Planning a long-distance relocation to or from New Jersey? These 7 stress-free long-distance moving tips will make your next big move a pleasant experience.
Whether you’re relocating across the state or moving clear across the country, long-distance moving is a complex process. But there are ways to reduce stress and even make it a fun and exciting experience.
Here are 7 essential moving tips to help you relax during your next long-distance move.
Tip #1: Prepare Early
You saw the same tip in our local moving tips article, but it’s even more important for long-distance moves. The added complication of traveling to a remote location and coordinating things in a distant place means extra planning is important.
As soon as you know you’re going to move, it’s time to start planning. Write down each stage of your move and what’s involved or needs to be done. Work backward from your move-in date noting what needs to be taken care of according to priority.
Tip #2: Decide What Goes
After you’ve broken down your move into phases, you can decide what you’re bringing with you. Long-distance moves have special considerations, and not everything that fits cozily in your current home will be convenient to transport or necessary in your new home. Be strict about what you decide to take with you.
Tip #3: Decide What Stays
As you decide what to bring, make a list of items you don’t want or won’t need. This is especially relevant if you are moving to a drastically different climate. Create the standard sell / donate / trash buckets for any belongings you are on the fence about.
The less you bring with you the less you’ll stress about your move. And, fewer belongings may mean lower moving rates from your NJ moving company.
Tip #4: Plan for Here
Leaving an area for good means more than just packing up your home. You’ll need to get in touch with utility providers, local businesses you have accounts with, and your township. Closeout any accounts or local services so you don’t encounter fees or complications down the road.
As you get close to moving day, you want to make sure you have everything you need for a comfortable trip. Whether you’re flying or driving, having an essentials bag for each member of your family with everything they need for the trip will make the whole process easier.
Tip #5: Plan for There
You’ll be much happier if your new home is comfortable and ready for when you arrive. Schedule the start date for utilities a few days before you arrive. Make sure you have the proper permits in place (if required) for moving in. You may want to alert the local authorities and even reach out to your new neighbors to let them know what to expect.
Other conveniences like a grocery delivery service for a day or two after your move in can save you a lot of valuable time during your move-in period. Whatever you can do to reduce the amount of effort you have to expend outside your new home is a great way to beat stress.
Tip #6: Get Professional Moving Assistance
Long-distance moves are complex. Going the DIY route with a rental truck and the family following in the car, plus the added effort of loading and unloading everything yourself, can be far more stressful than you think. On the other hand, the peace of mind from hiring professional long-distance movers is almost always worth it – and is probably much more affordable than you think. Plus, professionals know how these moves work and will often point out things you hadn’t considered.
Tip #7: Take Time and Have Fun
The top secret for beating stress during a long-distance move? Take it easy! Don’t try and plan your move down to the minute. Instead, have a plan, but give yourself some leeway to 1) account for any unforeseen delays and 2) take time to enjoy the journey with your family. Think of your long-distance move as a road trip and go from there. You’ll also want plenty of time to settle into your new home before going back to work.
If you follow these 7 tips and ask for the advice of your preferred moving company, your next long distance move will be a stress-free and exciting event.
For more information about long-distance moving or to hire a reliable long-distance moving company, contact us today and get a free quote!
