Moving house is never easy – in fact, it’s commonly ranked as one of the most stressful changes that an individual can go through (alongside changing jobs and getting divorced).
The issue is of course, that the same logistics and administrative challenges remain, whether you are moving to the next street or halfway across the country. This is why whenever we meet a new client, the first thing we do is share our collection of essential tips for a smooth move – long distance or otherwise.
With that said, what specific advice do we share with those facing a long-distance move – and how can a lengthy move be made easier through pre-planning?
The challenges of a long-distance move
When you move further afield, the biggest challenge is finding a moving company that will provide support at either end. Moving just down to the road or to the other side of town is one thing and can often be completed in a single day or two – but when discussing long-distance moves, the time commitment and travel distance can make even the simplest of logistical decisions more difficult.
So, tip one is simple – find a reputable and reliable moving company that is equipped to help.
1. Find the right moving company to help
There are different degrees of support available, depending on how much you want to spend and how much control you want to have over packing the moving. Some homeowners are happy to pay a moving company to pack, transport, and unpack for them at the other end; while others prefer to pack and unpack themselves.
Whatever option works best for you, finding a company that you trust and that markets itself as facilitating long-distance moves is a good way to secure a big tick in the moving box.
2. Declutter early on
An obvious piece of advice when moving – regardless of the distance – is to start early. But have you considered spending time in the lead-up to your move decluttering and ridding your property of items that you don’t need in the new home?
Spending time selling, giving away, and disposing of items that you don’t want to move with you will save time and stress when packing, and will ensure that you don’t move unwanted items to your new home.
3. Keep valuables in the car with you
The most valuable possessions, and those you will want with you as soon as you arrive at your new home, should not be packed into the moving van or into any boxes that are going to be stacked and reorganized at the new home.
Not only will you feel more secure with valuables in your direct possession, but a little pre-planning also means you will have must-haves like a kettle and mugs in the new home, even if the moving van gets held up.
4. Measure the rooms in your new house before moving
There’s nothing worse than having a plan for the layout of your new home, and then finding out that none of your furnishings fit in the rooms. Measure the rooms and walls and get to know the layout to build a configuration before moving day.
This will make it infinitely easier to move boxes into the right rooms on arrival.
5. Secure all the packing tools you need in advance
We’re talking boxes, scissors, tape, bubble wrap… basically, all the essentials to make your move easier and more stress-free. The best way to avoid unnecessary stress is to plan as much as you can in advance – and that means assembling the tools before you even think about packing.
6. Familiarise yourself with your new neighbourhood in advance
It is always recommended that you drive past your new property at different times of the day and on different days of the week, to see how parking and other facilities are used at various times. But when it comes to a long-distance move, this can be easier said than done – which is why you need to get creative.
Rather than a drive-by, research online, use maps to get to know the local area, and consider booking a weekend in the new neighbourhood to really relax as a family and spend time enjoying the local landscape, pubs, and other things to see and do.
7. Have school places and new jobs sorted before moving (if possible)
The only thing harder than moving a long distance is moving a long distance without a plan or idea of what you will do when you get there. Securing school places, a new job, and even looking into local clubs and hobbies will give you a sense of grounding on arrival at your new home and will make it easier to settle into your new surroundings.
8. Change your postal address before moving
This is especially important when facing a long-distance move, as getting any residue post is more difficult when you move further afield. Notify the post office of your new address, and tell them your move date, to ensure that you don’t end up with a missing post in the confusion of bridging two different locations.
Other things you need to consider in terms of a new address include your driver’s license, car registration and documentation, council documents, and insurance policies.
9. Label boxes with the room you want it to go in – and with what’s inside
The more information you can put on the outside of each packing box, the easier it will be to sort your possessions and identify things you need in the early days after your move.
Trust us when we say that future you will thank you for it!
10. Keep calm – it’ll all be okay!
When the overwhelm of moving strikes, the most important thing is to take a step back and remember that everything will be okay – and that life will settle back to normal eventually. Moving is stressful, but it’ll all be worth it when you’re settled into your new home with a fresh cup of tea.
For more advice like this and to discuss long-distance moves, get in touch with the team at A Swift Move directly.