6 Tips to Prepare for a Long-Distance Move

A long-distance move is filled with the anticipation of starting a new chapter in your life. The prospect of meeting new people and exploring unfamiliar places can be incredibly exhilarating. 

However, when the initial excitement settles, practical considerations emerge, and stress starts to weigh on you. However, you can significantly reduce moving stress by knowing what to do before moving. Here is a list of tips that can make your long-distance move smooth. 

1. Know the cost of living

When planning a long-distance move, mainly across a new state or country, it is essential to know the cost of living of your destination. The higher cost of living often motivates people to relocate. For instance, home prices in Florida have increased, especially in major metros like Fort Lauderdale. On average, the monthly rent in Fort Lauderdale is about $2,711, significantly increasing the cost of living. It’s no wonder people are moving away from Fort Lauderdale to more affordable places.

Understanding the cost of living in your new location helps in budgeting and determining whether your savings will get you through the transition period or not. Having an idea about the cost of living also allows you to better negotiate your salary when evaluating a job offer in a new location. 

2. Hire an experienced moving company 

Executing a long-distance move is challenging without a moving company’s assistance. A moving company is well-versed in all the logistical considerations, rules, and regulations of both your current and future destination. They have processes established to tackle the complexities involved in moving. 

However, it is always essential to hire an experienced moving company. So, if you are considering a move from Fort Lauderdale to another state due to factors such as cost of living, hire reliable Fort Lauderdale state-to-state movers. And make sure they have prior experience in handling similar assignments. Doing so can save you a lot of trouble. By working with them, you won’t need to familiarize yourself with the regulations, plan the best route, or fulfill licensing and insurance requirements. 

3. Have a valid passport 

Having a valid passport means ensuring your passport is not expired before you relocate across the country. A valid passport is indispensable for a cross-country move as it validates your identity and helps you travel internationally. So check the validity of your and your family’s passport to avoid any last-minute delays and complications. If your passport is about to expire, collect all the necessary documents to apply for passport renewal. Renewing your passport in your current country of residence will prevent you from renewing it shortly after arriving at your new destination. 

4. Declutter and sort your belongings 

Decluttering and sorting your belongings before a long-distance move may look overwhelming; nevertheless, it is crucial and makes moving quite easier. 

Before panicking about parting ways with your beloved belongings, reiterate the cardinal rule: less is more! A long-distance move is your perfect opportunity to eliminate all the unnecessary stuff in the house. So, bid farewell to old sweaters you haven’t worn in ages and those knick-knacks attracting dust on the shelves.

The biggest benefit of decluttering before packing is that it leaves you with only the essential things. This means you will have less stuff to pack and move, eventually reducing your moving cost. 

When starting to declutter your house, don’t think about tackling the whole house together. Instead, divide the whole decluttering process into manageable chunks. Perhaps you can start from the most cluttered room of the house, working your way through the rest.

To make the decluttering process smoother, make four piles and label them as follows: Keep, Donate/Sell, Trash, and Unsure. Sort the belongings by putting them in the appropriate piles. If you are unsure about certain items, you can put them in the “unsure” pile. 

As you sort through your belongings, consider the practicality and functionality of everything you plan to take with you. For instance, extra sets of dishes might only gather dust in your downsized apartment. 

Once you have decluttered your house, you will find a lot of stuff you won’t take to the new house. If the items are usable, you can donate them to local charities instead of throwing them away. 

5. Rethink taking sentimental items with you

Everyone has those precious items in the house that tug at their heartstrings. But it is essential to know that you cannot take all these things with you during a long-distance move. So, though it is important to latch onto your cherished memories, be selective. 

When planning to keep an item, ask yourself, “Does this item truly bring me joy? Will I have a place in my new home to accommodate it?” There are many questions you can ask yourself to make a wise decision. Always remember, it is the memories that matter and not the material objects themselves. 

6. Make travel arrangements

Beyond packing and loading boxes on a moving truck, consider all your travel arrangements to ensure your family’s safety and comfort.

Start by planning your travel and choosing the appropriate transportation mode. Will you be flying, traveling by road, or combining both? 

Flying is the optimal option if you are moving over a considerable distance and have time constraints. Suppose you have chosen air travel, search for airlines that offer economical air tickets, discount deals, and flexible baggage and booking policies. 

On the contrary, if you are traveling by road, map out your route and select interesting stops to make your trip memorable. 

Before the moving day, notify your friends and family about your plans. Share your departure and arrival timings as well as your contact information. This allows them to stay connected with you and have peace of mind.

Conclusion 

Moving over long distances is not without its challenges. It requires you to make proper travel arrangements, plan for your pets, and ensure that you have valid documents, among other things. Remember, a long-distance move can become smooth and stress-stress if you start planning early and consider all the important aspects of moving.