Properly Preparing for Long Distance Moving

Moving can be an overwhelming experience in general, but even more so when you are planning a long-distance move. Whether you are moving a few states over or across the country, there is a lot of planning, preparation, and logistics involved to ensure that your belongings arrive safely and on time from one location to the next.

At Regal Mover, we specialize in long-distance moving services in Northern Virginia and the surrounding areas. We know just how strenuous the planning and preparation involved with long-distance moving can be. That’s why we go the extra mile for our clients and provide them with the solutions they need for a seamless and hassle-free move. If you’re planning for an upcoming long-distance move, this blog will help you prepare. Continue reading for helpful tips that will help make your long-distance move an easy transition from start to finish.

Plan in Advance

Most people who have moved before know the importance of planning in advance. When you are moving local, planning a move is something that can be done on a weekend if you put your mind to it. However, moving interstate or across long distances involves a more sophisticated range of logistics and details and therefore requires careful and timely planning. Make sure you give yourself enough time to make your way through the moving checklist essentials, such as calling utility companies, changing address, and notifying other necessary parties and entities of your upcoming move. Additionally, you should also plan for a time to begin your packing as well as a goal date to have it all finished.

Select Moving Dates

Choosing the dates for your move is an important part of the preparation process. If you are moving long-distance for a job or another reason that is time-sensitive, you may be limited in terms of the dates on which the move can take place. Nevertheless, you need to nail down a date range to complete your move. While your final destination and timeline will determine how long the move will take, the average time range for most long-distance moves can be anywhere from five days to more than two weeks. If possible, find a few different moving dates that would work for you. This will make it easier to find a long-distance moving company that can accommodate your timeline.

Start Taking Inventory

Unlike local movers who typically price their services at an hourly rate, price quotes with long-distance movers are almost always based on the items you are moving plus the distance traveled. For that reason, you should get an idea of the items you will be taking with you to your new home. While looking for belongings and items you will be bringing with you, be on the lookout for those items that you don’t want to bring and make a plan to sell, donate, or get rid of them in some way. Having an inventory list of the items you plan to bring will help you receive a more accurate estimate — see next step — from long-distance movers.

Hire Long Distance Movers

Trying to pull off a long-distance move without the help of professional movers is a significant challenge to take on. If you want your experience to be less stressful, hiring a moving company is the way to go. Before you hire movers, though, it’s good practice to receive estimates from multiple companies. Reliable moving companies, such as Regal Mover, will offer free moving estimates for long-distance moves. To give you an accurate estimate, movers will need an idea of what is being moved and to where — this is where an item inventory list comes in handy. Once you have estimates, you should be able to decide which moving company is the best fit for you. Just make sure that they are properly licensed and insured to move interstate.

Start Packing Early

Just like with normal moving, you need to give yourself plenty of time to pack before moving day for your long-distance move arrives. However, because your items and belongings will be traveling a much further distance, investing in quality packing materials could be the difference between items making it to your new home undamaged. Packing should begin at least three weeks prior to your anticipated move date, but getting a head start is never a bad idea. If you don’t like packing (we don’t blame you), some moving companies offer professional packing services that will handle that task for you. These services will ensure that all items are properly packed and ready to go in sturdy moving boxes that are clearly labeled and secured with moving tape.

Make Sure You’re Ready for Moving Pickup & Delivery

Just as it is important to make sure you have everything ready to go come moving day, you need to make sure you are ready for your items to be delivered to your new home. For long-distance moves, your items will typically be set to arrive within a delivery window rather than a specific day. Delivery windows generally won’t be longer than a week and most moving companies will provide notice before your items are set to arrive at your new home. Whatever your delivery window is, make sure you have a plan to be at your new home when the items are set to arrive. Map out the route to your destination in advance, planning for any detours, overnight stops, and other factors that may extend the time it takes for you to arrive at your new home.

We’re confident that there is no such thing as over preparing when it comes to long-distance moving. Following these suggestions sooner rather than later will help make your long-distance move more manageable and less overwhelming. While it seems like a daunting task, working with a professional long-distance moving company makes the process much easier.

If you are looking for long-distance movers in Sterling, VA, or the surrounding areas to help with your upcoming move, turn to Regal Mover. We are licensed, insured, and have years of experience providing reliable and competitively-priced moving services. Contact us today to request a free moving estimate.