The Best Way to Plan a Long Distance Move

People make long distance moves for a variety of reasons. Some are going towards better job opportunities while others want to be closer to family. The weather can play a role, too, with some relocators wanting a better climate—however they define that.

No matter your reasons why, it’s crucial to create a plan for your move after you’ve made the decision to relocate. When possible, this can include visiting the state you’re moving to, taking your family so you can all get a sense of your new area. That way, you’ll feel more confident about your new locale; can do some house hunting; and even get a sense of the schools, surrounding neighborhoods, and so forth.

Overall, the best way to move long distance is with a plan. This helps to reduce stress and make everything go as seamlessly as possible.

1. Create Your Plan, Including Your Budget

Long distance moves are defined as being over 50 miles away from your origin. Depending on how far you are going, the cost will increase. So knowing point A and point B for your move is an important first step.

Set your budget as early on as possible. Since most people don’t move long distance very often, it’s common to not know what a good budget is. Establish a budget by reaching out to at least three quality long distance moving companies, as well as exploring your DIY options and how much those would cost.

2. Keep on Schedule

Prior to your move, establish a schedule for move-related tasks you want to accomplish.

What will you accomplish in month one? Month two? Month three? During the last month before your move, you might want to break your schedule down into weeks, and then establish goals for the day before the move and moving day itself.

Once the schedule is set, do your best to stay on track. If you can check off tasks in a steady manner, then they won’t pile up. Make sure to research and mark some tasks, such as shutting off and turning on utilities, that are time sensitive. Items like school enrollment or finding a new home are best kept to the top of your schedule to ensure you don’t run into issues later on.

To stay on schedule, consider putting chunks of time on your calendar where you’ll focus on moving-related tasks.

3. Investigate Moving Companies

It’s never too early to begin exploring options when it comes to finding a reliable moving company.

Early on, you could ask friends, family members, and coworkers if they recommend a long-distance moving company. If you’re moving for work, you may want to inquire with Human Resources to see if there is a company that other employees have used often. You might see a pattern where certain company names rise to the top.

Check out those moving companies’ websites to ensure they offer the services you need, and read customer testimonials online. Even if it is too early to establish a firm moving date, you can at least get options and a budget from your top choices.

We’ve created a guide to help you find the best long distance company for your needs, and ensure you find a reputable mover.

4. List Your Home for Sale

If you’ll need to sell a home before you relocate, talk to a real estate agent about timing, the same goes for if you will be renting out your current home. In a seller’s market, you may secure a sale and get necessary funds in a couple months, whereas in a buyer’s market, it could take several months.

If you want to buy before you move, choose a reputable real estate agent who will work with you long distance. To avoid putting too much pressure on yourself, though, you may decide to find a place to rent for a few months. Once you’re in your new town, you can decide if renting, long-term, makes sense or if you’d like to shop for a home to buy.

5. Begin to Pack

It’s never too early to start packing items you won’t need before you’re in your new location—and you’ll be glad that you did start early. If it’s January, for example, and you’re planning a summer move, you can pack all of your end of the year holiday decorations, dishes, and themed clothing first.

As the time for your move gets closer, you can pack some of your dishes, out of season clothing, and so forth. In other words, the best way to move long distance is in doable small increments. We provide all of the quality packing materials you’ll need and are able to quickly expedite the packing experience with minimal disruption to your life.

Our experts will come in just prior to your move if needed to complete partial or full packing services.

6. Get Your Moving Estimates

Earlier, you did some investigative work about potential moving companies. Now, about two months before your actual move, get solid in-home moving estimates from the most appealing possibilities. Make sure you understand exactly what you’ll be asked to pay at the end of your move – including any fees or possible changes, such as shipment weight.

Ask whatever lingering questions you have, including about how long the estimate will be honored; sometimes, it’s for thirty days past the date on the quote. When booking your moving date, you may need to be flexible, especially if you’re relocating during the busy moving season or weekends.

7. Address Issues in Your New State

Ensure that your housing situation is taken care of—whether that means closing on your new home or signing a rental contract. Coordinate logistics of your move in the new location, make sure that any needed information is forwarded to the local schools your children will attend, and investigate how the laws, tax requirements, and so forth might be different from the ones in your current state.

8. Take Care of Last Minute Details

Forward your mail to your new address, make sure that you’ve provided your new address to everyone who needs the information, double-check that you’ve canceled any services in your current location that you’ll no longer need, and so forth.

Don’t forget to leave some time for the sentimental – take pictures of your old home, of anything in your home and neighborhood that is meaningful to you, and say goodbye to friends and neighbors.

Hiring a Quality Long Distance Mover

An important part of the best way to move long distance is to choose the right moving company. Steps to hiring the right mover include:

● Ask for recommendations from friends, family members, and colleagues.
● Do your research, checking online reviews and consumer protection sites like ProtectYourMove.gov and MovingScam.com.
● Get an in-home estimate. This could include a virtual home survey if that’s available and is more convenient.
● Verify that your moving company of choice has the appropriate licenses.
● Pay close attention to how the moving company asks for payments. While all moving companies require some kind of deposit, if an extremely large upfront deposit is required, that’s a red flag.

In sum, the best way to move long distance is through an organized approach, which includes reaching out to the right moving company.

Contact Daryl Flood Moving & Storage

The Daryl Flood team has been moving Texas families long distance for more than forty years now and will be dedicated to your long distance move as well. With Daryl Flood, you can count on a high-quality moving experience that’s customized for your unique needs. Our professional team of background checked and fully trained moving experts can be depended upon from start to finish, providing the long distance moving services you need.

You’ll have a total team on your side, supporting your move and streamlining the process. Our experts will safely and securely transport your goods while your dedicated moving coordinator will flexibly address your needs from the moment you book your move through the moment when your last belonging arrives at your new location.

We offer professional packing and storage services, among others, and use the best materials to protect your home and belongings. You can count on:

● Total transparency throughout the entire moving process
● Caring approach during your move
● Personalized moving plan that dovetails with your needs
● Easy to understand pricing and quote process

To get started, please contact us online or call 844-350-4284.