When you’re leaving a long-term home, going anywhere feels like a long-distance move. But of course, there’s a tremendous difference in moving to a different neighbourhood in the same city and moving across the country. The financial and emotional tolls are higher. Take steps to make the entire process easier: read this guide!
Carefully consider who you’re moving with
No matter the distance, you can find a company at home or at your destination that will help. Many companies specialise in helping people move cross-country. If you’re moving from extreme east to extreme west, for example, you can find long distance movers to help. But you need to research your options carefully. Check testimonials and independent customer reviews. Better yet, look up online message boards and see if there’s somewhere you can ask others about their own experiences. You don’t want to hire movers or a shipping service that will take weeks to get your stuff from one place to another.
And don’t be tempted to ship your car! You’ll have to reserve a spot for your vehicle months in advance and often there’s a costly deposit to make. If it’s possible for you to drive, drive your car. The fuel costs may seem high, but it may not be as high as the combined cost of plane tickets and car moving facilities.
Keep everything packed safely
The further you are moving, the more at risk your belongings are. The roads of America vary wildly in smoothness and type! There will be several bumps in the road awaiting your things. You need to do your best to protect your stuff. This may involve special blankets or packaging materials. A moving company may provide this, but often at an offensive additional cost.
Save yourself money and stress. Consider your packaging materials and transit before you start packing everything in the first place! This goes for whatever way you choose to transport your belongings. Remember: it may be tempting to get everything there yourself so you can keep a direct eye on your stuff yourself. But professional long distance moving companies have experience in moving things safely. They’re adept at the packing process and can dismantle furniture that has to be moved. You may not have the knowledge, experience, time and tools to do it all safely.
Reducing your belongings
Of course, one thing to consider when you’re packing up is what to get rid of. Lightening your load as much as you can will be very important. But be careful with this purging process. When making such an extreme move, it may be tempting to get rid of lots of things. To really add to that feeling of starting anew. But you shouldn’t only consider the physical and financial weight and cost. You should also consider your own memories and sentimentality.
Yeah, you’re usually told to quieten these feelings. But you’re moving across the country! You may want to keep some stuff to help alleviate the shock of moving to an entirely different place. Keep it feeling like home a little while longer.
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