Moving causes stress, it’s a fact, especially when moving long-distance. But in many cases, it also induces a lot of excitement and joy, so why not try to focus on the good, rather than the bad? We’re going to give you some long-distance moving tips that will help you do just that.
Your Packing Method
Packing should be started as early as two months in advance (feel free to start earlier if it makes sense for you), this will help with last-minute stressors of needing more packing supplies, spending more money, or forgetting items.
It also gives you ample time to go through all your stuff. If you don’t want it or need it, or if it doesn’t work or fit, let it go. Here are some ways to do that:
- Donation–drop-off or pickup
- Giveaway to friends and family
- Apps such as Letgo and Nextdoor can get you some money for your unwanted items
- Garage sales will also get you some money prior to your move
- Trash or recycle
The less you have to move, the easier, more cost-effective the move will be. Moving is a great time to purge those items that are unnecessary. Plus, you don’t need the chaos of unwanted items in your new home.
Your Moving Date
It may be a bit more challenging to move when it’s cold, wet, snowy, and otherwise uncomfortable outside, but that’s exactly why it may be smart for you to do so. Most moves happen during the summer months, the weather is nice, school is out, and work vacations can be easily taken.
However, if you move during the off-season (between October and April), you’ll not only save money, but you’ll most likely have a wider range of days and times to work with, making your move more convenient for your schedule. Try to move during mid-month and mid-week, too, this will also contribute to better pricing.
Your Moving Professionals
Hiring the right movers for your long-distance move is a big piece of your stress-free puzzle. Do your part to find the best movers for you. Figure out what exactly you want from the movers you hire: full-service (packing, unpacking, and transportation), or you may only need help with transporting your belongings. Keep in mind that you could be in need of specialized movers who work with valuable or heavy furniture and equipment.
Next, ask friends and family for their recommendations, this will sort out a lot of moving company prospects and keep you from being too overwhelmed. Then check their reviews and find out their standing with the BBB. Finally, call around to at least three professional moving companies that are licensed and insured.
Remember, the cheapest doesn’t mean the best.
Consider getting moving insurance, too. Full Value Protection states that your movers will need to replace any items damaged during the moving process or reimburse you for the current value of the item. If you get Released Value Protection, you’re entitled to a $0.60 per pound reimbursement for any damaged item. If you’re unsatisfied with the insurance plans offered by the moving company, reach out to third-party insurance agencies and see if they can help you with a moving insurance policy.
When you feel confident and comfortable with a reputable moving company, your peace of mind will melt away your moving stress.
Your Moving Budget
Don’t let the stress of your moving finances creep up on you. If you know what you’re getting into, you can plan accordingly. Start with your moving quote (note that not all quotes are binding, so read the fine print and understand the ways in which your quote can go up or down), a binding not-to-exceed, or guaranteed not-to-exceed quote is best. With this kind of quote, your price will not exceed the price given and may even go down, depending on weight.
Do your best in figuring out how much money you’ll need to spend on packing materials if you’re doing your own packing. Items to consider:
- Boxes
- Bubble wrap
- Packing tape
- Markers to label boxes
- Packing paper
- Foam wraps
- Moving blankets
- Stretch plastic wrap
And, don’t forget to budget for tipping the moving team (usually $10 per person for a half-day and $20 per person for the full day).
Your long-distance move will probably invite some stress into your life for a short time period, but if you follow these tips and prepare well, you’ll help support a stress-free long-distance move.
Eden’s Moving Services
Eden's Moving Services provides customized local and long-distance moving services from Colorado throughout the USA. Working with residential and commercial customers for over 10 years, we are dedicated to offering you confidence, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Whether you're looking for high-quality expert packing, storage services, or professionally trained movers, we are here to accommodate, providing exceptional attention to detail, no matter the size of your move. Each move is treated on its own merits for maximum service and added value for money. Visit us at EdensMoving.com or contact us at 720-370-3455 or toll-free at 1-877-887-8248.
