How to Prepare Your Home for a Long Distance Move

Declutter and Downsize: Before you start packing, go through your belongings and get rid of items that you no longer need or use. This will not only help reduce the amount of stuff you have to pack but also save on moving costs.

Create an Inventory: Make a detailed inventory of all your belongings, including furniture, appliances, and valuable items. This will help you keep track of everything during the move and ensure that nothing gets lost or damaged.

Research Moving Companies: Take the time to research and choose a reliable long distance moving company that specializes in interstate moves. Look for companies with positive reviews, proper licensing, and insurance coverage.

Get Multiple Quotes: Contact at least three different moving companies and request quotes for your long distance move. Compare the prices, services offered, and any additional charges to make an informed decision.

Arrange for Moving Insurance: While professional movers take precautions to protect your belongings, accidents can happen. To have peace of mind during the move, consider purchasing additional moving insurance to cover any potential damages.

Notify Important Parties: Inform your bank, credit card companies, insurance providers, and other important parties about your upcoming move. Update your address and contact information to ensure that you receive all important mail and notifications.

Experience: Look for movers with significant experience in handling long distance moves. A company that has been in business for several years is more likely to have the expertise required for a successful move.

Credentials: Ensure that the moving company is properly licensed and insured. This will protect you from any liability in case of accidents or damages during the move.

Reputation: Do your research and read reviews from previous customers. Check online platforms such as Google, Yelp, or Better Business Bureau for ratings and feedback about the moving company.

Services Offered: Consider what services the moving company provides. Do they offer packing and unpacking services? Will they disassemble and reassemble furniture? Choose a company that offers comprehensive services tailored to your needs.

Costs: While price shouldn't be the sole determining factor, it is essential to get an estimate of the costs involved in your long distance move. Compare quotes from different companies and consider what is included in each package.

Start Early: Begin planning for your move as soon as possible. Ideally, start at least two to three months before your moving date. This will give you enough time to complete all the necessary tasks without feeling overwhelmed.

Break It Down: Divide your moving checklist into smaller tasks and assign deadlines to each task. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you don't miss any important steps.

Prioritize Tasks: Determine which tasks are the most critical and prioritize them accordingly. For example, booking movers and packing fragile items should be high on your list.

Delegate Responsibilities: If possible, delegate some tasks to family members or friends to lighten your load. This could include packing certain rooms or taking care of specific errands.

Keep Track of Documents: Organize all important documents related to your move, such as rental agreements, contracts with movers, and insurance policies. Keep them in a secure folder or binder that you can easily access when needed.

Update Your Checklist Regularly: As you complete tasks and make progress, update your moving checklist accordingly. This will help you stay motivated and visualize your progress.

Use High-Quality Packing Supplies: Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, packing tape, and other high-quality packing supplies. This will ensure that your belongings are well-protected during transit.

Label Boxes Clearly: Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will make unpacking much easier at your new home.

Pack Room by Room: To stay organized, pack one room at a time instead of mixing items from different rooms. This will help you stay focused and prevent items from getting lost or misplaced.

Pack Heavy Items First: Start by packing heavy items such as books, small appliances, and electronics. Fill the bottom of the box with padding to protect fragile items.

Wrap Fragile Items Carefully: Use bubble wrap or packing paper to wrap fragile items individually. Place them in sturdy boxes and fill any empty spaces with packing material to prevent movement during transit.

Disassemble Furniture: If possible, disassemble large furniture pieces before packing them. This will make them easier to transport and save space in the moving truck.

Color-Coded Labels: Assign a specific color to each room in your new home and use colored labels on your boxes accordingly. This will make it easier for movers to know where each box belongs.

Number Your Boxes: Assign a unique number to each box and create an inventory list indicating the contents of each numbered box. This will help you keep track of all your belongings during the move.

Keep Essentials Separate: Pack a separate box or bag containing essential items that you will need immediately upon arrival at your new home. This could include toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, and important documents.

Label Fragile Items: Clearly mark boxes containing fragile items with "Fragile" labels. This will alert movers to handle those boxes with extra care.

Create an Unpacking Priority List: Prioritize which boxes should be unpacked first based on their contents and immediate needs. For example, kitchen essentials should be unpacked before items from the guest bedroom.

