Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Nasir Hanif
Moving any distance is enough to cause stress and uncertainty. Moving a long distance heightens these emotions. Not only will you need to pack up and move your entire home, but you’ll also have to ensure everything makes it the far distance. Here are some Tips for a Stress-Free Long Distance Move
Plus, you, yourself will also need to prepare for the long trip ahead of you. Although moving states or moving countries is a lot to put on your plate, there are a few ways to reduce move-related stress. Before you begin the moving process, be sure to look into some of the best moving advice available.
In the guide below, you’ll find several tips to help prepare you for a stress-free move. Continue reading to get started!
Table of Contents
1. Start Prepping Now
The best time to start prepping and planning for your Stress-free long distance move is now. Start by making a plan. The more organized you are, the smoother the move will be.
You can create your moving plan on your computer or tablet or write it down on paper and keep it in a folder. Your moving plan should include a check of all the things you’ll need to do before, during, and directly after the move. Create a dated to-do list that you can keep on you at all times.
Give yourself a timeline as well and ensure you stick to it.
2. Label Everything
Now that you’re ready to start the actual process, you’ll want to begin by labeling everything. All boxes should have proper labels on them. This will streamline the packing and unpacking process.
You may also benefit from creating a label system using colors or other codes to help you take note of what items are inside different boxes. For example, if a box contains fragile items, then you might want to use red labels on this box. You can also consider using clear plastic storage boxes, so you can see exactly what’s inside each box without having to open and sift through them.
3. Pack Room by Room
When you’re ready to start packing your personal belongings into boxes, it’s a good idea to pack your items room by room. This will help reduce some of the stress associated with packing during a move. There’s a lot to do, there’s no doubt about that.
It’s best to take it one step at a time rather than trying to do it all at once. If you start the process early, then you’ll have enough time to pack room by room without feeling rushed. Packing one room at a time will also help stay organized.
The first room you want to start packing should be the room you use the least. This might be a spare bedroom, guest bathroom, or a garage. Then, work your way down to the most-used room, such as the kitchen.
4. Consider Moving Quotes
There’s no reason why you should move your entire home on your own. Now is the perfect time to start recruiting the help of others. Start asking friends and family members to help you pack up some items.
You should also consider looking into local long-distance moving quotes as well. Professional movers can help you pack up, relocate, and unpack your personal items. Most movers will also offer moving insurance.
Moving insurance will protect your personal belongings in case of damages or if something were to get lost. Having professional movers do all the heavy work for you can greatly reduce stress and give you more time to focus on other aspects of the move.
5. Create Essentials Boxes
While you’re packing up your boxes, don’t forget to create an essentials box for each family member. What’s an essentials box? An essentials box is a small box containing all the essential items a person needs and uses each day.
These items might differ depending on the family member. For example, for a young child, their essentials box might include a favorite blanket and stuffed animal that they sleep with each night. It’ll also contain their toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush, bath soap, and more.
Think of the items you need to use each day and keep these in an essentials box that you keep with you during the entire move. When you need something (deodorant, toothbrush, or something else) you’ll know exactly where it’s at.
6. Only Take What You Need
If you want to simplify the packing process, then you need to only take what you need with you. Packing unnecessary items will only complicate the process. To ensure you only take what you need with you, you should create three separate piles before you begin packing.
Go through each room in your house and make a pile for items you’re keeping, items you’re throwing away, and items you’re selling or donating. Get rid of all the items you no longer need or use and only pack what you’re taking. This saves you time, money, and frustration.
7. Switch the Utilities
One of the last things to remember during your move is to switch the utilities to the new address. The last thing you want is to be paying for water or electricity in a home that you’re no longer living in. You also don’t want to arrive at your new home and have no power or water.
Take the time to go through all of your utilities and other services as well to ensure you switch everything over to the new address. This is also the ideal time to put in a change of address with the post office.
Don’t Let Your Long Distance Move Cause Stress
Moving can be stressful, but there’s no reason to let your long distance move cause you any unnecessary stress. Take the time to follow the advice listed in this guide above to ensure your move goes smoothly. Start planning early, and you’ll have a much better experience.
If you’re looking for more lifestyle topics and many other topics as well, then continue to check back here on a regular basis.
Read more: Not-to-do list if you are moving for the first time
