind.
Contact Olde World Movers
Lucky for you, Olde World Movers specializes in long distance moves! Just contact us for a free estimate today in the Fort Worth area at 817-618-1557. We will handle everything from start to finish.