Wrap Each Item Individually: Wrap fragile items such as glassware, china, and ceramics individually with bubble wrap or packing paper. Secure the wrapping with tape to prevent it from coming loose during transit.

Use Sturdy Boxes: Place wrapped fragile items in sturdy boxes that are appropriate for their size and weight. Reinforce the bottom of the box with extra packing tape to prevent it from breaking under the weight.

Fill Empty Spaces: Fill any empty spaces in the box with packing material, such as crumpled paper or foam peanuts. This will prevent items from shifting during transport.

Label Fragile Items Clearly: Clearly mark boxes containing fragile items as "Fragile" or "Handle with Care" using bright-colored labels. This will alert movers to take extra precautions when handling those boxes.

Consider Specialty Packing Services: For extremely delicate or valuable items, consider hiring professional packers who specialize in handling fragile belongings. They have the expertise and materials required to ensure maximum protection.

Gather Necessary Tools: Before you start disassembling furniture, gather all the necessary tools such as screwdrivers, Allen wrenches, pliers, and a hammer.

Refer to Manufacturer's Instructions: If available, refer to the manufacturer's instructions for disassembling specific furniture pieces. They often provide step-by-step guidance on how to take apart and reassemble furniture.

Take Photos: Before you start disassembling any furniture, take photos of each piece from different angles. These photos will serve as a reference when it comes time to reassemble the furniture.

Remove Cushions and Upholstery: If your furniture has removable cushions or upholstery, take them off and pack them separately. This will prevent damage and make the furniture lighter to transport.

Keep Hardware Organized: Place all screws, bolts, and other hardware in a labeled plastic bag or container. Tape the bag/container securely to the corresponding furniture piece or keep them in a designated box.

Protect Furniture Parts: Wrap disassembled furniture parts with moving blankets or bubble wrap to protect them from scratches and damage during transport.

Clean Thoroughly: Clean all appliances thoroughly before the move. Remove any food residues, dust, or debris to prevent odors and pests during transit.

Disconnect and Unplug: Disconnect all appliances from their power source and unplug them. For safety reasons, it is crucial to ensure that all appliances are completely turned off before moving them.

Secure Doors and Cords: Secure appliance doors and cords using tape or zip ties to prevent them from swinging open or getting tangled during transit.

Empty Water Reservoirs: If you have appliances that contain water reservoirs, such as refrigerators or washing machines, make sure to empty them completely before moving. This will prevent any leaks or spills during transport.

Secure Moving Parts: For appliances with movable parts, such as refrigerator shelves or dishwasher racks, secure them with tape or zip ties to prevent any movement that could cause damage.

Wrap Fragile Parts: Use moving blankets or bubble wrap to protect fragile parts of your appliances, such as glass panels or delicate control panels.

Get Appraisals: Before the move, consider getting appraisals for valuable items such as antiques or artwork. This will help you determine their worth and ensure that you have adequate insurance coverage.

Inform Your Movers: Let your movers know about any specialty items that require special handling or additional insurance coverage. Provide them with detailed instructions on how to pack and transport these items.

Use Climate-Controlled Transportation: For delicate items such as musical instruments or sensitive electronics, consider using climate-controlled transportation to protect them from extreme temperatures and humidity.

Custom Crating: If you have extremely fragile or valuable items, consider investing in custom crating services. Custom crates are specially designed to provide maximum protection during transit.

Photograph Your Items: Take photos of each specialty item from different angles before packing them. This will serve as documentation in case of any damage during the move.

Consider Professional Art Handlers: For valuable artworks or delicate sculptures, it may be best to hire professional art handlers who specialize in packing and transporting fine art.

Security Measures: Look for storage facilities that have proper security measures in place, such as surveillance cameras, gated access, and individual unit alarms.

Climate Control: If you are storing temperature-sensitive items such as wooden furniture or electronics, opt for a storage unit with climate control to prevent damage from extreme temperatures and humidity.

Accessibility: Consider how often you will need access to your stored belongings. Choose a storage facility that offers convenient access hours and easy loading/unloading options.

Insurance Coverage: Check if the storage facility provides insurance coverage for your stored items. If not, consider purchasing additional insurance to protect your belongings while in storage.

Size and Type of Storage Unit: Assess your storage needs and choose a unit that is the right size and type for your belongings. Consider factors such as the number of items, their size, and any special requirements.

