A Little Extra Planning Will Make a Long Distance Move Go Smoothly
Planning a long-distance move (i.e., moving to a home in another state, or perhaps just the other side of the same state) involves many of the same processes as a short move. However, there are numerous extra challenges associated with the move as well. To make the long-distance move as smooth as possible, you will need to prepare a detailed plan in writing before the actual trip ever begins.
First, you need to consider the trip itself. How far will you be traveling? How many hours (or even days) do you expect the trip to take? Write all of this down, as it will come in handy when moving day actually arrives.
Well before the day of the trip, make sure you get some good maps to the new location. If you wait until you’re pulling out of the driveway, not only do you risk the frustration of not finding the right map, but you’ve missed out on the chance to plan the quickest, easiest trip ahead of time. A good map will provide you with important information for a safe and smooth journey.
A couple weeks before the trip, decide exactly what vehicles will be going, and who will be going in them. Here’s what we mean. If you’re moving long-distance, you’re doubtless taking a lot of furniture with you. This will require the use of a truck or moving van. Will you be using your own truck? Or will you rent a moving van? If so, do you have a trustworthy driver to take the truck? Perhaps you’ll want to hire a professional mover. These are decisions that must be worked well in advance. Under no circumstances should you let just anyone drive a truck full of all of your belongings for several hundred miles!
Is your trip long enough that it will take more than one day? Then be sure you’ve planned in advance where you’ll be stopping for the night–and that you’ve made hotel reservations there.
Make sure you’ve addressed financial concerns of the trip. This means, first of all, that you should have adequate money for the trip to cover expenses. Make sure you have some actual cash on hand, just in case you need to make a stop somewhere that does not take credit cards. Also, you’ll want to ensure that your insurance is adequate: This means car and health insurance.
In addition to money, have you thought about what other things you’ll want to carry on you? Some people want to keep cameras with them, others like having a change of clothing for the trip. Snacks are always nice for a longer trip, and most people will want to have their cell phones with them. If you’re on any prescription medication, you’ll want to have it with you. And a lot of people like keeping a book or magazine for the ride. Put all of these things on your list so you don’t forget them.
A long-distance move is an ideal time to “de-clutter” your life and belongings. After all, if you’re moving by truck, you’ll likely have to pay by the pound. Therefore it’s important to take only the things you absolutely need. For everything else, plan a yard sale a week or two before the move. This not only cuts down on the expense of moving (which is already significant for a long-distance move), but also helps you avoid cluttering your new home right from day one.
One area that a lot of people overlook with a long-distance move is tying up loose ends at work. After all, if you’re in another state, it’s not so easy to drop by the old office to take care of these matters. For instance, you’ll want to make sure you’ve left an address for your tax documents. Secure any references you might need. And hey–have a party to say goodbye to everyone!
And while we’re getting sentimental, take some steps to make sure you don’t lose touch with your friends after the move. Take a picture of you and your whole family, and then get some cards made up with the photo. You can give all of your friends a copy of the card along with all of your new contact information. Now the ball is in their court to keep in touch!
Be sure that you call the local utility companies and tell them of your expected move so they can shut off the power, telephone, water, etc. Also make a call to the new utility companies so that everything is ready to go when you arrive.
For long trips, it’s wise to have your car or truck examined by a mechanic a couple weeks before the move date. No matter how small the problem, make sure you have it taken care of before the trip begins. Small problems have a way of turning into big ones when you’ve been driving non-stop for several hours. The cost to get these things taken care of will be insignificant compared to the cost of a tow truck and hotel room while you’re getting the car fixed in a strange town.
Once you’ve made it to the new town, there’s lots to do besides just unpacking. You need to call the local DMV and find out how long you have to get your driver’s license switched to the new state. You’ll want to call City Hall and find out about any local ordinances or bylaws you’re not aware of, as well as when trash pick-up is. Try to locate a new doctor soon after your arrival. And spend some time getting to know your new neighbors!
If you make a detailed list, writing down all of the things mentioned above, your trip will be a lot smoother, and when you get to your new home, you’ll be a lot less stressed-out.
Latest Videos of Long Distance Moving Planner:
home-inspection
