If you’re about to move across the country, there’s probably a lot on your mind and even more on your to-do list. From creating (and sticking to) a budget to researching moving companies to organizing and packing your belongings, there is no shortage of things that need to get done.
At Bekins, we are passionate about providing stress-free moves. That’s why, to make your relocation across the country easier, we’ve compiled a list of tips for a successful long-distance move.
What is the Best Way to Move Long Distance? Tips for Sticking to Your Timeline & Budget
1. Start Planning as Early as Possible
Once you’ve made the decision to move, start planning and prepping for the big day right away! Research moving companies, take note of your belongings and pick a move date as soon as possible. The sooner you know when you’re moving, who you’re moving with and how much stuff you have to move, the easier it’ll be to stick to your desired timeline and budget.
2. Create an Inventory List
Whether you’re moving yourself or hiring a professional moving company, putting together an inventory list of your stuff is extremely beneficial. In fact, creating a list of your belongings may be what decides if you hire professional movers or not! If your list doesn’t look too daunting, you may want to move yourself. If it seems to go on and on or the items on the list are heavy, awkward or large, hire a moving company.
3. Save Money
Moving is expensive… but that’s probably no surprise to you. That’s why it’s important to save for your move and even make some additional cash if you can. A few ways to keep yourself from breaking the bank during your move include:
- Selling some of your unwanted stuff
- Getting help from friends and family
- Looking for moving discounts
4. Save Space
If you’re using a long-distance moving company, downsize your belongings if possible. Professional long distance movers charge based on the amount of stuff you’re moving and the distance of your move.
Even if you’re moving everything yourself, it’s still helpful to get rid of as much stuff as possible. The less stuff you have, the easier it is to move! Pretty simple, right? Here are a few ways you can downsize before your move:
- Go through all your boxes, closets and bags and sort through everything you find.
- Donate your stuff. Items that are in good shape but you no longer want or need should be donated.
- Get a storage unit. Items that you still want but aren’t sure you want to take with you on your move can go in a storage unit.
- Throw stuff out. Anything that can’t be sold or donated, you don’t want to put in storage and you don’t want to keep, throw it out.
5. Work with an Experienced Long Distance Moving Company
Although moving on your own may appear less expensive on paper, it usually ends up taking more time, being more difficult and often, your belongings end up getting damaged. After everything is complete and you’re all moved in, it’s usually safer and more efficient to get help from professional movers.
The best way to choose a moving company for your long-distance move is to get several in-home estimates. Once you get the estimated prices for each, peruse the websites, look at reviews and make sure they have a successful track record.
6. Get Valuation Protection
When you work with quality long distance movers, you’ll get access to moving valuation protection. Of course, at Bekins, our goal is to never damage or lose any of your belongings. However, if an unfortunate accident were to happen, valuation protection would help give you peace of mind. This, of course, is not an option when you move your stuff on your own.
7. Put Your Name on All Your Moving Boxes
Moving trucks that service long distance moves have a variety of people’s belongings in the truck – unless you have so much stuff that it completely fills the trailer. In order to keep your stuff from getting lost, make sure to mark all of your boxes with your name or some other unique identifier.
8. Pack Your Essentials (And Some Fun Stuff) With You
As you pack your belongings and prepare them to be loaded onto a moving truck, make sure you have what you need with you. Your essential items should include:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Chargers
- Changes of clothes
- Medications and vitamins
- Snacks and beverages
- Important cards and identification
- Entertainment (books, toys, games, etc.)
Bekins is Ready for the Long Haul
Moving with a trusted, respected and experienced moving company takes a lot of pressure off the big day. Performing long distance moves is second nature to the relocation experts at Bekins Van Lines. To get peace of mind for your move cross country, get in touch with Bekins today!
