How to Prepare for a Long-Distance Move: 10 Tips to Ensure Your Home is Ready for the Journey

You’ve finally done it. You’ve saved up enough money, taken the plunge, and put in your two weeks’ notice at work. You’re moving cross-country! Lucky for you, we’ve got Tips to Ensure Your Home is Ready for the Journey.

While it’s exciting, we know it can also be daunting. How do you prepare your home for such a long journey?

image of happy family lying on the floor with packing boxes behind them - How to Prepare for a Long Distance Move -

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Make a plan of who to hire and what to do on your own

If you’re moving to a new state or across the country, you may wonder what to do with your car. While you could drive it yourself, this can be a long and stressful journey. Shipping your vehicle may be a better option, especially if you’re moving a long distance. There are a few things to keep in mind when shipping your vehicle.

  • First, you’ll need to choose an enclosed or open trailer. Enclosed trailers offer more protection from the elements but are also more expensive.
  • Second, be sure to read reviews to see what other people have experienced with their car shipping needs.
  • Third, you must decide whether you want door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal service. Door-to-door service is more convenient, but it’s also more expensive.
  • Finally, you’ll need to get insurance for your car during transit. Shipping your vehicle can be a great way to reduce stress during a long move. Keep these things in mind when making your decision.

Thorough research and planning are crucial to hiring the right moving company. Start by gathering recommendations from friends, family, or local real estate agents with experience in long-distance moves. Check online reviews and ratings on reputable websites to ensure the company is reliable and has a track record of success. Getting estimates from at least three companies to compare costs and services is crucial.

Also, verify the movers are licensed and insured, protecting you from potential damages or losses during the move. Remember, working with Safeguard Moving Company or similar trusted professionals can make all the difference in your move. It can significantly alleviate the stress of relocating and ensure your belongings arrive safely at your new home.

Get rid of anything you don’t need—the less you have to move, the better!

Moving is a big undertaking, and if you’re moving cross-country, it can be even more challenging. One way to make the process a little easier is to get rid of anything you don’t need before you start packing—the less stuff you have to move, the better!

You can have a garage sale, list items on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, or donate unwanted items to Goodwill or the Salvation Army.

Getting rid of clutter will not only make packing and moving easier but also give you a fresh start in your new home. So start decluttering now and make your cross-country move a breeze!

Start packing early and label all boxes with their contents and the room they belong in

Moving to a new home, especially in a different state or even across the country, can be daunting. There are many things to think about and organize before the big day.

One of the most important things you can do to make the process go smoothly is to start packing early and label all boxes with their contents and the room they belong in.

This may seem like a lot of work upfront, but it will save you time and hassle when trying to unpack everything in your new home. Trust me, you will be glad you took the extra time to do this!

Could you ensure all appliances are adequately cleaned and defrosted before the move?

Moving is a big undertaking, and there’s a lot to remember. One crucial task often overlooked is cleaning and defrosting all appliances before the move. This is especially important for refrigerators, as mold can quickly develop in warm, humid environments.

To clean a fridge, remove all food and wipe down the interior surfaces with a mild detergent. Then, please turn off the refrigerator and unplug it from the wall. Next, remove any removable shelves and drawers and wash them in hot, soapy water. Once everything is clean, dry all the surfaces thoroughly and put everything back in place.

Finally, could you plug the fridge back in and turn it on a few hours before you plan to pack it up for the move? By taking these simple steps, you can help to prevent mold and other problems during your cross-country move.

Take measurements of large furniture pieces and doorways

Before you start packing up your belongings, taking some measurements is essential. That way, you can be sure that your large furniture pieces and appliances will fit perfectly in their new home.

Start by measuring the doorways in your new place. Then, measure the width and height of each piece of furniture. Remember to measure any items that need to be stored, such as boxes and suitcases.

With some preparation, you can ensure your move goes smoothly and everything ends up exactly where it belongs.

Purge your pantry and fridge of any food that won’t survive

When packing up your home to move across state lines, it’s essential to inventory everything in your pantry and fridge. Any food that won’t survive the journey should be eaten or thrown out—you don’t want to open your fridge at your new home to find spoiled milk and rotting produce!

Canned goods, dry goods, and other non-perishables can all be packed up and moved without issue, but anything fresh or perishable should be eaten or discarded before you start packing.

This will help you save both money and space in your moving truck and give you a chance to clean out your pantry before starting fresh in your new home. So before you start packing, purge your pantry and fridge of any food that won’t survive the move—your future self will thank you!

You can pack an essentials box full of things you’ll need on day one in your new place.

Moving is a big job, and there’s nothing worse than realizing you can’t find your toothbrush after a long day of unpacking. To avoid this type of situation, it’s helpful to pack an essentials box full of items you’ll need on your first day in your new home.

Toilet paper, paper towels, shampoo, soap, and towels are all good items to include. You may also want to pack snacks, drinks, and any medications you take regularly.

Having everything you need in one place lets you relax and start unpacking, knowing that you won’t have to search for the basics when you’re tired and hungry.

Arrange to have your mail forwarded to your new address

If you’re moving cross country, ensuring your mail gets forwarded to your new address is essential. You want to make sure you get all essential bills and packages! The best way to do this is to contact your local post office and request that they forward your mail.

They will need your new address and a list of the names and addresses of anyone who should continue to receive mail at your old address. Forwarding your mail is a simple process, but it’s important to do it before you move so you can get everything important.

Could you notify your utility companies of your move date?

Moving can be time-consuming and stressful, especially if you’re moving across the country. One of the last things you want to worry about is setting up your utilities at your new place.

However, by following a few simple steps, you can ensure your utilities are transferred seamlessly.

  • First, notify your utility companies of your move date and provide them with your new address. This will ensure that they can start transferring service to your new home.
  • Second, schedule a final reading of your meters on the day you move out. This will help avoid any billing issues down the road.
  • Finally, take some time to research your new area to see what utility providers are available and find the best rates.

Finally, hire some professional movers (or enlist the help of some influential friends!)

Hire a reliable long-distance moving company (or enlist the help of some influential friends!) to ensure everything arrives at your new place safely and soundly. Moving cross country can be a breeze with some planning and preparation!

Moving cross-country can be daunting, but we hope our 10 tips make the process a little easier for you. With some careful planning and preparation and these Tips to Ensure Your Home is Ready for the Journey, you’ll be settled into your new home in no time!

 

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