20 Best Long Distance Moving Tips

The following long-distance moving tips will ensure you cover all the necessary steps and have a successful move. Whether you’re moving across the state or across the country, keeping these expert strategies in mind will save you time, money, and stress.

Phase 1

The Planning Stage

1. As soon as you know you’re moving, start making a plan

To avoid overlooking any crucial tasks during your move, it’s beneficial to create a written checklist. We’ve prepared a comprehensive checklist to assist you in this process. Take a moment to review it and begin checking off the items on your list!

2. Maintaining your timeline is critical

Now that you’ve identified tasks like getting utilities set up and enrolling your children in school, it’s essential to stay on track. Set aside time in your calendar for relocation-related activities and make sure to create reminders on your phone in order to avoid being left in a lurch at the last minute.

3. Get multiple in-home moving estimates

If you’re moving a long way, it’s important to find the perfect moving company for the job. Try to schedule in-home estimates with at least three different movers about four weeks before the move. Make sure the estimate you receive is as accurate as possible by making preparations at your home.

4. Hire a reputable moving company

After you go through a few in-home estimates and compare prices, make sure to hire the most reputable and trustworthy moving company possible. Though affordability is an important aspect, remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Avoid being scammed on your long-distance move by doing your research.

5. Update important documents like your license

When relocating to a new address far away, there are a variety of important documents that must be updated. Such changes include updating your driver’s license and vehicle registration. This can be time consuming and is especially taxing if you are making a distant move.

6. Purchase moving insurance

Whether you have dozens of valuable items or not, make sure you are aware of what your insurance does and does not cover. Before you begin your move, it is essential to discuss your home and auto insurance policies with your agent. Many moving companies will provide basic coverage, however, you may want to purchase a more comprehensive insurance plan.

Phase 2

Tips to Help You Pack

You may feel that you have packing down to a science, but packing for a move across long distances requires different strategies. These tips will help you save money, consolidate your belongings, and guarantee everything reaches your new place in one piece.

7. Make an inventory list

When you move long distance, your belongings may become spread across states or even continents. It’s essential to catalogue all your items before relocating. Apps, notebooks, or even a simple pen and paper would work.

8. Figure out where everything will go

Before moving your five bookshelves and king-sized bed across the country, you need to figure out if they’ll fit in your new home. Try to measure how much open floor space there is in the apartment or house.

9. Take some time to majorly downsize

Take a good look at what you have and get rid of the clothes you haven’t worn in the last 12 months. Purging your belongings could lower the price of your moving estimate and make packing and unpacking far easier.

10. Prioritize items you need to keep with you

Create an open-first box with all of the items you’ll need in your first few weeks, like bedding, dishes, pots, pans, and towels. In addition, make sure to keep a suitcase with you that’s packed with toiletries and clothing.

11. Pack boxes with distance in mind

Fragile items should be wrapped up securely with bubble wrap, paper, and old t-shirts. For convenience, keep the fragile items together in their own box and clearly mark them as such.

12. Organize belongings as you pack

To make unpacking easier, avoid randomly throwing all your belongings into boxes. Instead, pack items by room or area. Consider assigning each box a number corresponding to your inventory list.

13. Label boxes with your name

When you move long distance, your boxes will most likely be placed on a moving truck that includes boxes that belong to other families. To prevent mix-ups, it is essential to clearly label each box with your name and phone number.

14. Let the professionals handle it

Moving hacks can save time, but packing an entire house takes months. If you’re in a hurry, consider hiring professional packers. For long-distance moves, their expertise is invaluable.

15. Save money where you can

If you’re in a financial crunch, consider DIY options to save money. You can pack, clean, and organize with the help of friends, or downsize to cut costs with the moving company.

Phase 3

Making the Actual Move

Having prepared and packed your belongings, it’s time to embark on your move. Whether you’re taking a road trip or catching a flight, these tips will help ensure safe transportation.

16. Move during off-season

Moving during the summer is a popular choice, but it can be costly. If possible, consider moving during the off-season to save money. Alternatively, scheduling your move on a weekday can also lead to cost savings.

17. Plan around your delivery window

When selecting a moving company, be aware that the delivery window can extend over two weeks. Prepare to live without the items transported on the truck for the initial month.

18. Be aware of your move-in situation

When the moving truck arrives, be prepared by researching parking regulations in your new neighborhood and ensuring adequate space. If moving into an apartment, check for specific move-in day requirements.

19. Triple-check your belongings before the movers leave

Use your inventory list to ensure that all items are accounted for during the move. Double-check and triple-check the list before the movers leave to quickly identify any missing items.

20. Tip your long distance movers

Tipping your movers is a thoughtful gesture to express gratitude for their hard work. You can tip a certain dollar amount per hour or offer refreshments like snacks and drinks.