Top Tips for a Long Distance Move

Long distance moves are a major life event, and the best way to make sure yours goes smoothly is to make sure you plan ahead. Moving across state — or international — lines can seem like a daunting task, but an experienced moving and storage company like Mr.Move can help take the load off your shoulders.

Prioritize Your Belongings

When you are moving your entire residence, prioritize your belongings to know what you will need first when you arrive. Keep a list of essentials during the packing process, and make sure the boxes are labeled for easy access. Having list will also help if you need to decide what to in a garage sale.

Determine Special Moving Needs

Unique items may need special handling by experts. Pool tables, store fixtures, pianos, grandfather clocks, fine art, automobiles, antiques, and large electronics need extra attention to ensure safety, and often smaller or local movers may not have the resources to move them. Check with Mr.Move for specialty crating if extra protection is required.

Get In-Home Moving Estimates

With an in-home moving estimate, a move representative from the Mr.Move will come to your home to do a visual survey of all the items you are moving. This allows them to give you an accurate price for your move. It also helps you get a feel for the moving company you are considering selecting.
If any other company you are speaking with does not want to perform an in-home survey, be wary. You may be dealing with a moving broker instead of an actual Moving Company. Brokers just book your business and then contract your move out to a physical mover in your area, usually the mover willing to do your move for the cheapest. This can cause problems for you down the road because you have an extra middleman to deal with and likely are not working with the highest quality mover.

Downsize

With a long distance move, the cost of your move is going to be based on the weight of the items you ship. The more you ship, the more you will end up paying. It is usually a good idea to take the time to go through your belongings and decide what you still use and what you can get rid of. Also, take a moment to consider if you will no longer need certain items at your new home and you can sell them off at any of the various online platforms.

Maximize Financial Upside

Moving may seem expensive, but did you know your expenses might be claimed on your tax return? Talk with an accountant, financial planner, or wealth manager to find out how to recover direct and indirect costs of relocation. Use the move as a chance to find new service providers for insurance, banking, and reoccurring monthly expenses.

International Navigation

For international trips, a quality, experienced mover like Mr.Move, will be able to help you navigate customs and immigration. This is especially important for medical records of immunizations, academic credentials and transcripts, and legal documents for identification or marriage. Ask your movers for extra support for International moves, and rely on their years of previous experience.

Plan With People In Mind

Long distance moving is complicated. One of the toughest things about a long distance move is that your new city just doesn’t feel like ‘home’. After a move, you might now know many people in your new town, and you likely haven’t figured out where your new favorite restaurants are at. We strongly encourage you to push yourself to get out into your new town and experience what it has to offer. In addition, while efficiency is important, your family and close friends are the ones that matter. Plan quality time to relax with friends. Visit your favorite restaurants. Take any pets to their favorite parks. Invite others to share in this part of your life, and you may be surprised to find that they have plenty of help to offer. Talk with your family, friends, and professional network to be connected once you are settled into your new home, and enjoy the opportunity to travel with your loved ones.