How to Plan for a Long Distance Move

Whether you are moving for a new job, retirement or to be closer to friends and family a long distance move is a big undertaking. Simply moving house within the same region is a lot of work but preparing to move outside of your current region takes careful planning and preparation. This is the time to be organized and proactive as it is not ideal to leave things to chance because if you do the move may become both an overwhelming and stressful endeavour.

Thankfully there are many things to do in order to make a long distance move less painful and instead you can enjoy the fun and excitement new beginnings bring into your life. Hiring a moving company always lightens the load and in the Kootenays, Nelson movers are there to help get you on your way in an efficient and professional manner. Just keep in mind a few simple steps and you will be ready in no time with your home packed up and good to go.

  1. Have a Moving Budget

It is important to calculate how much money you need to complete the move before you even start packing the house. If you are relocating for work you might be lucky and have it paid for by your employer. Though this covers most of the costs you will likely still have to pay some money out of pocket. If you are on your own price out moving companies and the cost of fuel as well as boxes and all other moving supplies you need. Add extra for surprises.

  1. Map the Route

While some moves are a simple point A to point B with longer distances to travel you have to figure out some of the logistics. There is often more than one route to choose from and factors such as restaurants and hotels may alter the decision-making process. If you have several family vehicles you need to figure out how to get them across the country.  Also, depending on the time of year one route may be better than the other.

  1. Research Moving Companies

We have all heard horror stories of families who have hired moving companies that do not follow through on their promises or that tack on hidden prices at the end or middle of the move. This is certainly not an ideal situation so be sure to take the time to educate yourself and thoroughly research any moving companies you are considering using. Word of mouth is good or read online reviews. Be sure to discuss expectations before your things are loaded.

  1. Follow a Schedule

It is important to have a schedule and stick to it or you might find yourself stressed and rushing as the moving date approaches. Packing and organizing always take longer than anticipated so be sure you are conservative when it comes to allocating your time. Have a moving notebook to help as you will have a list of what needs to be accomplished each day. Try and stick to it as closely as possible but do plan on some deviations as there are always surprises.

  1. Be an Organized Packer

While it is easy to believe paying for professional boxes or plastic containers are not worthy expenses having proper packing boxes really make a move much easier. Not only are they faster to stack into a truck they also are less likely to fall apart when shifted. Buy more than one size as heavy items should be put into smaller containers so they are not too much to move. Be sure to label everything for better times on the other end.

  1. Forward all Services

By the time you get to the destination you are going to be tired and ready to relax a bit before unpacking your boxes and personal items. This is not the time you want to be on the phone or computer forwarding your utilities and mail. Doing it before the move means when you arrive everything is already set up and you do not have to worry about it.

  1. Plan for Arrival

Especially when travelling with children you are going to want a plan for when you arrive at your new home. Decide if you are going out for dinner and breakfast or staying in a hotel for the first night there. The home won’t be set up so cooking and sleeping arrangements have to be made. Plan this before you get there to lessen stress upon arrival.