Making a long-distance move into the apartments near Augusta is quite challenging compared to moving to the same city.
You can’t just throw all your belongings in the back of a truck and leave. Moving hundreds to thousands of miles to another state or country takes a lot of careful planning.
Being 100% ready is the key to a hassle-free long-distance move. Below are a few things that can help you prepare for a long-distance move and make it a successful one.
Table of Contents
1. Begin Planning Once You Know You’re Moving
Avoid the mistake of talking to movers and car shipping companies at the last minute. Create a plan as soon as you confirm that you’re moving. Time management is essential, so making a checklist to help guide you through preparations is necessary.
Write down all the tasks you need to accomplish in the checklist and arrange them according to importance. Prioritize tasks that you need to complete at any cost. You may do this on a spreadsheet or use a customizable moving checklist available online.
Make a schedule based on this checklist and stick to it the best you can. Take note of time-sensitive tasks like renovations and utility installation at the new house. You don’t want to move to a place without stairs, electricity, or running water. Set up reminders using your phone to avoid forgetting what you need to do.
2. Get Multiple Quotes From Moving Companies in Your Area
A long-distance move is no laughing matter, so you need to hire the best moving company you can find. Ask at least three different companies for estimates and compare them based on pricing, included services, and terms and conditions.
Check the movers’ reputation through testimonials and company reviews. The feedback from former customers usually paints a good picture of how reliable a company is. Also, see if they have proper accreditation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Choose the long-distance mover that can deliver your needs within your budget.
Meanwhile, talk to car shipping companies if you plan on taking your car with you. This is a more convenient way than driving it yourself for hundreds of miles. Apply the same strategy for choosing movers here.
3. Update Your Documents and Secure Your Records
Changing residences requires updating your information. It can get a bit more complicated for long-distance moves. You may need to update documents like your driver’s license and car registration, especially when moving to another state.
This should be one of the items at the top of your moving checklist. You need to update all necessary documents before the move or risk running into issues later. You don’t want to move to a new location and find you’re not allowed to drive your car there.
It’s also important to obtain all necessary records before moving. Visit your family doctor and request your medical records, such as vaccination and medical history. You should also contact your children’s school to ask for their records or request a direct transfer to the new school.
4. Get a Moving Insurance
Moving companies usually offer an insurance policy but with limited coverage. Find out what it does or does not cover by talking to your agent. You might end up purchasing more comprehensive insurance if expensive items are included in the transport.
5. Create an Inventory List
Take inventory of all your belongings before packing to figure out which ones you will take with you and where they’ll go in your new home. You can do this through a mobile app or with pen and paper. This list will be helpful in the sorting process and when you check everything upon your arrival.
The list will also allow you to get rid of unwanted items before moving. Separate items that you don’t use, love, or need to survive. You can give them away, donate them to charity, or hold a garage sale to turn them into a few bucks.
6. Packing Do’s and Don’ts
Make sure that you have enough packing and moving supplies before you begin. You don’t want to stop in the middle of the process just because you run out of tape or your marker has run dry. Refrain from randomly placing items into boxes but instead organize them by room, size, or category.
Break down large items into smaller pieces that take less space. You can do this with detachable bookcases, bed frames, and other furniture that you can disassemble. Pack heavy items into small boxes and lighter ones in bigger boxes, so it’s easier for movers to lift them.
Don’t forget to label your boxes with your name to avoid getting them mixed with other people’s belongings. This happens because some long-distance movers may use large trucks that contain parcels owned by different families moving to the same area.
Final Thoughts
Moving to a new community should be an exciting experience for you and your family. Make sure that it is by following the tips discussed above. Preparation is always the key to a successful long-distance move.
