Mention the word ‘move’ to anyone and you can see the stress level rising. Moving house, especially across the country, is going to be one of the most trying times in your life. There’s so much to consider during the entire process.
Moving can also be an exciting prospect and a chance to start afresh. There’s a big difference between relocating two blocks away and relocating across the entire country. From looking at schools for your kids to managing a lawn, moving brings on many different tasks to handle simultaneously. To make this process smooth, you need to take the time and plan the move with your whole family. Draw up a detailed long distance move checklist, and jot down all the details you can think of. Consult someone who has made such a move for input.
This article will give you an insight into what to do and how to navigate this daunting, yet thrilling process smoothly. There are also tips on decluttering, how to pack, and how to get your new home ready.
Make a Checklist
Brainstorm and make a detailed long-distance move checklist. Divide it into three categories – what to do before you move, what needs to be done during the move, and what to do after the move. Add in things that you remember and cross out the things you’ve accomplished. Also, note down who is responsible for what task. Involve your kids so they get a sense of responsibility.
While you’re jotting your list down, make a note of any expenses involved. These will need to be budgeted for. Create a moving binder to keep all the related important information together.
You’ll probably need to fly down and check out the area, neighborhood, potential schools, and prospective places to work. You may want to look into hiring cleaning companies and painters too. Set a timeline and stick to your schedule, otherwise, you’ll be overwhelmed when it’s close to the big day.
Research Schools
If you have kids or teens, one of the first things that should be on your long-distance move checklist is finding a great school for them. Are you opting for public or private schools? Look for schools that align with your child’s interests and academic requirements. If your child is into sports, do the schools offer similar facilities? Are there facilities nearby? Gather as much information online as possible. Visit the schools’ websites and review the school calendar.
When you have your pre-move visit, check out potential schools by scheduling a tour beforehand. If there are open days, schedule your visit to coincide with such days. Observe the body language of teachers and students and check out all the facilities.
Speak to the school authorities and gather all the facts you need before making any decisions. Once a school has been confirmed, transfer your child’s records from the old school to the new one for an easy transition.
Declutter
Moving is a great time to get rid of old, unwanted junk. Decluttering is an imperative, non-negotiable part of your long-distance move checklist. Sort your items into three big boxes – one for selling items still in good condition, one for donating, and one for recycling. This will make the process simpler. Let go of outdated gadgets and appliances. Give away old toys, clothes, and shoes. Let it go if you haven’t used something in over a year. You ought to make a fresh start in your new home.
Are you surprised at the amount of stuff you’ve amassed in your attic or garage over the years? Hold a garage sale, and you might make a tidy sum of money. Just make sure you don’t end up giving away a valuable painting. You may want to keep old towels and linens to wrap fragile items.
Give yourself a couple of weeks to get this done. You’ll then have room to begin packing the items you’re taking, once you have gotten rid of the things you don’t need.
Hire Moving Services
Your long-distance move checklist should contain details of suitable, affordable moving services. Obtain written quotes from these companies. Cross-check their physical address. Verify their credentials, licenses, and DOT number. They should be fully insured. Find out what services they offer. Do they have a full-moving option and a hybrid option? Check their reviews online. Do they offer in-home estimates? Do they provide packing material? How do they handle items such as pianos and antiques?
Your local movers may not be able to handle a long-distance move. They need insurance to cover inter-state moves and a DOT number. They are usually licensed to operate within a specific state.
Look out for any red flags such as low estimates, cash deposits, and unwillingness to provide references. Carry out thorough research before deciding on a reliable moving company. All of your belongings should be handled gently and delivered to your new house without incident.
Packing
Are you going to pack your stuff yourself, or will the moving company do the tedious job for you? Before the packing starts, take pictures of valuable items, and do an inventory. If you’re taking the DIY route, source for different-sized boxes and packing materials such as tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, markers, and moving blankets.
Start packing items that you don’t often use and seasonal clothing. Label the boxes and note down what they contain. This will make it easier to track down an item. Also, note down which room each box will be going into. This will help the movers put the right boxes in the right rooms. Pack kitchen items with care and don’t skimp on the packing paper and bubble wrap.
If you’re opting for a full-service move, the items will be packed, loaded onto the truck, and unpacked at your new home by the movers. They will also dismantle and disassemble furniture and appliances and reassemble the items at the other end.
Keep a few essentials with you for the actual move. A change of clothes, medication, toiletries, and important documents should be kept with you in case of delays or unforeseen events. Don’t forget to pack your kids’ favorite game.
