Moving to a new home can be stressful, especially if you’re moving across the country. Between selling your house, packing up your items, and finding a new home in your next city, you’ve got a lot on your plate.
However, by planning ahead and make preparations, you can significantly smooth out the process. We’re here to make your life easier. Keep reading for our top five steps to take before your long-distance move.
1. Start Collecting Moving Materials
First, it’s a good idea to start collecting boxes and moving totes early on. You can find plenty of free boxes from retail stores, restaurants, and other businesses that go through products and materials. You can also buy boxes specifically made for moving from local moving companies.
Additionally, find packing materials to help protect your items while in transport. This can include everything from old newspapers to blankets and packing peanuts.
2. Start Packing as Soon as Possible
To save yourself a ton of stress, pack up unused rooms and items several weeks before moving day. This will allow you to take your time and pace yourself. This is much preferable to doing it all in one go.
Taking your time will also allow you to declutter your home. This is a good time to get rid of clothes you don’t wear, items you don’t use, and other possessions whose only remaining purpose is to take up space and collect dust.
Start with spare bedrooms, storage items, decor, and other non-essentials you can live without for the next few weeks.
3. Hire a Moving Company in Advance
Next, when moving across the country, it’s best to schedule your move in advance. Contact a local moving company and make sure they can help you with a long-distance move. For more advice, check out this article on how to make the right choice when vetting potential movers.
4. Don’t Forget About the Logistics
On your moving checklist, you must include taking care of your utilities. Contact your utility companies to discontinue your services. This is especially important if you’re set up on automatic payments.
We recommend scheduling a shut-off a day after you move. This will ensure power, running water, and everything else you might need during moving day. You should also preemptively turn on the utilities for your next home before you arrive.
Lastly, don’t forget to change your shipping address. You can do this easily online through the USPS. However, you should also change your address at the source with your bank, lenders, and other companies that send you mail.
5. Plan Ahead for Traveling
Finally, plan ahead for your trip before moving across the country. Depending on where you’re moving to and where you’re moving from, the trip could take several days. Take your time and remember to pace yourself, particularly if you’re hauling your possessions yourself.
Additionally, pack a bag full of essential overnight items. This includes things like extra clothes, hygiene products, food, and water. If you have a pet traveling with you, bring their water and food dishes.
Are You Moving Across the Country?
Are you preparing for a move? If so, follow the steps listed above to make sure things go as smoothly as possible. As noted above, moving to a new town can be stressful enough.
If you need help moving across the country, don’t hesitate to hire professional movers. And for more moving tips, decluttering advice, and other helpful information, check out some of our other articles before you go.
