Moving to a new home in a distant location can be challenging. Organizing, packing, and driving to your new house takes time, thought, and planning. The following tips can help you prepare for this major undertaking and make the day less stressful.
Start Now
Even if the move is six months out, there are things that you can do right now to get the move started. Moving furniture across the country can be a daunting task. It takes careful planning, coordination with movers, and preparation. However, if you are organized and plan ahead, it can make your move much smoother. By taking some time before moving day to get ready, you can save yourself a lot of headaches down the line. Here are four tips to help you prepare for moving furniture across the country.
Research Reputable Movers
When moving long distances, it is important to do your research and find a reputable moving company that has experience with long-distance moves. Get quotes from at least three different companies and compare their rates and services. Pay attention to their insurance policies as well as reviews from past customers so that you know your belongings will be in good hands during transit.
Organize Your Furniture
Before packing up your furniture for transport, make sure it is properly organized and labeled. Label each piece according to which room it belongs in so that when you arrive at your new home, everything will already be in its respective place. This will make unpacking much easier for you later on. It is also a good idea to measure all of your furniture ahead of time so that there are no surprises when it comes time to unload them in the new house or apartment.
Prepare Your Home & Property
If you are moving out of an existing home or apartment, make sure all of the necessary repairs have been done before leaving so that any problems can be identified while still under warranty or guarantee coverage (if applicable). You should also take pictures or videos of any damaged property in case there is any disagreement between yourself and the landlord upon departure—or if anything happens during transport that was not covered by insurance.
Pack Strategically
Strategic packing can save a lot of time and money when moving furniture across the country. Start by separating items into two categories: essential items (those which need to arrive first) and non-essential items (items that can wait). Pack essential items first so they are ready for transport as quickly as possible; then pack non-essential items once all essentials have been taken care of. This way, everything arrives safely but without delays due to waiting for non-essential items.
Moving furniture across the country requires careful planning and preparation beforehand to ensure a smooth transition into your new home or apartment. Take some time before the move itself to research reputable movers, organize and label pieces according to rooms they belong in, prepare existing homes or apartments for departure, and pack strategically so that essential items arrive first without delay due to waiting on non-essentials later on down the line. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to rest easy knowing that everything is taken care off before embarking on this exciting journey!
Get Organized
Ask the movers in advance how to pack something if you don’t know. You can also find helpful tips online for packing everything in your home that will be taken with you. Mark each container with its contents and where it will go at the new location. You may want to color-code certain containers for quick reference when it’s time to unload the cargo. Sell, give away, or donate to a thrift shop anything that you don’t want to take with you.
Plan for Moving Day
Call ahead to schedule utility turn-offs at your current home for the day of departure and then arrange for utility turn-ons at your new home. Prepare convenient meals or collect restaurant coupons for carryout when the busy day arrives. Set up a boarding date for your pet while the movers are loading the truck unless you plan to keep the pet with you that day. Take out the rubbish the night before and clear a path through your current home so the moving crew can have ready access to all areas where household goods need to be loaded onto the truck. Check with the movers to see that they have a detailed map of where they are headed and an itinerary as to where you will be and how to contact you during transit if needed.
Make a Backup Plan
Even the best-laid plans go awry sometimes. Have a family member or friend on hand or available as a contact person in both locations in case utility crews show up unexpectedly or something happens to delay travel plans. Keep your credit card or cash handy for highway tolls and convenience store stops as well as fuel-ups along the way.
Be as prepared as possible for the cross-country move when it is time to load up and start driving. You might even be able to relax and enjoy the trip when everything is thoughtfully pre-arranged.
