Did you know that 3 million people move interstate annually in the United States?
If you’re thinking about moving to another state, you should understand that planning a long-distance move takes much more effort than a local move. There’s a lot more at stake if your move will cover thousands of miles, so you’ll want to avoid mistakes.
Here’s a look at some of the things you’ll need to keep in mind ahead of a long-distance move.
Get Started ASAP
Have you ever dilly-dallied ahead of a move? If you can remember what that was like, you probably know it’s stressful to have to race against the clock to get everything packed on time. As soon as you know you’ll be moving, get started. You’ll help your cause by figuring out what you want to keep, what you want to throw away, what you want to sell, and what you want to donate to other people or to thrift shops.
It doesn’t make sense to pack and load things you either don’t want or need. The larger the truck you require, the more you’ll have to pay. And the costs can add up over a long-distance move. So, declutter and shed the excess before moving.
Make a List — and Check it Often
Getting started asap is one thing — but making a list and checking it often is another thing. Creating a plan for a local move is always a good idea. It’s an even better idea if you’ll be traveling thousands of miles and want everything to go off without a hitch. What will you pack first? You might want to go by floors, by rooms, or by some other method. It’ll also be helpful to include complete-by dates on your worksheet so that you stay the course.
Find the Right Moving Company
It would be a mistake to assume that one moving company is necessarily as good as another. You’d also be making a mistake by thinking that all moving companies offer long-distance moving options. Some do, and some don’t. Do your research and find a reputable long-distance moving company.
What if you want to move yourself? Should you tackle a DIY move? While the choice is yours, you’ll be taking a major gamble with a DIY move. You’ll have to rent a truck and hope that it’s available when you need it. You’ll also have to trust that the people who volunteer to help you turn up — on time or at all. Moving day will be stressful enough. Hiring a professional mover with the right equipment and enough staffing will be worth the cost.
Hourly Rate Versus Flat Rate
Should you sign a contract for an hourly rate or a flat rate? If your move is local, you’ll usually fare better if you sign a contract for an hourly rate. But if your move is interstate, a flat rate will usually work better for you. When you call to get a quote, a reputable moving company will send a trained moving consultant to visit your home, look at what you need to move, and evaluate how much time it will take to load everything and transport your belongings to your new home. You can work with the mover to see if they’ll offer a flat rate.
Arranging a long-distance move is a major undertaking. But if you take these tips to heart, you’ll find it a lot easier to plan. If you need more tips, ask the moving company you hire. The company will give you all the information you need to plan effectively.
Laila Azzahra is a professional writer and blogger that loves to write about technology, business, entertainment, science, and health.