One of the most stressful moments when moving to a new residence is the traveling aspect. Some benefit from moving only a short distance and experience minimized stress. However, some individuals may travel across state lines or into different countries. The pressure is immense in these cases, as many things could go wrong during transit. Instead of focusing on how to get acclimated to the new residence, you now focus on whether all of your items will arrive, whether they will arrive on time, or a list of other concerns. But there are things a person can do to help minimize their stress and be well-prepared for a long journey.
How to Prepare for a Long-Distance Move
Below, we will look at how to prepare for a long-distance move.
Budget for the trip ahead
There are most likely multiple stops when traveling a long distance, whether by plane or road. This distance means there is a need to find shelter, food, and other accessories during different parts of the trip. To accommodate for these travel pauses, a sufficient amount of money must be put aside. This money will be designated not only for food, shelter, etc but also in case of unfortunate events.
Especially when driving on the road, there is always the possibility of something going wrong. So, additional money will be needed in case an unexpected expense occurs. You also want to call your bank to inform them of your new address change, especially if you are moving across state lines. This call will ensure you have uninterrupted access to your money at all times.
Pick a qualified mover
There is no shortage of moving companies, but not all are suited for long-distance travel. Some companies are primarily short-distance movers and advertise as such. Others are long-distance movers, but these companies must go through a careful vetting process to ensure they are up for the job. You want to ensure they are professional and have the proper credentials to conduct your move.
To better understand the company, it requires asking questions about the policies toward lost/damaged items, ensuring they have the proper certification, asking about their prior long-distance trips, and conducting thorough research on the company. In addition, look over the vehicles they will be using for transit. As mentioned, many things can go wrong when traveling long distances, but these risks can get mitigated with the help of a qualified moving company.
Pay close attention to how you package items
How you package your items will ensure their safety, especially those of sensitive items. There are special boxes available for sensitive items like dishes and glassware. There may also be the need to buy additional tools, like bubble wrap, kraft paper, packing peanuts, etc.
In addition to this, you want to organize your items in the moving vehicle. This organization includes writing your name and new address on top of the boxes and placing the boxes in an order inside the truck to prevent items from breaking, such as putting glassware in front of the other boxes. If you do not have a lot of items in the vehicle, ensure they are adequately secure so they are not bouncing around during transit.
Get rid of items you are unlikely to need
When moving, understand the new environment you are moving to. You may currently live in a city where it is cold year round and move to a town where it is warm year round. This new temperature means your winter clothing is less of a priority and does not need to make the journey to the new location.
You will find items you have not used in years and do not anticipate using. Such items also do not need to transit to the new residence. These items, along with the clothing, could be sold or donated to alleviate the stress of items you realistically will not require in your new residence.
Make accommodations for pets
If you travel with a pet, additional measures are needed to ensure the pet’s safety and comfort. A decision on whether they will travel in your vehicle or the moving vehicle will need to be first among them. If they are traveling in the truck, you must ensure the trucks are suitable for pets, have proper air ventilation, and use a suitable carrier for long-distance travel.
If they are in your car, watch over them for any signs of anxiety, keep them entertained, etc. In addition, you will need to bring food, extra money, and medicine for any unexpected incidents with your pet. Traveling long distances for pets can be stressful on the pet, so you need to do everything possible to make the move as peaceful as possible for them.
Make sure all items get accounted for
Ensuring all your intended items make it from your old residence to your new residence is critical. The idea that a box or a pet was left behind could be disastrous. To avoid this scenario:
- Create a checklist of all the boxes you plan to bring.
- Label all the boxes with what is inside to make the checking easier.
- Check off each box as they go in.
- Coordinate with the movers, so they know how many boxes and items should be in the truck and can keep track.
- Go inside the previous place and triple-check to ensure everything you wish to bring is loaded and ready.
Is there a preferred time of year to make a long-distance move?
There is not always the option of choosing when to move. Sometimes, a move is sudden, and there is no time to pick a time to make the move carefully. But when given an option, there are preferable times to make a long-distance journey. Some of those preferable times include the following.
- Weekdays—For most people, weekends are when they get their days off. So, this is the time they would do something such as move to a new location. If the option is available, try to move during the week. Not only are fewer people moving, but fewer people are on the road, helping maintain safety and speed up travel.
- The beginning or the end of the year – summer is another time when many people have more free time than they otherwise would. This new available time means they have more opportunities to move, and moving companies are in higher demand, making them harder to acquire or causing them to charge more. Try moving either during spring or fall when there is less demand.
It’s never desirable to drive when many people are on the road or when moving companies are at their peak demand. However, these time frames help maximize safety and cost and lower stress levels, making them enticing to make a long-distance move.
Conclusion
Moving to a new location can be exciting, but it can also be stressful. Items can go missing, pets are scared, and moving companies may get lost. When moving across long distances, there are many things you need to take into account. So, it’s essential to do everything possible to lower the chances of any potential issues. Taking the time and planning carefully is the best path to a smooth and uneventful move.
