Are you moving across the country? This is no easy feat! As such, you’re probably wondering how to move long distance. From packing, hiring movers, and planning your route, there’s so much on your to-do list. But don’t worry, we have got you covered! Here are 14 essential tips to make the move as stress-free and efficient as possible.
At Little Red Wagon Moving, we are your expert moving company in Colorado Springs. Our team of Happy Movers has moved countless families and businesses to Colorado and beyond! It is our mission to make your long-distance move as easy and stress-free as possible. That’s why we’re here to offer you moving tips and resources to prepare for your move!
Read on to learn our top tips for how to move long distance.
1. Make a Moving Plan
The most important step in long-distance moving is to plan ahead! When you’re undertaking a big move, a plan makes the process easier. Make a list of all the tasks that you need to accomplish, from packing and purging items to hiring a moving company.
Write down and keep track of everything you’ll need. Having things written down allows you to reference your list in case you’re worried about forgetting anything. A moving folder is great to track all your documents, such as contact information, quotes and estimates, to-do lists, and contracts.
2. Save Money Where You Can
Whether it’s packing, cleaning, or organizing, consider how many aspects of your move you can do yourself. For example, ask friends to help you pack instead of hiring a moving company. While it may take a bit longer without the help of professionals, completing some aspects of moving yourself can save you a pretty penny.
Additionally, look for free moving supplies. Check with friends and family to see if they have any extra boxes or moving supplies. You can also search online for free moving materials, such as packing tape, bubble wrap, and even old blankets or towels.
3. Stay on Schedule
Once you have made a moving plan, it is important to stay on schedule. You can block off time in your schedule to get things done or put reminders on your phone. Staying on schedule helps ensure a stress-free move! Don’t forget to take off work either.
Additionally, it is helpful to plan your route. If you’re driving cross-country, look up directions and map out where you’ll be sleeping and stopping. Staying on schedule will help you stay sane and minimize delays during your move.
4. Insure Your Belongings
When making a long-distance move, there are many unexpected things that can happen to your belongings. It’s always best to be prepared for any scenario, and then you’ll be able to relax knowing that your valuables are covered. Whether you purchase full or basic coverage, insuring your belongings will help you feel prepared.
Ideally, you should get full coverage for any valuable items that you are planning to move. This includes antiques, jewelry, and other expensive items. In addition to insurance, make sure you bear down and secure your items as much as possible. Extra padding and shrink-wrap can go a long way!
5. Inspect Your Outdoor Furniture
Always inspect your outdoor furniture before you move. Check it for signs of insects or larvae, since certain moving regulations do exist to ensure furniture does not accidentally transport contaminants across state lines. In addition, if you have any patio furniture or grills that will be making the move with you, make sure to clean and cover them for protection.
6. Decide What Furniture Will Fit
One of the biggest aspects of moving is deciding what pieces of furniture to take with you. Whether you are downsizing or not, every home is different and you might find some items don’t fit like they used to. Measure the open floor space you expect in your new home to make sure you know what will fit.
This will save you the hassle of having to return items or not being able to bring them with you in the first place. Additionally, if you’re moving abroad and have furniture that won’t fit in your new home, consider donating it or selling it online.
7. Downsize Before You Move
Once you’ve decided what will fit in your new home, consider downsizing. Even if the square footage in your new home is similar to your old home, downsizing makes long-distance moving smoother.
Get rid of unwanted items you’ve accumulated and start fresh. Clothes you haven’t worn in a year, kitchen items you never use, and books you’ll never read can all be donated or thrown away. Doing so will free up space in your new home and make packing easier.
8. Create an Inventory List
When you decide what’s going with you, create a list before you pack. You’ll want to make sure you’ve accounted for everything. Making an inventory list is the best way to keep track of your items.
Additionally, if you are hiring a moving service, they will need an inventory list to determine the cost of your move. Creating an inventory list will also be helpful when you have to file an insurance claim if something is lost or damaged.
9. Keep Important Items With You
As you pack, keep in mind what items you should have with you during the move. Consider packing one box you know you will open first with all the essentials you’ll need when you arrive at your new home.
Also, remember to pack a suitcase with clothes and personal necessities so you don’t have to worry about unpacking your closet right away. Consider things like your toiletries, chargers, medications, and a change of clothes for the first few days. Having these items with you will make your transition smoother.
10. Take Extra Care with Fragile Items
Fragile items require extra care, especially during long-distance moves. Wrap items in bubble wrap, paper, or old t-shirts and pack them together. Keeping fragile items together also helps moving teams know what boxes need extra care.
Don’t forget to label the boxes, “FRAGILE”, to ensure they get the attention they need. Have your movers take special care and put boxes with fragile items on top of other boxes for added protection.
11. Organize Your Belongings Well
Organizing your boxes helps ensure a smooth move. Once you’ve packed all of your fragile items together, pack the rest of your belongings by room. You could even pack by area if you have a lot of items in one particular room. You can also consider numbering your boxes and writing them on your inventory list to help you stay organized.
Plus, when the movers arrive, you’ll know exactly where everything should go. This will save time and effort on both sides and enable an easier setup process when you arrive at your new home.
12. Label Every Box
Once your boxes are packed, label them so you know what’s in them. You can write down the room of the house each box belongs in, and you can write an overall description of the items inside. When you label your boxes, you and your moving company will both know where everything goes.
13. Protect Your Mattress
You might not think of protecting your mattress during a long-distance move, but it’s important. If you do not protect your mattress, it could be bent out of shape or damaged along the way. Professional movers can help you get your mattress to fit into a box so it will be safe while you move. You can also buy a mattress cover at most moving supply stores.
14. Don’t Pack Food or Liquids
While you’re cleaning out your refrigerator, remember the perishable items you have need to be eaten, donated, or disposed of. When going through your pantry, remember even non-perishable items can still be crushed or ruined. Some foods even attract mice or other vermin if they’re packed away. Make sure you either get rid of food and liquids before you move or take them with you as snacks.
Hire Little Red Wagon Moving to Handle Your Long-Distance Move
Moving long distance can be an overwhelming process, but following these tips will make it easier. Are you ready to move? Start packing and use these tips to make the process stress-free and smoother!
One of the best ways to invest in your long-distance move is by hiring a professional moving company. At Little Red Wagon Moving, our team makes the moving process easy. Ready to see how fun moving can be? If you’re planning a long-distance move, contact us today! We will help you get the job done quickly and safely.
