Is a move to a far-away city or state on your agenda in the coming months? If so, you are not alone. According to a survey by our Forbes Home Team, 23% of respondents planned to move out of state.
Long-distance moving or cross-country moving requires more planning and organization than a local move. It’s much easier to make changes on the fly when you and your stuff are within the same few-mile area, which isn’t usually the case during a long move. Here are long-distance packing and moving tips to ensure your long move goes as smoothly as a short one.
Don’t Assume You Have Moving Insurance
Many homeowners are under the impression that their homeowner’s policy insures their belongings if they become damaged during a move. However, this is not always the case. Check with your insurance company to verify your policy’s details, and if you don’t already have sufficient coverage, consider adding more prior to your move, especially if you have items of value, like jewelry or fine art.
The protection offered by moving companies themselves is not insurance. It is called valuation, and the differences between the two are subtle yet important. Whether you need one or the other depends on the value of your possessions and several other factors.
— Dawn M. Smith, Moving Expert
Know What You Can and Cannot Put in a Moving Van
The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits certain household items from being transported in a moving van or truck, and some moving companies have their own stipulations as well.
Take Tables, Bedroom Sets, Desks and Other Furniture Apart
Prepare to move furniture by disassembling it for easier transport and to save space in the moving van. Take your time while moving these items, as they can be heavy, bulky and awkward to move. Consider using blankets and pads to protect the finish.
Lighten Your Load
Relocating is the perfect opportunity to declutter so before you start packing for your move, set things aside to donate or sell. You should also throw away items that are broken or damaged. By taking these steps before you pack, you’ll cut down on the time you spend boxing everything up and you will also save money on moving-related supplies–fewer boxes, less tape, etc. You may even be able to rent a smaller moving van.
Set Aside Enough Time to Pack
Putting your entire life into boxes takes time. Set aside time well before your move and schedule packing a little each day or week. Getting started early will avoid burning out on the project and allow you to make adjustments as you go, such as purchasing more supplies or giving you additional time to declutter.How much time is enough time? Experts say it takes up to five to seven full days to pack up the average three-bedroom house.
If you are already taking your suitcases and dressers with you, you can save time and space by using them to transport your clothing. You can keep your dresser packed and shrink-wrap it to keep the drawers from sliding out in transport. For hanging items, consider buying wardrobe boxes so clothing can stay on hangers during the move.
Keep in mind that some moving companies do not allow you to move prefilled dressers, trunks and storage bins, so you may need to find alternative ways to pack your clothes. Ask your provider about their policy before pack day.
Pro Tip
Go room by room, starting with the rooms you use the least.
Buy the Proper Packing Supplies
Leftover boxes from your online shopping sprees are not going to cut it when it comes to packing up your belongings for a long-distance move. When you are moving, it is much better to use supplies that are made specifically for moving and packing (you can even opt for eco-friendly packing supplies). These items are usually available at home improvement stores or at outlets dedicated to moving equipment and supplies.
Some of the basic supplies you’ll need for moving include:
- Boxes in a variety of sizes
- Packing tape and scissors
- Bubble and shrink wrap or blank newsprint paper
- Thick permanent markers to indicate the contents inside each box
- Ziplock bags
- Moving blankets and furniture pads
- Special boxes and crates for TVs, artwork, etc.
Professional moving companies also use a label or numbered sticker system to keep track of the boxes and their contents. Some systems are more detailed than others, so your notes and photos are an extra layer of organization.
– Dawn M. Smith, Moving Expert
Avoid Packing Individual Boxes Too Heavy or Too Light
Be strategic with your packing and make sure that all of your boxes are of relatively equal and manageable weight. Each box should contain a mix of heavier and lighter items to make it easier to carry from point A to point B. Additionally, boxes of equal weight are safer to stack, as there is less risk of a heavy box being placed on a lightweight box and crushing it.
Rent a Portable Moving Container Instead of a Moving Van
Moving vans will get the job done, however, if you want to take your time removing everything from your house, the moving container concept is the way to go. Essentially, the container is dropped off in your driveway and you pack it with your belongings at your leisure. When you are ready, the box is picked up and transported to your new place. Then you unload it and the company picks up the empty container when you are done.
If you decide to hire a moving company, make sure they have the proper credentials like a license and insurance. Also, follow the steps outlined by the United States Department of Transportation to help verify that the company is reputable.
