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Moving across the country to a new city can be exhausting yet exciting, but it can also seem overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re doing. If you’re relocating to another city, state, or country, you might be wondering how the whole process works and if it can be done without breaking the bank. Don’t worry – with our step-by-step guide on long-distance moves; you’ll have all the information you need to make this transition go smoothly.
Preparing for a Cross-Country Move
Don’t freak out if you haven’t cleaned or organized your closets in a long time! The way you look at something can change your entire outlook. When planning a cross-country move, you shouldn’t be worried about the work itself but rather the limited time you have to get it done. Get the ball rolling on the pre-move preparations now so that moving day goes off without a hitch. Here are some suggestions that may be useful!
Prepare a Route Ahead
If you’re relocating to a city loft or apartment, you have to get rid of the spare bedroom set and the cross-country skis to save as much space as possible. Considering the space in your new home will help you determine which belongings are worth transporting and which aren’t. You can also get hints from the climate of the relocated area and your lifestyle.
Research local and state rules about vaccination requirements, leash regulations, and maximum pet populations before bringing a furry friend into your home. Learn as much as you can now about the local schools, driving regulations, and insurance requirements.
Create a Strategy, and Then Stick to It
You’re getting ready to pack up your entire life and relocate miles away. For such a massive undertaking, you must have a strategy. Every task related to the move should be written down, whether you like to go with the flow or want to record every to-do in a spreadsheet. Now that you have a strategy, it’s time to follow it. It’s not ideal to wait until the last minute to take care of time-sensitive tasks like establishing utility services and enrolling children in school. Schedule blocks of time on your calendar for moving-related tasks, or set up reminders on your phone so that you don’t forget when you need to get things done.
Get Moving Quotes
You need to do thorough research to ensure that the moving company you hire is up to the task of a long-distance relocation. As a part of this procedure, you should request in-home estimates from at least three different moving companies. Estimates should be scheduled no later than four weeks before the move, preferably sooner.
Take Time to Reminisce
Whether you’re relocating because of an exciting new work opportunity or simply because you want a fresh start, a long-distance move is no ordinary trip. While it’s wonderful to make the decision to move, it’s also crucial to remember to take some time to enjoy the past. Reflect on the first time you saw your child walk and the time you sat up late watching old movies with friends. Think about it positively: instead of bidding farewell to the old, you’re getting ready to welcome the new!
Invest in Relocation Insurance
Make sure you know what is and is not covered by your insurance policy, regardless of whether you have dozens or just a few expensive goods. Discuss what your homeowners and car insurance policies cover in terms of moving with your agent before you pack up and head out. It’s important to keep in mind that if you have a lot of expensive or precious belongings, you may want to obtain a more extensive insurance plan, even though moving firms typically give a limited insurance policy.
Downsize Extensively
If you’re relocating a long distance, one of our best pieces of advice is to drastically downsize the amount of stuff you have to move. Whether it’s old clothes you haven’t worn in a year, unused kitchen gadgets, or books you’ll never read again, it’s time to get rid of it. If you don’t need it, enjoy it, or use it often, you should get rid of it, give it away, or sell it at a garage sale. Get a better estimate of your move costs by getting rid of unnecessary items and making the packing and unpacking a breeze.
Refer to the Experts!
Moving long distances can seem daunting, especially if you’ve never done it before, but there are plenty of things that make it much easier. If you feel confused and don’t know where to start with your relocation, Safebound Moving & Storage can help take care of every aspect of your long-distance move so you can sit back, relax, and leave the hard work to the professionals!