Long-distance moves are a major life event, and the best way to ensure yours goes smoothly is to make sure you plan ahead. Moving across state or international lines can seem like a daunting task, but an experienced moving and storage company can help take the load off your shoulders.
Prioritize your belongings
When you’re moving your entire residence, prioritize your belongings so you know what you’ll need first when you arrive. Keep a list of essential items during the packing process and make sure boxes are labeled for easy access. Having a list will also help you if you need to decide what to do at a garage sale.
Determine special moving needs
Unique items may need special handling by experts. Pool tables, store fixtures, pianos, grandfather clocks, fine art, cars, antiques, and large electronics all need extra attention to ensure safety, and often local movers or smaller ones may not have the resources to move them.
Get home moving estimates
With a home moving quote, a mover will come to your home to do a visual inspection of all the items you’re moving. This allows them to give you an exact price for your move. It also helps you become familiar with the moving company you are considering selecting.
If any other company you’re talking to doesn’t want to do a home survey, beware. You may be dealing with a moving broker instead of an actual moving company. Brokers simply book your business and then contract your move to a physical mover in your area, usually the mover willing to do your move for the lowest price. This can cause you problems down the road because you have an additional middleman to deal with and you are probably not working with the highest quality moving company.
Reduce the size
With a long-distance move, the cost of your move will be based on the weight of the items you ship. The more you send, the more you end up paying. It’s usually a good idea to take the time to go through your belongings and decide what you still use and what you can get rid of. Also, take a moment to consider whether you will no longer need certain items in your new home and can sell them on any of the various online platforms.
Maximize financial advantage
Moving may seem expensive, but did you know your expenses could be claimed on your tax return? Talk to an accountant, financial planner, or wealth manager to find out how to recover direct and indirect costs of relocation. Use the move as an opportunity to find new service providers for insurance, banking, and recurring monthly expenses.
International Navigation
For international travel, a quality, experienced moving company will be able to help you handle customs and immigration. This is especially important for medical immunization records, school credentials and transcripts, and legal identification or marriage documents. Ask your movers for extra support for international moves and rely on their years of prior experience.
Plan with people in mind
Long-distance moves are complicated. One of the hardest things about moving long distance is that your new city just doesn’t feel like “home.” After you move, you may not know many people in your new city and you probably haven’t figured out where your new favorite restaurants are. We highly recommend that you make an effort to get out into your new city and experience what it has to offer. Also, while efficiency is important, your family and close friends are the ones that matter. Plan quality time to relax with friends. Visit your favorite restaurants. Take any pet to their favorite parks. Invite others to share this part of their lives and you may be surprised to discover that they have so much help to offer. Talk to your family, friends, and professional network to connect once you’ve settled into your new home and enjoy the opportunity to travel with loved ones.