Avoid These Three Common Mistakes During Your Long-Distance Move
Undertaking a long-distance move is no small feat, especially if you and your family are moving across state lines. While most people don't love moving, local moves are often simpler than interstate moves and require less planning. With a long-distance move, you'll want to start with plenty of time to spare and consider our "tips and tricks" as essential guidelines.
We've compiled some common mistakes that people make during long-distance moves in hopes that we can help you alleviate some worry as you prepare for yours!
Mistake #1: Not Getting a Head Start
Plan your move 2-3 months in advance if your timeline allows. This timeframe should give you plenty of time to research and book a moving company, take inventory of your things, and, if applicable, inform your landlord that you're moving. If you have kids, this is also a great time to make sure everything is in place for their transfer to their new schools.
Decluttering is helpful for every type of move, but especially long-distance moves. Space is everything when it comes to toting your things across state lines. If you can minimize the amount of belongings you're moving to your new home, you can really simplify your move.
Mistake #2: Not Treating it Like a Trip
If your travel time is longer than a three-hour drive, your move is realistically more like taking a trip; this viewpoint can be helpful to keep in mind as you are packing and preparing your family. Everyone will need their carry-along bag with easily accessible toiletries and chargers. You'll want to have plans for meals and prepare to take breaks when needed.
If you have children, talk to your kids before you hit the road to prepare them for the drive mentally. As you get closer to your moving time, it can be an excellent opportunity to take a weekend trip to get a small tour of your new town.
Depending on how rural your new house is, you may also want to research your closest grocery store ahead of time. If the store is more than a few miles away, you may want to stop on your way to your new home or designate one family member to do the first grocery run while the moving truck is getting unpacked, even if it's just the essentials for that night and the next morning.
Mistake 3#: Leaving timely tasks until the last minute
If you belong to a gym, you'll want to check the policy and cancel your membership while you're still around. Gyms frequently make it complicated for members to cancel, and the last thing you want is to make the trip back to your old town to cancel a monthly membership in person.
You'll also want to set up mail-forwarding and make sure that your billing address is up to date for vital things like insurance and your bank.
Lastly, don't forget about utilities! You'll need to set an end date for the utilities at your current home and ensure they're on track to start up as soon as you get to your new space.
We hope these tips ease your mental load as you prepare for your long-distance move! If you're moving to or from Charlottesville, our moving team is confident and experienced in long-distance moves, and we can help you get from Point A to Point B with minimal stress. Give us a call at 434-977-2705 or contact us to get a custom quote!