Post Office: Visit your local post office or go online to submit a change of address form. This will ensure that all your mail gets forwarded to your new address.

Banks and Credit Card Companies: Contact your bank and credit card companies to update your address information. This will ensure that you receive all important financial documents and statements on time.

Utilities Providers: Notify your current utilities providers (such as gas, electricity, water, internet) about your upcoming move. Arrange for disconnection at your old home and connection at your new home on the appropriate dates.

Insurance Providers: Update your address with all insurance providers, including health insurance, car insurance, and homeowner's/renter's insurance. This will ensure that you receive important policy updates and renewal notices.

Government Agencies: Inform government agencies such as the IRS, Social Security Administration, DMV, and voter registration offices about your change of address.

Subscription Services: Update your address with any subscription services or online retailers that deliver products to you regularly. This will prevent any delays or missed deliveries during the move.

Visit the Veterinarian: Before the move, take your pets for a check-up and ensure that they are up-to-date on vaccinations and medications. Ask your veterinarian for any specific advice or recommendations for the move.

Update ID Tags and Microchips: If your pet has ID tags or microchips, update the contact information with your new address and phone number. This will help you reunite with your pet in case they get lost during the move.

Pack an Overnight Bag: Prepare an overnight bag for your pets containing their essentials such as food, water, toys, blankets, and medications. Keep this bag easily accessible so that you can attend to their needs during transit and upon arrival at your new home.

Create a Pet-Friendly Space: Set up a designated area in your new home where your pets can feel safe and comfortable. Place familiar items such as their bed, toys, and litter box in this space to create a sense of familiarity.

Keep Pets Secure on Moving Day: On moving day, keep your pets in a secure room or crate away from all the chaos and activity. This will prevent them from getting stressed or accidentally escaping during the move.

Gradually Introduce Them to the New Home: Allow your pets to explore their new surroundings gradually. Start by confining them to a small area and gradually increase their access to other parts of the house.

Research Plant Restrictions: Before you plan on moving plants across state lines, research any restrictions or regulations regarding plant transportation in both your current state and destination state.

Assess Plant Health: Evaluate the health of your plants before the move. If a plant is unhealthy or infested with pests, it may be best not to transport it to your new home.

Prune and Repot: Prune your plants a few weeks before the move to promote healthy growth and make them more compact for transportation. Consider repotting them in lightweight plastic pots to reduce the risk of breakage.

Water Plants Appropriately: Water your plants thoroughly a day or two before the move, but avoid overwatering them. Overly wet soil can lead to root rot during transit.

Protect Plants during Transport: Place potted plants in sturdy boxes or containers with proper ventilation. Secure them in place to prevent movement and protect delicate foliage from damage.

Consider Professional Plant Movers: If you have large or delicate plants that require specialized care, consider hiring professional plant movers who have experience in transporting plants long distances.

Start with Decluttering: Get rid of any remaining items that you no longer need or want. Donate usable items, recycle as much as possible, and dispose of any trash responsibly.

Clean Room by Room: Clean each room from top to bottom, including floors, walls, windows, and fixtures. Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms, as they tend to accumulate grease and grime.

Don't Forget Appliances: Clean all appliances thoroughly before leaving your old home. Remove any food residues, clean filters, and wipe down surfaces.

Carpet Cleaning: Consider hiring professional carpet cleaners to deep clean your carpets before moving out. This will help remove stains and odors accumulated over time.

Outdoor Areas: If you have any outdoor areas such as a patio or garden, clean them up and remove any debris or trash. Sweep walkways and driveways to leave a good impression.

Inspect for Damages: Before you hand over the keys, perform a final inspection of your old home to check for any damages caused during the move. Address any issues promptly to avoid disputes with landlords or new homeowners.

Clean Before Unpacking: Before you start unpacking boxes, give your new home a thorough cleaning. Wipe down surfaces, vacuum floors, and clean bathrooms and kitchen areas.

Unpack Essentials First: Start by unpacking essential items such as bedding, toiletries, and kitchen utensils. This will allow you to settle in comfortably while you work on unpacking the rest of your belongings.

Assemble Furniture: Begin assembling furniture pieces according to your floor plan and the photos you took before disassembling them. Refer to manufacturer's instructions if needed.

