Three Things To Do When Preparing For A Long Distance Move
Whether you're getting ready to move to a neighboring state or clear across the country, long distance moving can be a completely daunting task. In order to make the process go as smoothly as possible, here are three things to do when preparing for a long distance move.
Book Your Long Distance Moving Company In Advance
When planning and organizing a long distance move, there are going to be many details you'll need to think about. One of the first things you should do, however, is book your long distance moving company. You should start researching moving companies a couple of months before your moving date and have them booked six to eight weeks prior to the big day.
This will ensure that the long distance moving company will have the right trailers and containers, plus you can lock in your rate before fuel prices go up.
Get Rid of Things You Don't Need
Because moving companies charge according to the volume or weight of your household items, you will want to make your move as light as possible. This will mean getting rid of things that you don't need or things that can be easily replaced when you move into your new home.
Some of the best ways to get rid of things like furniture, bedrooms sets, and other large items that you can part with include:
- Have a moving sale
- Donate to the thrift store
- Put an ad in the classifieds
- Give it to someone who needs it
If you are moving to a state that has a different climate, you should also get rid of any seasonal equipment and clothes that you will no longer need.
Find the Right Moving Containers
If you want to save some money during your long distance move, you can pack up all your items yourself. When doing this, you'll need to be sure to have plenty of moving containers. You may want to consider using cardboard boxes instead of plastic storage bins. Some advantages of using cardboard boxes include:
- They are easier to stack
- Because they are recyclable and reusable, they are environmentally friendly
- You can get high quality cardboard boxes for free at grocery stores and restaurants
Make sure you leave plenty of time for packing up all your belongings and labeling the boxes as well. By packing as far in advance as possible and staying organized, your move will be much less stressful.