Moving Long Distance Takes Organization

There are so many things to consider when moving long distance and having your household goods shipped with a long distance moving company.  If your company is moving you, that usually includes all the packing and moving.  If you are paying for the move, you may want to do the packing yourself to save money.

Packing is one of the most crucial parts of the move and making a plan to get things organized first is a smart move. Try to start packing well before the move if possible, as you will become more stressed the closer you get to the moving date.

Get a sturdy notebook as it will help you keep organized.  You will know what is in each box, and it will cut down on your stress. I remember tearing boxes open one time when I was young looking for the coffee pot the next morning and I call that stressful.

Write you new address and phone number on the cover or front page as you may need to refer to it several times. For instance, you will want to make sure your utilities are turned on when you arrive. Since you are packing with some time to spare, make things that aren’t often used first. Make the first list of items you use daily ,as you don’t want them packed until close to the actual move.

Next, you need to get together all the things you will use in packing which includes boxes, bins, strong packing tape, labels, wrapping paper which can be newspaper, some permanent markers and a lot of time. You can purchase boxes from the moving company and sometimes they have used boxes, or you get them for free from various stores. I have often heard that liquor boxes are good for packing. If you purchase storage bins look for very sturdy ones and get the ones that cling as they easily store on top of each other.

Start your packing with those items not often used, like from maybe the garage. Number and label all your boxes and storage bins. Keep the number boxes in your notebook with a brief description as to what is inside so you know where to tell the movers to put the boxes when they are unloading. It saves work to have the boxes placed in the rooms where they belong. Also, you will know the exact number of boxes that should arrive. I have had moving companies lose boxes so it is important to know what number box is missing and what is in that box.

Since you will know immediately if a box is missing you can talk to the driver of the van and the moving company if necessary.

Sometimes your new home is not ready for occupancy when you arrive in your new city.  You can have your household goods shipped in PODS.  Everything will be kept in those pods in your new cities climate controlled warehouse until you are ready to move into your new home.  PODS are especially designed storage containers and they are nationwide. 

Get multiple quotes from the moving companies with the best reputations. Moving quotes are free and by comparing rates, fees, services and time lines can save you up to 65%. Make sure the company is licensed, bonded and insured. The best cross country movers will get your household goods shipped to your new home without damage and breakage.

The copyright to this article is owned by Pamela Oglesby. Permission to republish this article in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.