3 Tips To Organize a Long Distance Move

Coordinating a long distance move is both exhilarating and difficult. These days, it’s easier to plan things with the Internet, but the lack of a physical presence makes it difficult to conduct research on far away locations. Fortunately, you can still plan a move across the country in a way that allows you to focus on the fun and limit the work involved. Here are three things you might want to keep in mind as you start the process.

 

Moving your stuff is the most difficult part of a long distance move. That’s why it’s important to think carefully about how you’re going to move your belongings. You could pay a moving company to transport your things for you, or you could go the DIY route and move everything yourself. Alternately, you could sell all of your items and just pack the fundamentals. Either way, take care to make the right decision.

If you’re going to pay a moving company, here are some questions to ask:

• What is your experience with long distance moves?
• How will you transport my belongings?
• When will my stuff arrive in the new location?
• What highways will you be taking?
• Will my things be protected if there’s an accident?

Movers will be able to provide a cost estimate after you let them know where you’re headed, how much stuff you’ll be bringing, and when you plan to arrive. Do some homework online by comparing moving companies. All firms don’t provide the same services, so take a minute to contact them to know what is and isn’t offered.

If you own a car, you’ll need it to have it delivered. Moving a room full of furniture thousands of miles away is not the same as moving a vehicle. It’s a good idea to understand the benefits and disadvantages of shipping a vehicle long distance as opposed to driving it, as there are risks and drawbacks with each.

The main benefit of shipping a car is that someone else does the work. You pay a company, hand over the keys, and pick up your car in the new city. Now you have one less detail to stress over during the transition. At the same time, shipping a vehicle can often cost more than just driving it, and if you need access to a car while waiting, you’ll have to spend even more money to rent one.

Meanwhile, the primary benefit of driving is that you get to enjoy the journey. You get to visit cities and towns on your way to the new city and travel at your own pace, an experience you might otherwise have missed. Then again, it can take several days to reach a destination thousands of miles away by car, and after you remember the mileage and strain on your car along with unexpected food and lodging costs, it quickly seems more prudent to just ship the thing and be done with it.

Ideally, you’ll already have a new place lined up by the time you’ve committed to the move. If you know you’ll be keeping your things, it’s a good idea to pack up as much as possible before the trip. Keep everything you know you’ll need and get rid of all the other stuff. Make an inventory of critical belongings. This way, you can determine where everything will go at your new home. Not only does being organized save time and add flexibility, it makes the actual move easier once the date approaches.

At the end of the day, the best way to handle a long distance move is to take advantage of the approach that works best for your situation. Now that you have the details covered, however, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision.

Happy travels!