For some short distance moves, you can stack everything in a rental truck or a friend’s pick-up truck and haul it just a few blocks away but when it comes to state-to state or long-distance moving, that’s not the case! A state-to-state move requires quite a bit of planning and preparing beforehand and a set of skills that make these moves best left to the professionals. Luckily, we’ve compiled some essential tips to have your move running as smoothly as possible.
- Begin planning your move as soon as possible! Time is of the essence when it comes to booking a state-to-state move. Start by creating a list of all the things you need to do before, during, and after your move. To make your moving checklist easier, check out our handy dandy Printable Moving Checklist here.
- Stay on schedule. Once you have a timeline and a checklist created, work hard to stick to it as much as possible, especially when it comes to particularly time sensitive tasks, because the last thing you want during a move is to add extra stress on yourself by having to rush to complete things at the last minute. To avoid this, you can try setting up reminders on your phone or in your calendar.
- Get multiple estimates, and get them early on!. Having the right moving company is key especially for a long-distance move. Get your estimates as early as possible so you are not rushed making a decision, and the mover you pick will be available to schedule the loading and delivery dates when you’d prefer.
- Hire the right movers. After you’ve gotten all your price quotes and you’ve had time to compare moving companies, research their ratings, and explore all your options, make sure you are choosing a mover based on how reliable and trustworthy they are, and not just considering the cheapest option for something as major as a long-distance move. Check out the moving company you’re considering in the government’s national mover database.
- Make an inventory list. Use an app or a notebook to make a complete list of all the items you will be moving. This way if things get lost or misplaced along the way, you will be able to identify exactly what’s missing.
- Create a floorplan. Before you move everything you own across the country, you need to make sure they will fit inside your home. Anything you do not want, or will not have the room for, you should plan to sell, discard or donate. Downsizing will also lower the cost of your move overall and make packing, unpacking and setup that much easier, so it’s a win-win!
- Make and Open Me First box. Keep certain items separate that you will want to keep with you throughout the move. This includes important documents, but it also includes items you’ll need throughout the first week in your new house such as linens, towels, some cookware, and bathroom essentials. Be sure to pack clothing and toiletries for your days in transit as well.
- Pack, Pack, Pack. When moving across the country, having your items packed securely and safely makes a huge difference. You can find a link to our Pack Like A Pro guidelines here. If you are concerned you may not be able to get it all done well and in time for your move, rest assured! MiniMoves’ packers are trained professionals, so you can always rely on us to get the job done correctly if you are unable to do your own packing.
- Choose the time of your move strategically. Most people move during the summer months, when the weather is good and kids are already out of school. However, due to summer being peak moving season, it also means that it is unfortunately more expensive to move during this time. Move during the off season if you can. This could save you hundreds. Also, moving on a weekday or in the middle of the month may also save you a few dollars and ensure that you’ll be able to get the moving day you want.
- Plan for your delivery window. Depending on the length of your move the delivery window for your household items could be seven to fourteen days or longer. Plan to live for a few weeks on what you have packed and brought with you, or make sure you can run to the store for essentials once you arrive in your new home. The movers will contact you once your shipment arrives and is ready to schedule for delivery.
- Have a plan for your movers once they arrive with your things. Be aware of parking regulations for the moving truck and also if you need to reserve an elevator for the day or a Certificate of Insurance for the building management. Our moving counselors can help answer questions and get those things scheduled for you.
- Tip your movers! Providing your movers with a tip for all their hard work is always appreciated. That tip could be beverages/snacks; our movers are always extremely grateful when customers think about them!
