7 Long-Distance Moving Tips

Packing up your home and relocating to another part of the country can be scary, exciting, and, more often than not, stressful. With these long-distance moving tips and tricks, you’ll be able to complete your cross-country moving checklist quickly to make the transition seamless. Discover the best way to move across the country with these tips  from the experts at AMJ Campbell. 

1. Create a Timeline 

Are you relocating for a job and have to be there by a set date? Start planning immediately and base your schedule around this deadline. You should start packing right away and figuring out how you’ll transport all your items and the time it will take for you and your family to get to the new location. 

How To Plan a Long-Distance Move

Once you have your schedule set, you’ll need to handle a few logistics before relocating. Use your final moving date to schedule common relocation tasks like the following:

• Utility account changes: Have local utility providers shut off your services on your moving date and set up services in your new home by the time you arrive. 
• School enrollment: For those with young children, their cross-country moving checklist should involve enrolling their kids in local schools before the relocation. 

Pet transportation: Understanding your pet’s transportation is essential for planning a long-distance move. You may opt to travel with your pet or arrange separate transportation for them, though private transportation services often cost more.

2. Only Pack Essentials

One of the best long-distance moving tips is decluttering and getting rid of whatever you can. If you’re wondering how to pack for long-distance moves, the key is to do it lightly. When moving, yWhen moving, you’ll need to empty your entire house, but this doesn’t mean you must take all of your possessions. 

Tips for Long-Distance Moving and Packing 

Review the items you’ll need to buy after relocating for a smooth transition. As for packing, your checklist should include the basics, such as the following:

• Furniture
• Clothing
• Linens
• Small appliances
• Dishware and kitchen utensils

Donating unwanted items to charities is another common piece of advice experts give homeowners preparing for a cross-country move. Many organizations will accept items like clothing, decor, and furniture you can’t take with you. You can either drop these items off at a local charity or schedule a pickup for convenience. 

4. Carefully Pack and Label Items 

Some of the most helpful long-distance moving tips center around how you pack up your items. After downsizing and donating belongings you no longer need, it’s time to gather everything you’re taking with you. Sort your items into moving boxes with care, and be sure not to overfill them. 

If you’re bringing delicate dishware or glass vases with you, keep them secure with protective moving materials like bubble wrap and packing peanuts. Place a “Fragile” label on boxes containing delicate items for easy unloading. It’s also wise to put your name on each of your boxes in case your moving company accommodates several clients at once for a long-distance move. 

A simple way to pack your items is to go by fragility first and then sort items based on the room in which they belong. For example, pack all of your clothes and bedroom decor together, and do the same with your kitchen and bathroom items. 

5. Have a Proper Goodbye

Most long-distance moving tips focus on the stressful parts of relocating cross-country. Remember to celebrate the occasion by saying “goodbye” to neighbours and loved ones.

Try to find time between packing and planning to meet up with the family and friends you’ll be leaving behind. Consider a huge going-away dinner at your favourite restaurant so everyone can see you off without taking too much time out of your busy schedule. 

6. Show Appreciation for Your Movers

Long-distance moves are exhausting and take a lot of work, especially for movers who must bring your belongings to your new location and unload and reassemble them. Show your appreciation for their hard work by bringing cases of water with you so they can rehydrate. Serve them a snack or light meal, such as delivered sandwiches or pizza, on moving day so they have enough energy to complete the job. 

7. Prepare for a Transitional Period

It may take some time to settle in after arriving at your new home. Remember that this transition period is temporary. Within a month or two, it’ll feel like you’ve always lived there. 

Make your upcoming relocation seamless with these long-distance moving tips. Plan your move accordingly, and let the specialists at AMJ Campbell guide you every step of the way. We have the resources and supplies to help anyone relocate across the country. Give us a call at 1-888-AMJ-MOVE (265-6683) or use our online contact form to receive a quote and schedule top-notch moving services.

Frequently Asked Questions

1: What’s the best way to minimize the stress of a long-distance move?

• The best ways to reduce stress include creating a detailed timeline, decluttering and downsizing, and hiring professional movers with experience in long-distance relocation.

2: How can I protect fragile items during a long-distance move?

• Wrap fragile items carefully with bubble wrap or packing paper. Fill any empty space within boxes with packing peanuts or additional cushioning. Clearly label boxes containing fragile items.

3: Is it worth hiring movers for a long-distance move?

• Yes, professional movers significantly reduce physical and logistical burdens associated with long-distance moves. They have the experience and equipment to transport your belongings safely over a long distance.

4: How can I make the transition to my new home easier?

• Give yourself time to adjust to your new surroundings. Plan ahead for essentials like setting up utilities and exploring your new neighbourhood to start feeling at home.