Connect Appliances: Set up and connect your appliances one by one, starting with essential ones such as refrigerators or washing machines. Ensure that all connections are secure and functioning properly.

Hang Curtains or Blinds: Install curtains or blinds in bedrooms and living areas for privacy and light control. This will make your new home feel more comfortable and secure.

Test Utilities: Check that all utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and internet are functioning correctly in your new home. Contact service providers if any issues arise.

Start with Essentials: Unpack boxes containing essential items first, such as kitchen essentials, toiletries, and clothing. This will help you settle in quickly and ensure that your daily needs are met.

Room by Room: Unpack one room at a time to stay organized and prevent items from getting mixed up. Focus on fully unpacking each room before moving on to the next.

Use Storage Solutions: Invest in storage solutions such as shelves, bins, and drawer organizers to maximize space and keep your belongings organized. This will make it easier to find things later on.

Declutter as You Unpack: As you unpack each box, assess whether you still need or want the items inside. Donate or discard anything that no longer serves a purpose or brings you joy.

Label Storage Areas: Label shelves, drawers, and cabinets to indicate what items belong in each space. This will help you maintain organization in the long run.

Take Your Time: Unpacking can take time, so don't rush the process. Take breaks when needed, stay hydrated, and celebrate small victories along the way.

Inspect Boxes: Carefully inspect each box for any signs of damage or mishandling during the move. Look for crushed corners, dents, or wet spots.

Document Damages: If you notice any damages to your belongings, take photos as evidence before unpacking them completely. This will be helpful if you need to file a claim with your moving company or insurance provider.

Check Electronics: Test all electronics and appliances to ensure that they are in working order. If you notice any issues, contact the manufacturer or your moving company for assistance.

Report Damages Immediately: If you discover any damages, report them to your moving company as soon as possible. Follow their procedures for filing a claim and provide all necessary documentation.

Take Advantage of Insurance: If you purchased additional moving insurance, contact your insurance provider to initiate the claims process. Provide them with the necessary information and documentation to expedite the process.

Address Any Issues Promptly: Whether it's a minor scratch or a significant damage, address the issue promptly to prevent further damage or potential disputes.

Refer to Photos and Instructions: Use the photos you took before disassembling each furniture piece as a reference for reassembly. If available, refer to manufacturer's instructions for specific guidance.

Gather Necessary Tools: Gather all the tools required for furniture assembly, such as screwdrivers, Allen wrenches, and a hammer. Keep them handy during the process.

Start with Larger Pieces: Begin assembling larger furniture pieces first, such as beds, couches, and dining tables. These items will set the foundation for arranging other belongings in each room.

Follow Proper Sequence: Assemble each furniture piece according to its proper sequence of parts and connections. Avoid skipping steps or rushing through the process to ensure stability and safety.

Secure Connections Properly: Double-check that all connections are secure and tightened properly using the appropriate tools. Loose connections can lead to unstable furniture that may pose safety risks.

Seek Professional Help if Needed: If you encounter difficulties or have complex furniture pieces that require professional expertise, consider hiring furniture assembly services to ensure proper assembly.

Electricity and Gas: Contact the local utility providers to establish service at your new address. Provide them with all necessary information and schedule a connection date.

Water and Sewer: Similarly, contact the water and sewer authorities to set up service at your new home. Ensure that all necessary paperwork and payments are completed on time.

Internet and Cable TV: Research and compare internet and cable TV providers in your area. Choose a plan that meets your needs and schedule installation as soon as possible.

Phone Service: If you still use landline phone service, contact the phone company to transfer or set up service at your new address.

Security System: If you have a security system in place, update the provider with your new address. Schedule an appointment for reinstallation or setup of the system in your new home.

Waste Management: Find out about waste management services in your new area, including garbage collection schedules and recycling programs. Obtain any necessary bins or containers for proper disposal.

Take Walks or Drives: Go for walks or drives around your neighborhood to get a feel for the area. Take note of nearby amenities such as grocery stores, parks, schools, and restaurants.

Introduce Yourself: Introduce yourself to neighbors when you have the opportunity. Building connections with your neighbors can make settling into a new community easier and more enjoyable.

Join Local Groups or Clubs: Look for local groups or clubs that align with your interests or hobbies. Joining these communities can help you meet like-minded individuals and feel more connected to your new area.

