While all moves can be stressful, moving far away is especially taxing. If you are moving away from friends and family, you are leaving your main support system. It may also be more expensive to travel long distances. You may have the added stress of getting children and pets to your destination. If you will be moving a long distance, gather some helpful tips to ease your stress and make things run more smoothly.
Gather Information
According to Thomas Fagan, vice president of Sales at the Indianapolis branch of Atlantic Relocation, the most important thing a person can do if he is moving is choose a familiar moving company. The company should be reputable and offer a binding estimate. Finding the right company may take some time and research, but the quality service you receive will be worth it. As soon as you decide to move, begin a paper file for important moving information. If want to reduce clutter, scan receipts and paperwork. Either way, your moving-related information and expenses will be stored someplace. Remember some expenses can be deducted from your tax return, so you will want to keep careful records of everything you do and spend.
Some people move because they have visited a location and feel they like it more than where they are currently living. However, if you are moving somewhere because of work or school, you may not be as familiar with the area. You also may not have time beforehand to visit. Take time to research shopping, entertainment, and dining options to get a feel for what awaits you at your new destination. Your destination’s area Chamber of Commerce may offer a relocation guide that will familiarize you with the services in the area. Also be sure you have a map of the new location and carry it with you in your vehicle. Another great way to get to know a location is to have the local newspaper delivered to your home for a few weeks preceding the move.
Prepare for the Move
Before you begin packing, make sure you have all the supplies you need on hand. Gather boxes, tape, markers, and other packing materials so everything is nearby before the work begins. You may find you need additional materials, but at least you will have a good start on things and not be worrying about running to the store with every new room you pack. Check out a few packing and loading tips online and make sure you are familiar with packing valuables, breakables, perishables, and anything else that may have special instructions. Choosing the right box size for different belongings is more important than a lot of people realize. In order for moving companies to be able to transport your items safely, they will need to be packed properly. Also consider hiring a moving company to do your packing as well as the transporting.
Consider Lessening the Load
Moving can be more difficult if you do not take the time to pare down your household. This can be a great time to sort through items which have built up in your home and decide what is really needed. Clean out closets and cabinets and donate items to thrift stores or charities for the needy. You may also want to consider scheduling a yard sale which will enable you to make a little cash from your old items. Cleaning out unused items from your home not only makes good moving sense, it is great for the soul.
When surveying items and determining what should be kept, ask yourself if it has sentimental value, if it is frequently or annually used, if it is worth paying for it to be moved from one location to another, and whether or not there will be space for it in your new home. Depending on how these questions are answered, you may find you are storing a lot more in your home than you need to. Some things will not be movable because they are flammable or hazardous. Determine the safe way to dispose of these and do so.
Moving a long distance does not have to be any more stressful than moving right down the street. Get organized, plan ahead, and make sure you schedule time to relax during the process. Atlantic Relocation will help you plan your move with confidence from beginning to end.
