Tips on Preparing for a Long-Distance Move
We understand that it can be challenging to keep everything orderly as the set moving day approaches. You must figure out and take many essential steps when embarking on a long-distance move. But don’t worry, because we have highlighted some of the major steps and top tips that will help you keep everything in order as you wait for the moving day.
- Establish the move type that you need
Way before scheduling with a long-distance moving firm, ask yourself if you want a self-service moving service or a full-service moving service. You may want to use a full-service firm if you would prefer to have a moving company that will handle every aspect of your long-distance move as you take care of other things. In that case, you must be willing to pay a higher cost.
However, if you are on a tight moving budget and can get plenty of help from family and friends, then the recommendation would be to take a DIY approach to your long-distance moving process if you don’t mind it at all. And hiring a self-service moving firm is the best way to take this approach which will ultimately save you money that you can use on other things.
- Reducing your inventory
Do you need to take everything with you during a long-distance move, including unwanted possessions? No! A long-distance move should be an excellent reason to do away with unwanted or underused belongings. The best approach is to develop two piles as you organize and pack for the long-distance move. Label one pile as the “throw-away-pile” and the remaining one as the “donate” pile. With a few days remaining before the moving day, please spare some time and use a truck to transport your labeled items to their correct drop-off locations.
- Inform people around you about your long-distance move
Like your family members and close friends, people around you will already know about your long-distance move. But also, don’t forget other significant organizations, parties, and individuals that are worth your long-distance notification. While you are free to notify whoever you wish, it would be best if you don’t leave out the Social Security Administration, tax agencies, insurance firms, the post office, your internet service provider, and utility companies.
- Confirm essential details with your long-distance moving company
It is essential to always check with your mover if it features all the legal requirements, with the most important ones being insurance and licensing. But if you have selected a long-distance moving company from our list, whether a full-service or a self-service, there is no need to worry about this essential tip. We strive to ensure that all the movers recommended in this piece are bonded, insured, and licensed. In case you decide to hire another moving firm that doesn’t feature in this list, we highly recommend that you take a step and ensure that they are properly insured and licensed.
Wondering how you will confirm if your long-distance mover is licensed and insured or not? It’s pretty simple! Obtain the mover’s USDOT number and then visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website. You can use the mover’s USDOT number from the website to confirm that it is authorized to transport your household belongings safely.
- Creating a detailed inventory
In most cases, most long-distance movers will help you in this area. Some moving companies will go the extra mile and offer you a tool that helps clients develop a detailed inventory of their belongings, ensuring you don’t leave anything out. And while creating a detailed inventory as described above, make short notes about your items’ conditions and take pictures. You will need these short notes and photos of your household belongings if an incident happens during transit, damaging some of your items and forcing you to file a claim for reimbursement.