Explore Local Attractions: Research and visit local attractions, such as museums, parks, or historical sites. This will help you familiarize yourself with the culture and history of your new surroundings.

Try Local Cuisine: Explore local restaurants and cafes to sample the cuisine in your new area. Trying local specialties can be a fun way to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Attend Community Events: Keep an eye out for community events such as festivals, farmers markets, or concerts. Participating in these events can help you meet new people and feel more integrated into the community.

Research Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the specific requirements for updating car registration and driver's license in your new state or jurisdiction. Look for information on government websites or contact the appropriate authorities.

Gather Necessary Documents: Collect all necessary documents required for updating car registration and driver's license. These may include proof of residency, proof of insurance, vehicle title, and your current driver's license.

Visit DMV/RMV Offices: Make an appointment (if required) at the nearest Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) office in your new area. Bring all necessary documents with you.

Complete Application Forms: Fill out any application forms provided by the DMV/RMV office accurately and completely. Double-check all information before submitting the forms.

Pay Fees: Be prepared to pay any applicable fees associated with updating car registration and driver's license in your new area. Check accepted payment methods and plan accordingly.

Receive New Documents: Once you have completed the necessary paperwork and paid the fees, you will receive updated car registration and driver's license documents. Keep them in a safe place and dispose of your old documents properly.

Ask for Recommendations: Reach out to your neighbors, coworkers, or new acquaintances for recommendations on local service providers. Personal recommendations can be valuable in finding trustworthy professionals.

Online Reviews: Read online reviews and ratings for local service providers in your area. Platforms such as Google Maps, Yelp, or Angie's List can provide insights from previous customers.

Check Professional Associations: Look for professional associations or organizations related to the services you need. These associations often have directories of members who adhere to specific standards of practice.

Contact Your Insurance Provider: If you have health insurance or other types of coverage, contact your insurance provider for a list of approved service providers in your new area. This can help narrow down your options.

Visit Service Provider Websites: Explore the websites of local service providers to learn more about their qualifications, services offered, and pricing. Take note of any certifications or accreditations they may have.

Schedule Consultations: Once you have shortlisted potential service providers, schedule consultations or appointments to meet them in person. This will allow you to assess their professionalism and expertise before committing to their services.

Use Labels and Color Coding: Label boxes with clear descriptions of their contents and the room they belong to. Assign a specific color to each room and use colored labels or tape to easily identify boxes.

Keep Important Documents Together: Gather all important documents related to your move, such as contracts, rental agreements, and insurance policies. Keep them in a designated folder or binder that you can easily access.

Create Digital Copies: Make digital copies of important documents and store them securely on your computer or in the cloud. This will serve as a backup in case physical copies get lost or damaged.

Maintain a Moving Checklist: Keep a moving checklist with you at all times and update it regularly. Cross off completed tasks and add new ones as needed to stay organized and ensure that nothing is overlooked.

Use Technology Tools: Take advantage of technology tools such as moving apps, task management apps, or digital calendars to stay organized. These tools can help you keep track of deadlines, appointments, and important reminders.

Communicate with Movers: Maintain open lines of communication with your chosen movers throughout the entire moving process. Provide them with any necessary updates, changes, or special instructions to ensure a smooth move.

Pack an Essentials Bag: Prepare a bag containing essentials such as toiletries, medications, snacks, water bottles, and a change of clothes for each family member. Keep this bag easily accessible throughout the day.

Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Drink plenty of water and eat regular meals/snacks to keep your energy levels up during the move. Avoid relying solely on fast food or takeout by packing healthy snacks or easy-to-make meals in advance.

Take Breaks: Moving can be physically demanding, so remember to take regular breaks. Sit down, stretch, and relax for a few minutes whenever you feel tired or overwhelmed.

Delegate Tasks: If possible, delegate tasks to family members or friends to lighten your load. Assign specific responsibilities such as packing certain rooms or taking care of pets during the move.

Practice Mindfulness and Deep Breathing: When stress levels rise, take a moment to practice mindfulness or deep breathing exercises. This can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety.

Celebrate Small Victories: Acknowledge and celebrate small achievements throughout the day. Completing a packing task, loading a truck, or unpacking a box successfully are all worth recognizing.