As an Evans moving company that has helped numerous people with their short and long distance moves, we know that having local expertise in the midst of a relocation is extremely valuable for a moving family or company. When moving to a different state or province, or an entirely new region or country, you want to make it as easy on yourself as possible by planning ahead and making sure you have all the supplies you need to do two separate, difficult things: travel and move.
You can remove some of the burden off your travel plans by preparing every detail of the move-in and set-up process that you can. And you can prepare for your trip by packing thoughtfully and efficiently. All it takes is a little forethought, a plan, and a little teamwork to make your long distance move as painless as it can be.
As always, with any serious move—one that would be too difficult for one person—you should consider hiring a professional moving service. Professional movers will take a huge portion of the stress and physical labor off your already-full plate. Get estimates and take their advice for planning and packing.
Making a Long Distance Move As Easy As Possible
Any long distance move comes down to preparation and packing (visit Updater.com for an extensive list). Let’s start with a few tips to start preparing:
- Start with a plan
The sooner you start planning how you will transport your belongings from one area to another, the more changes you can make along the way, and the more prepared you’ll be for every step of the packing, moving, and unpacking process. Get out your preferred way of organizing your ideas, whether that’s a simple notebook and pen or a spreadsheet. Decide how to organize the various price estimates, itineraries, and other information that will be recorded first so that you can easily figure out what will be most efficient and affordable for you in your move. This will guide you to your next steps.
- Calculate costs
Any long distance move will be costly. How you manage your costs will make a big financial difference when you’re moved into your new place. Start with home moving companies. Weigh special offers and perks with their costs with estimates from multiple companies. Don’t forget to consider fuel costs, travel tickets, hotel stays along the way, food, and other costs that will come with the travel portion.
- Build and maintain a schedule
You’ll need to lay out a timeline for when you’ll need to handle details like when to start service on your new utility accounts, when to have your old accounts closed. You should also have your change of address processed for your bank accounts and identification documents as soon as after you’re settled into your new home as possible.
Pack Smart for Your Trip
All the planning you could possibly do won’t help you if your long-distance trip goes awry. Make sure you pack these key items (click here for more suggestions):
- Paper guides
Using GPS navigation is an excellent way to help you get to your new home. Unfortunately, technology doesn’t come with a 100% guarantee that it will always work when you need it. Paper maps and guides, as well as your new address written down, won’t stop working, even if you drive out of cell service. Your smartphone can tell you where to turn and which roads to take when everything is working properly, but pack a map or a guide in case you need backup navigation.
- Auto club membership
If you belong to a roadside assistance program like AAA, make sure you have the membership card with you. If you don’t have a membership with a roadside assistance program, consider signing up ahead of your long road trip. Even if you have minor problems like running out of gas or a dead battery, you won’t derail your moving plans.
- Car emergency kit
In the event that you end up stranded in your car on the way to your new home, you should pack a car emergency kit, with such items as a gas can, road flares, jumper cables, and a strong rope. Prepare for the worst possible weather with warm clothes and blankets if necessary. Here is a thorough list of things to pack in a car emergency kit.
The Bottom Line
Keep things as simple and on-schedule as possible every step of the way. Create a system and a schedule that makes sense and do your best to stick to it. The more you can plan as far in advance as possible, the easier moving day becomes. However you’re transporting yourself and your things, make sure you have everything you need before you need it.