Notify Utilities
As part of your long-distance move checklist, notify your utility suppliers to disconnect services provided to your current home. Clear any pending bills beforehand. At the same time, make sure you have the necessary connections in your new home before you move in. You don’t want to be without power on your first night in your new home.
Also, cancel any newspaper or magazine subscriptions or arrange for them to be delivered to your new address. Ask for mail to be forwarded to your new location.
Fixing Up Your Current House
Sprucing up your current house should be something to tick off on your long-distance move checklist. Are you going to rent out your current house? Or do you plan to sell it? Or maybe convert it into an Airbnb?
Whatever route you choose, you need to spruce it up for rent or sale. Carry out the necessary repairs, such as fixing leaky faucets, filling up cracks, and sealing any holes. Give the house a coat of paint to make it look good. Clean it and leave it presentable for the next occupant. This will also make it easier to sell or find new tenants.
The Actual Move
How are your belongings being moved? Is it DIY, or are you renting a truck or a moving container? Will you have them shipped? If you’re using a moving company, call them closer to the time to confirm the date and time of pick-up. Ask them how long it will take for your belongings to arrive.
If you’re going for a full move option, the movers will pack your belongings and disassemble furniture. The movers should put protective covers on floors when moving the goods from your house to the truck to prevent damage to floors. Keep children and pets away at this time. You should be informed as to when to expect your goods.
If you’re taking the DIY route, find out about vehicle customization truck bed to fit your items in properly and safely. This could include dividers, loading ramps, and tie-down straps. Make sure you have enough gas, and the truck oil change has been done. If you’re driving, check your tire treads and pressure, and ensure the brakes and lights are working.
While you wait for your goods at the other end, make use of the time to prepare your new house and check out the neighborhood.
Preparing Your New House
Is your new house ready for you to move into? Or does it need some prepping? Will you stay somewhere temporarily while fixing up your new place according to your needs? Prepping involves a deep cleaning of the entire house. Clean doors, windows, ledges, cabinets, doorknobs, light fixtures, and other hard-to-reach areas. Clean and sanitize the sinks, bathtubs, showers, and kitchen surfaces. Thoroughly clean, wipe, and mop every surface in the entire house. Alternatively, you can hire a cleaning company to do the job for you.
Get your utilities connected just before you move in. Ensure all the outlets and circuits are working. Confirm that the plumbing system is in order too. If you notice any signs of mold, now’s a good time to get quotes from mold removal contractors and hire a reputable company. They need to be licensed and insured. It’s better to tackle any mold issues before moving in and unpacking. Also, make sure the source of dampness is addressed, otherwise, mold will recur.
Another key item on your long-distance move checklist is to change the locks for security purposes. You never know who has a copy of the front-door key. Finally, hire painters to paint the exterior and interior of your new home as per your choice of color and type of paint. Now, you’re ready to move in!
Moving In
Once your new house is ready and cleaned, think about how your furniture will be placed. This will make it easy for the movers to come and put things where they’re meant to be. Unpack your kitchen items first. Unpack other essentials such as bedding and bathroom items, and your kids’ important items as well. Then set up your appliances and electronics.
If you have movers unpacking for you, cross-check that everything has arrived. Finally, most of the items in your long-distance move checklist will have been crossed off.
Lawn Care
Do you have a lawn? Initially, you’ll probably need to mow the grass, get rid of weeds, and trim the bushes. Once you’re more settled, look into hiring a lawn maintenance company. They will handle the irrigation and apply fertilizer. Part of their services is controlling weeds and pests.
If your lawn is bare, consider hiring a hydroseeding company for hydroseeding. This is the process of mixing seeds, water, fertilizer, and mulch in a hydroseeding tank and then spraying the mixture evenly over the prepared surface using special equipment. Within weeks, you’ll see grass beginning to sprout and a lush lawn will appear in no time. Be sure to clear the ground, prepare your soil, and carry out soil tests before the process.
Hiring a lawn care provider will save you considerable time and effort. However, if you have green fingers and the time needed to maintain your lawn, it can be therapeutic for you.
Bio Waste Management
Bio waste management is necessary for keeping the environment clean and safe. Before your big move, do some research into how biowaste is collected, transported, treated, and disposed of in your new location. Are there recycling facilities near your new home? How is biowaste handled? Ask your neighbors and local authorities for more information.
Moving is challenging, but, with the right preparation and organization, it can also be an enriching experience. This long-distance move checklist can help you handle important details like decluttering and packing. A smooth and stress-free transition to your new house will also be made possible by getting it ready before you move in.
Embrace your new surroundings and confidently begin this exciting new chapter in your life. Don’t forget to visit your new neighbors with a basket of muffins!