Some people move to nearby towns and cities, while others relocate across the state or country. The reasons for moving can be as diverse as moving for a change of scenery, better neighborhoods, affordable living costs, and much more.
Consider Chicago, IL, where living is more expensive than the country average. So people might move to other, more affordable places to make the most of their money and have a better lifestyle.
While the reasons motivating people to relocate can be wide-ranging, one thing remains constant: the stress of moving long distances.
Moving is always challenging but seldom easy. However, proper planning and better execution can take you from your current to your final destination as smoothly as possible.
Here are some tips to make your long-distance move stress-free and smooth.
1. Hire a mover company early on
Executing a long-distance without the help of a long-distance moving company is almost impossible. Therefore, the first thing that can guarantee you a smooth and stress-free move is hiring a professional moving company early on without waiting for the moving day.
A delay in hiring a moving company can increase the risk of not finding a suitable one, forcing you to work with a less experienced firm found at the last minute.
Professional moving company staff can guarantee the safety of your belongings, prevent damage, and reduce moving costs by executing the move responsibly. Additionally, for those seeking specialized long-distance moving services, exploring options like Shiply can provide access to a wide range of movers, allowing you to compare quotes and services to find the best fit for your needs. Visit to know more https://www.shiply.com/
Even minor damage to your belongings can increase the moving costs, which is unsettling, especially when moving from a place like Chicago to escape skyrocketing living costs. The cost of housing in Chicago is 52% more than the national average, according to the RentCafe. So, even a small unnecessary expense can hurt your moving budget. Working with top Chicago interstate movers who ensure the safety of your belongings can prevent unnecessary costs and offer peace of mind.
2. Thoroughly research moving companies
Not all moving companies provide equal services, so it is a good idea to thoroughly research the mover companies to be sure of their qualities. Contact at least three companies, read their previous clients’ reviews, and request quotes for comparison.
Start looking for the mover companies at least a month before the moving day to have enough time to thoroughly assess each company.
Once you have the price estimates, hold your temptation to go with the cheapest company. Consider it a red flag if their fee is way less than the prevailing market rate. Choose a mover company that is neither cheap nor too expensive but the one that provides the best service at a comparable rate.
3. Create a moving checklist early on
Starting early is one of those things that are key to making your long-distance move smooth and stress-free. Start planning as soon as you finalize the move by preparing a checklist of all the tasks you must finish before the moving day.
Your moving checklist will guide you through the entire moving process, preventing you from forgetting important tasks and allowing you to stay on schedule.
By following the moving checklist, you will not scramble to check off important moving tasks, such as transferring utilities and informing the postal service, at the last minute.
4. Plan for your pets
Pets moving with you need separate planning by adding a layer of complexity to your long-distance move.
Some moving companies may not agree to transport pets along with the rest of the stuff. The easiest way to move pets is in your vehicle, but that’s often impossible, especially if you’re moving long distances.
There is also the option of air travel, but not all airlines accommodate all types of pets. Then, there are separate pet transport services, which means staying away from your pet for a few days.
Regardless of your route for moving your pets to the new house, ensure your pet’s safety.
Also, have an updated pet vaccination and health certificate. Arrange enough food for your pets to go a few days after reaching the new home.
5. Downsize before moving
The cost of the mover company depends on the amount of stuff you want to transform and the total space required on the moving truck. The more stuff you have, the more lengthy, time-consuming, and costly your move becomes. Therefore, downsizing and reducing the number of items you must ship is a good idea.
Before starting packing, go through your belongings and decide what you really want in your new house that you can part ways with. For instance, if you are moving to a place like Florida, you do not need to take your snow blower or thick sweater. Similarly, get rid of kitchen stuff you have never used or don’t plan to use or the clothes you don’t wear anymore.
Be honest about the selection of items; be aware of the traps of sentimental items; their emotional value can make you hold onto them unnecessarily. Hold a yard sale or send the extra stuff to charities in your area to remove them from your house.
6. Disassemble furniture
Furniture can occupy a lot of space on the moving carriage, increasing the cost of moving. Disassembling the furniture lets you arrange stuff on the moving carriage more efficiently, allowing you to fit more things in one vehicle.
Disassembled furniture pieces are also easier to move from narrow spaces such as stairways and corridors without sustaining any damage. So, break apart your furniture, such as tables and beds, before loading on the vehicle to reduce the moving costs and ensure their safety.
7. Let professionals handle the packing
While packing yourself can save you a lot of money, remember packing is a long procedure and can take months, especially while performing other duties simultaneously. Outsourcing packing of the entire house to professional packers can spare you the hassle and save time.
Professional packers can pack your stuff more efficiently than you using appropriate packing material. Knowing that your belongings can bear the brunt of a long-distance move will give you peace of mind.
You can allocate time saved on packing to take care of kids, prepare them for the upcoming move, or say your goodbyes to friends and family.
8. Pack essentials separately
Moving can be very chaotic, regardless of how strategic your planning is, making it difficult to track important stuff after reaching your new home.
Even if you don’t unpack right after reaching your new house, you will still need everyday essentials such as clothes, toiletries, baby formula, pet food, etc. Packing a separate bag containing essentials can prevent you from needing to unpack right away.
Conclusion
Moving to a new location accompanies the anticipation of starting a new life and meeting new people. But it also brings a lot of mayhem and disorder into your life, making the process stressful. Though you cannot completely detach stress from moving, you can still make it less chaotic.
Careful and early planning top the list of things that can make a long-distance move stressful. Furthermore, outsourcing tasks like packing, cleaning the house, and transporting your belongings can also make moving smooth.
