Updated on September 6, 2024
With a local move, it is easy to make multiple trips until your belongings are safely moved to your new home. That simplified plan doesn’t typically work when moving over a long distance. Whether moving a couple of hundred miles or a couple of thousand miles, a long-distance move requires much more planning and comes with an extra set of challenges.
The good news is that you can easily overcome these challenges and move across the country with enough preparation and a spirit of adventure. Let 1-800-PACK-RAT help you find the best way to move long distance with these moving tips so that you can leave the stress and worry behind!
Research Long-Distance Moving Company Options
Choosing a moving company can be overwhelming. Our best advice as you research long-distance moving companies is to identify all the moving services offered, get referrals, look for red flags, and then ask for an estimate. Pricing can vary dramatically depending on the distance and time of year, so most long-distance movers ask that you call them to discuss specifics. Before you call, knowing how many rooms you are moving and having a rough idea of moving dates is helpful.
While researching long-distance moving options, you will find that 1-800-PACK-RAT gives you more control over the moving process. Use portable moving and storage containers to skip the hassle of driving your belongings across the country to your new home.
We will deliver secure, all-steel, weatherproof moving & storage containers to your home that you can pack at your own pace. The barn-style doors and ground-level design make our containers very easy to load. With this innovative design, there is no need to worry about going up and down a ramp. When the portable storage containers are packed, we will pick them up and drive them to your new home, no matter what kind of long-distance move you are making.
Downsize Your Home and Belongings Effectively
Spend extra time downsizing before packing and removing unwanted items, ideally before your move - especially before moving over a long distance. Go through each area of your home and decide which items you want to sell, donate, or throw away. The first items on the list to let go of are clothes you haven’t worn in the last year, kitchen appliances you’ve never touched, and books you won’t read again. Remember that If you don’t use it, love it, or need it to survive, it probably doesn’t need to make the move with you.
It is amazing how much stuff can accumulate in one home, and everyone’s moving situation is unique. A one-bedroom apartment could have just as much stuff to store or move as a five-bedroom house! To help you estimate the number of portable storage containers you might need to move or store your belongings, 1-800-PACK-RAT offers an online space calculator. After selecting the quantity and type of furniture you wish to move or store, this tool will help to visually show you how much space it will take up in the container.
Pack Carefully for a Long-Distance Move
Pack your belongings with the distance of your move in mind. Make sure you have all of the packing supplies you need, from boxes to blankets, tape, etc.
Take extra time to pack and store boxes carefully so nothing gets damaged during the long move. Using sturdy boxes that can withstand the long haul should be a top priority. It is helpful to spread out the weight of your items in each box and pack them reliably with proper padding. Label each side of every box so the contents can be easily spotted from every angle, even if the boxes are stacked. Mark boxes with fragile items to ensure your movers know to take extra care with these boxes.
If you own many fragile items that can quickly become damaged during transit, you might also consider purchasing mover's insurance or a contents protection plan.
Before you begin packing, make sure to stock up on supplies. Running out of boxes, packing paper, or packing tape in the middle of packing can be frustrating, especially if you have people over to help. To simplify packing and moving, 1-800-PACK-RAT has partnered with Lowe’s® Home Improvement to offer moving supplies that can be shipped directly to your door.
Use these packing tips to ensure your stuff makes it from point A to B with no issues!
Stay Organized During Your Move
Now is the time to dig deep and pull out your best organizational skills. Keep organized documentation of all receipts and order confirmations you receive during the moving process. Keep a folder of important moving, utility, and housing documents that can be easily accessed whenever needed. Create a list of any essential items you have left out for daily use, and double-check that everything is packed on the day of your move. Be sure to keep these documents or pack of items with you personally throughout your move.
Be sure to also submit a change of address form to the U.S. Postal Service. While it won’t catch everything, it will help limit the amount of mail that makes it to your old address. The most important thing you can do, however, is update your mailing address personally with the companies and utility providers you work with.
Changing your address requires updating your information in many places - utilities, insurance, doctors, banks, license and registration, post office, etc. And it gets even more complicated when you’re moving a long distance. Make sure to plan ahead and research all items that need to be updated in plenty of time before your move.
Make arrangements for all services you will need in addition to your moving company. This could include arranging for a babysitter for move day, scheduling a cleaning company for your home, pet boarding or transportation, automobile transport, or hiring help to load and unload your portable storage containers. 1-800-PACK-RAT is also proud to partner with trusted third-party professional labor service providers who can help you load and unload your belongings room by room quickly and efficiently, reducing stress on your part while allowing you to remain focused on organizing your move.
Alternatively, you can call on friends and family to help you pack for your long-distance move and save some money. Just keep in mind, though, that if you are moving a long distance, you might not have this same support group at your new home’s location.
Prepare for the Unexpected
Long-distance moves increase the likelihood of you and your belongings arriving on different days. So, as you pack, prioritize what you need to keep with you. Things like jewelry, personal documents, essential electronics, and other valuables should make the move with you personally. Do not let anyone else move whatever container or vessel you use to transport these items. This will reduce the likelihood of anything happening to these crucial items and documents.
Each family member needs to pack enough clothes, toiletries, and medication to last several days without your boxed belongings. Consider having everyone pack a suitcase with everything they would need if they were taking a trip.
Once you have all your plans and your belongings packed, it is time to relax. Now it is time to turn your energy towards enjoying the adventure of moving to a new city and making your new place home.
1-800-PACK-RAT Makes Cross-Country Moving Simple
Long-distance moves can be stressful. 1-800-PACK-RAT wants to ensure that we go above and beyond what the competition does to ensure your satisfaction. Making a move across the country can fit within your budget. No matter how far your move is, we have a secure warehouse location to help make your next move a reality. Learn more about how 1-800-PACK-RAT works and how we can make moving and storage simple for you. Call us or go online to get a free quote today! Let us bring you the moving and storage solution, and leave the logistics and driving to us!