Moving long distance can be a very stressful endeavor. Moving is hard enough when you’re switching houses in the same city. Throw a different city or state in the mix and you could have a recipe for disaster.

The good news is that we know the best way to move long distance and we’re about to share it with you. Keep reading to find our helpful tips on making a long distance move easier.

1. Get Started Sooner Than Later

The sooner you’re able to begin the moving process, the easier your move will be in the long run.

Create moving checklists to keep yourself accountable and on task. You should be diving into your tasks at least eight weeks before moving day.

The first thing on this checklist should be hiring a moving company if you’re not handling that yourself.

Schedule as many in-home estimates from full service movers as it takes to find someone that suits your budget. Once you know the approximate cost of your move, you can create a budget for those expenses. Be sure to read the fine print of your mover’s contract before signing it.

Next up is finalizing any fine details with your employers, both outgoing and incoming. If you have children, you’ll need to do the same with their schools.

2. Downsize

Moving is the perfect time to give your belongings the ol’ Marie Kondo effect.

What personal items bring you the most joy? Do you really need to pack that sweater you’ve been holding onto since 1998? When was the last time you read that biology textbook from college?

A good rule of thumb is if you haven’t used an item within the last year, it’s time to do away with it. Donate unused belongings in good shape to local thrift stores or women’s shelters. Research how to recycle items that aren’t in good enough shape to donate.

Downsizing will not only ensure you’re getting off on the right foot in your new home, but it’ll bring your moving costs down, too. The heavier your moving load will be, the higher the bill. The fewer things you’re bringing, the more money you’ll save.

3. Get Your Supplies

There are several key supplies you’ll need as you begin packing. First of all, you’ll need strong boxes. You can buy these from moving companies or reach out to local box stores to see if you can take their recycling.

Once you have an arsenal of boxes, packing tape will be your best friend. Taping the boxes ensures the boxes stay closed during the move and your belongings kept safe.

You may also wish to buy bubble wrap to keep delicate items safe. If you on a tight budget, newspaper is a great eco-friendly option to wrap your breakables.

Good Luck With Your Long Distance Move

A long distance move isn’t easy, but we hope our tips will make it a little less stressful.

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