Congratulations – you’re moving! While this exciting long-distance relocation in your future is a source of anticipation, it can also be the source of endless stress. In the weeks and months leading up to your move, you’re sure to have a long checklist of tasks to complete before the big moving day. Although this hectic time can feel extremely challenging, there’s no need for panic. As you prepare to move, you can make the process infinitely easier with the right steps in place. All it takes is a little bit of know-how and organization. Interested in finding the best way to simplify your long distance move and reduce your stress? Keep reading for our eight essential tips!
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- Plan in advance
Perhaps most importantly, be sure to plan your move in advance. As soon as you finalize your decision to relocate, it’s the right time to start arranging your to-do list and schedule. Although every move requires a good deal of planning, long distance moves are typically even more time-consuming. Since you’ll undoubtedly have plenty of tasks to complete over the next few months, creating a to-do list is one of the best ways to stay organized. Listing these items in order of importance, complete with any deadlines, can be extremely helpful to the process. Another aspect of this plan should also be a budget. Allocating your finances to different needs throughout the move and getting a solid idea of what expenses you can anticipate is crucial. This allows you to be prepared and save money as needed for the move.
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- Declutter your space
Another necessary step for your long distance move is to thoroughly declutter your home. When you declutter, you rid yourself of items that you no longer want or need in your space. Sorting through your belongings in this way prepares you for your move, as it decreases the amount of items you need to pack and saves space in your new home. You can divide your items into four piles: donate, sell, trash, and keep. Decluttering one room at a time, decide which items you’re willing to part with. It may be easiest to start with the items you haven’t used in a long time, often the belongings stuffed in the back of closets and drawers. If you’re having trouble letting go of items, start by choosing a timeframe – it can be six months, a year, or whatever else you see fit. Then, if you haven’t used a particular item in, for example, the last six months, and you don’t plan on using it in the next six months, it’s time to declutter it.
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- Find a reputable moving company
Hiring trustworthy long distance movers is a helpful solution as you handle all the other tasks involved with relocation. First, you’ll want to search for the options in your area. It can be useful to ask around and see who friends, family, and neighbors have entrusted to move their belongings in the past. Once you’ve found a few moving companies who provide long distance services, look through their reviews and check their credentials to make sure they’re reliable. This is a great way to gauge the quality of service the company provides. Finally, after you’ve found a few options, you can reach out to these moving companies for in-home quotes. These estimates offer an accurate look at how much money you’ll need to spend.
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- Update your address
Ahead of your big move, you’ll need to update your address with a few different companies and agencies. This ensures any important mail will reach you at your new residence. Be sure to reach out to the postal service, your bank, tax agencies, your insurance provider, your employer, and any other services you’re subscribed to. Notify these services promptly to guarantee everything will be processed in time for your move.
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- Handle your utilities
Another important group of companies you’ll need to contact is your utility providers. First, you’ll want to let your current utility providers know when you will need your services to be terminated. This includes water, electric, gas, wi-fi, and any other utilities you may have at your current home. After that, you will need to find the local providers at your new home. Once you establish who provides these services in your new area, you can start reaching out to them and setting up your activation date. This should probably be a day ahead of your move-in so you can ensure you have everything turned on in time. Be sure to confirm with the utility providers about a week or so ahead of the move.
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- Pack carefully
Since you’re completing a long distance move, your items will be in transit for a decent chunk of time. Because of this, your items are at risk for a lot of movement while in transportation, which could lead to them sustaining damage. To prevent this, it’s critical to effectively cushion and protect your fragile belongings so any shock can be absorbed, making sure nothing breaks. One way to do this is to wrap your belongings in bubble wrap or packing paper. Alternatively, you can use soft items like blankets or towels to wrap the items and prevent any movement within the boxes. Everything should be packed compactly so things get jostled as little as possible in transit.
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- Create an inventory
An excellent way to keep track of everything you’ve packed is to create an inventory. Although labeling your boxes works (and definitely should be a step you take while packing), making an inventory list can be even more helpful. The best way to do this is to assign a number to each box and keep a running list of what items correspond with each number. Each box should only hold items from one room, which makes it much easier to stay organized and find everything you need when unpacking.
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- Keep valuables and essentials with you
Finally, you should keep a box or bag of important items with you during your move, instead of packing them with everything else in the moving truck. While it’s best to keep your valuable items – like jewelry or handheld electronics – with you, it’s also a great idea to keep your essentials with you for the first night or so in your new home. This should include toiletries, a change of clothes, pajamas, and any other items you might need when you first arrive in your new home. Especially because you’re traveling a long distance, you may have a few days of travel or some time before the movers arrive with your belongings. Consider how many days worth of items you’ll need, and pack accordingly.
Complete your long distance move successfully
Now that you’re equipped with these tips and tricks, you can successfully complete your relocation with confidence and ease. And if you’re looking for help from a long distance moving company in New Hampshire, rely on the assistance of Able Moving & Storage. As a company providing high quality moving and storage services since 1987, our staff is committed to giving our customers the best solutions possible. Interested in finding out what we can do for you during your long distance move? Request a free quote today from your trusted New Hampshire movers!
