Taking the time to plan your move carefully will help you avoid pitfalls along the way, especially if you are about to embark on a long distance move. You need to take the differences between a local move and a long-distance move into account during the pre-moving process. Whether you’re planning your first ever long distance move, or are well acquainted with the moving process, use these tips to help make your move a smooth one:
Insure Your Belongings
A lot can happen to your stuff over thousands of miles in the back of a truck when it’s being loaded and unloaded by several crews. Moving is a high-risk industry; according to statistics from the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA), “More than 80% of all moves have no claim filed.” In other words, up to 20% do. Be ready in case something goes wrong and get the proper coverage. Take note of the deductibles and the amount of coverage you’re getting. Your moving company will explain the differences between the different levels of coverage, and you can make a more informed decision that will help you prevent your long distance move from becoming a financial disaster.
Create An Inventory List
The moving companies handling your long-distance move will want to know how many things you have to move. The only way to truly know how much you have is to make a list. An inventory list won’t just be helpful for getting accurate price estimates from movers; it will help you stay organized while packing for your move and allow you to keep track of your items along their long distance journey. If you check something off at the origin and destination, you won’t be worried about whether or not it safely made the trip.
Save Money by Purging Unnecessary Items
Decluttering and downsizing can be a huge relief before a big move and help you reduce your moving expenses. The less stuff you pack with you across the country, the less it will cost you. The three best ways to get rid of items are donating, selling, and tossing. Media items like CDs, DVDs, video games and books are easy to sell or donate, since they’re mass produced and one size fits all. Blankets and winter coats are in major demand by charities in cold weather cities. Cheap, bulky furniture items often aren’t worth the work it takes to move them, and these can often be donated as well. Also, consider having a garage sale before moving cross country to lighten your load!
Pack Your Belongings for a Long Haul
During a long distance or cross-country move, items will be handled by multiple teams of workers and riding in a truck across a large stretch of miles and a long period of time. Make sure that everything you pack is well cushioned inside the box. Some moving hacks include using bubble wrap (or old bedsheets/curtains/towels) to protect fragile items. Try to ensure that each box is packed to the top and that nothing is loose. Containers inside boxes should be well sealed, taking into account that your boxes may be turned on their side at some point. This also means you’ll need to buy high-quality moving boxes instead of used gas station boxes or other low-grade alternatives. If you wouldn’t pack a certain way for long term storage, don’t pack that way for a long distance move. If you’d like some professional help, inquire about packing and unpacking services with Today Movers.
Organize Your Belongings When You Pack
This is a great time-saver; when moving across the country, we especially recommend organizing at least one box of “Day One” Items that you will want to begin using immediately once they arrive at your home. This could include basic pots/pans, plates, everyday clothes, or other belongings; it’s up to your discretion. It’s also important to label boxes which contain fragile belongings: we recommend grouping them together in “specialty boxes” which should be marked to indicate the care that is required when moving those items. You can organize the rest of your boxes by the rooms their contents belong in, or however else you think will speed up your move. Just make sure that you mark the boxes accordingly.
Mark Each of Your Boxes with Your Name
Moving trucks which service long distance moves have a variety of different peoples’ belongings on the truck. In order to keep your stuff from getting lost, make sure to mark all of your boxes with your name or some other unique identifier. In the event one of your boxes is mixed in with another shipment, the movers and other clients will notice immediately.
Be Prepared for Anything
There are so many liabilities when it comes to moving, especially if you are striving for a more cost-effective move. The cheapest way to move may end up being the most expensive if you don’t read all the fine print. The cost of moving can vary depending on how organized you are; be sure to inquire with many moving companies/ truck rentals for free quotes to make sure you are getting the best deal. Be sure to book flights to your new city in advance, as flight prices go up the closer you get to moving day. When hiring professional moving services, don’t wait until the last minute to learn about their insurance policies. Be aware of any additional fees that can arise during the move due to traffic, detours, and parking tickets. Be prepared and good luck!
