There are various reasons why people move to a new region or country. They may want to relocate to a better or new home, to establish their own household, to start a new job or work in a different branch of a company, to study, to find a cheaper place to live, or to own a property instead of renting, just to name a few.
Whatever your reasons may be, congratulations as it is not easy to make a decision to move, especially after years of staying in one place. Now, it’s time to face another challenge, which is to make the move happen.
Success in long-distance moving has less to do with the transit itself but more on making sure things are prepared even before you pack that last piece of luggage. Long-distance moving, when not successful, can end up in a disaster – not just in the journey but in your new place of residence as well and even with the paperwork. In this article are things that you need to know to make sure your move is smooth and problem-free.
Here are some tips you need to keep in mind:
- Try to get your estimates ahead so you can plan in advance: A long-distance move can be a big life decision, especially when you're doing this during a life transition. As such, it's important not to make hasty decisions. Estimate how much moving would cost you. You can also hire a moving company to make an in-home moving estimate to do a visual survey of items to be moved. You will then get a fairly accurate estimate of your move. This allows you to prepare a budget for it.
- Decide this early if you want to get a mover or not: Long-distance moving can be an arduous journey when done alone. If your vehicles aren't prepared for big and heavy packages, you might end up with broken items or a crammed vehicle that may make your long-distance journey unpleasant. Movers such as North American Van Lines are equipped with the vehicles and personnel necessary to carry and take care of your luggage in long-distance moving.
- Downsize your items to reduce costs and worries: A good tip to follow before a move is to downsize. Remember, costs of your move depend heavily on the weight of items you want to ship. As such, sort through your belongings and assess what you want to keep and what you may be able to get rid of. Consider a garage sale or donating your items to others. This also allows you to earn money to add to your other expenses aside from reducing your moving costs.
- Look into your new home and assess where things are to be placed: Before you move, you've most likely visited your new place of residence. It's prudent that you schedule a visit where you plan where items will be placed. This allows you to plan which boxes go to which room and how your new house will look like.
- Properly organize and label your boxes before the move: When we say "organize," don't just find a way to fit everything in the boxes. Rather, find ways to be practical in the packing of the items. Make a list of items you have and which boxes they are in. Mark the boxes as to which rooms they will be placed. Arrange your items in such a way that they're easy to unpack when you arrive.
Prepare for the Long Haul
Always keep in mind that long-distance moving takes a lot of planning for a hassle-free experience. Apply the tips above so that you are adequately prepared for the move and for your new life ahead.
