Essential Tips to Prioritize During a Long-Distance Move

If you need to move across the country, you may have concerns about the moving process. A long-distance move can be exhausting and challenging, particularly if you don't know how to prepare. Therefore, before you search for a long-distance moving company, plan several aspects of the move.

Tackling a big move with good old-fashioned organization and planning can make the process easier, even if you face unexpected challenges. Here is a guide that can equip you to manage the fundamental aspects of the upcoming move.

1. Take Control of the Preparation Period

One vital aspect you need to manage well to have a successful long-distance move is your time. You need to manage your time properly until the move-out day.

Start by creating a personal moving checklist to guide you during the preparation. Then allocate the specific tasks to undertake in the moving calendar. For instance, you can indicate when to move, declutter, and pack.

Consider sorting the tasks according to their importance—prioritize the jobs you must do first. If you decide to pack yourself, you have to set adequate time for the job to avoid delays.

2. Start Downsizing

If you like accumulating stuff in your home, you may need to downsize before relocating. This is particularly vital if you are moving to a smaller house or want to reduce costs. 

Whether you need to sort your belongings out of necessity or lighten the burden, declutter before or during packing. Start the decluttering process early to have enough time to review your belongings. Also, tackle one room at a go to avoid creating a big mess or feeling overwhelmed. 

If you have to let go of some items with sentimental value, take a photo or video. You may also scan some paper clutter and photos and dispose of the hard copies. You can store or discard all the expired, broken, or items you didn't know you had.

3. Make Preparations for Your New Home

Each time you change an address, particularly to another state, there are many things you have to handle. You must look into public transportation, driver's licenses, voter registration, and utility companies in the new area.

You can set up electricity, water, sewer, internet, cable TV, trash disposal or recycling, and natural gas. So, gather information on these services and keep the details safe during the move. Don't forget to cancel services or memberships in your old residence on time to avoid inconveniences on the moving day.

4. Get a Valuation Plan

Your belongings can be exposed to numerous risks during a long-distance move. One way to protect them against risks of theft or damage is to buy moving valuation.

Generally, the moving companies are responsible for your belongings, but if you're relocating to a different state, the service provider needs to offer coverage. The plan you pick determines the settlement you get if an item is damaged or lost.

When you buy the full value protection plan, the long-distance mover becomes accountable for the whole replacement value of the possessions in the shipment. If anything is broken or lost, they can repair or replace it or provide an equivalent cash settlement.

Another coverage type is a released value protection that offers minimal protection. With this plan, you get a certain percentage of the settlement if the items become faulty or get lost. You may also buy liability coverage from any third-party valuation provider.

Although the inevitable changes associated with a long-distance move, like a new home, school, neighborhood, job, and friends, may be stressful, you can prepare and have a seamless move. 

At United Moving and Storage, we offer customized services that suit your relocation. We aim to ensure all our customers have a successful move regardless of the distance or weather. Contact us today for inquiries or to book an appointment.