If you’re wondering how to start preparing for a long-distance move, and when to do it, we’re here to help. The list of things to do before a move can sometimes be tiring and seemingly endless. From finding reliable long distance movers Ontario to figuring out how to pack. However, with the right planning and preparation, you can do everything on the list on time, and relax. To help you out on the journey, we put together a list of suggestions. Whether you are moving a few hundred miles away, or to a new country, you will need some good long-distance moving tips to make it happen. We’ll cover everything from the moment you decide you’re moving, to the day your items arrive at the new home. Keep calm, follow the steps below, and your move will be a breeze.
Start preparing for a long-distance move a few months ahead
You’re about to start moving hundreds of miles away from your current home. Such a big task requires a good plan. Regardless if you want to go with the flow, or keep everything filed down, create a progress map and stick to it. You should start doing this roughly three months before the move to avoid unwanted surprises. After you make a plan, try to stick to it as much as you can. Things like installing utilities in your new home or school enlisting for the kids shouldn’t be done on the last day. To keep yourself from losing track of time, try to separate your calendar into smaller chunks of time and completing them one by one. Since you are in it for the long haul, you also need to find the right moving company. A big part of this process is getting at least 3 in-home estimates.
The optimal time to schedule these estimates is around two months in advance, but the earlier the better. In-home estimates will give you the most accurate number, so you won’t have much trouble comparing them. Regardless if you need regular house movers or Brampton office movers, it is important to aim for quality. Even though you have a budget, keep in mind that the cheapest is not always the best. There are many moving scams around so you need to be careful when choosing movers. If you see a ridiculously low price, the smartest thing to do is to walk away. When you do select a mover that fits your needs and budget, go over the contract carefully. Avoid incomplete or blank contracts, as they can be changed later without your knowledge.
Packing is the next big thing on your to-do list
Preparing for a long-distance move means realizing that your items will become spread across states, or maybe even continents. Because of this, it is important to make a detailed inventory of all of your items before moving out. Make sure you make a detailed list of every item and the room it came from. This way, you won’t have to spend time figuring out if everything made it to the new house. The packing process should start roughly four to five weeks before the move, so you can finish everything on time. A good way to start is to get rid of all items you won’t need in your new home. Decluttering your home before the move is vital because it will lighten the burden of packing.
Get rid of clothes you haven’t worn for years, kitchen appliances you haven’t even touched, or books you don’t plan on reading again. If it is not essential or frequently used, throw it away or donate it. By reducing the number of items you pack, your moving estimate can be lower, since some companies charge by weight. In addition, you will unpack efficiently. While on the subject of packing, make sure to set the items you will absolutely need after the move as priorities. This essential box should contain items needed in the first few days, such as towels, a few plates, a change of clothes, bedsheets, and toiletries. Keep these close to you, and you should be fine after the move.
Wrap up your preparation with a few last-minute checks
You have packed the boxes and signed the contract, but wait! There are a couple more things you need to take care of before you start traveling. These things should be done roughly two to three weeks before the moving day. This includes taking care of some basic maintenance issues and monthly house plans. Decide what you’ll need up and running as soon as you move into the new home. Start by updating your mailing address, as well as personal documents. Any magazine subscriptions or newspapers should be set to arrive at the new address. Take care of any documentation beforehand for a smooth transition between homes. Utilities like electricity, gas, and water will be on top of your priorities list, followed closely by tv and internet services. Transfer all of these utilities to the new address before you move, so it all waits for you when you arrive.
Make sure that other seemingly mundane tasks are taken care of as well, such as unclaimed drycleaning or an overdue library book. Any other subscriptions like gym memberships need to be canceled or transferred to the area close to your new home. This would be a good time to refill on any medical supplies before you transfer your medical record and choose a new doctor. Lastly, say goodbye to your old neighborhood. Preparing for a long-distance move can be exciting, but it is also hard to leave all of your old favorite spots. Throw a moving out party before you leave as a way of saying goodbye. Doing this will give you some closure and help you unwind before the big move.