Want To Expedite Your Upcoming Long Distance Move? 4 Must-Do Tips
Moving an entire household over a long-distance is a task that most families would prefer to avoid. While the process can be a difficult one, long-distance moves that result in positive career changes, greater proximity to loved ones, or other major benefits are generally looked back on as worthwhile. If your family is currently planning a long-distance move, these must-do tips can help you minimize many of the most common sources of stress associated with this type of moving process.
Tip 1: Start early with a detailed plan
Problems with time management are one of the most common causes of stress during a move, especially when the starting point and the final destination are separated by a great distance. Families who are able to create a detailed plan a month or more before the expected date of the move will be better prepared to create a timeline of their move and assign specific blocks of time to each necessary task.
Using the timeline to track activity, families can break sorting and packing tasks into manageable chunks and set a date for their completion of each one. Family members can be assigned moving tasks appropriate for their age and ability so that the entire family unit is working together toward the goal, instead of one person bearing the entire responsibility.
Families can get maximum benefits from their moving timeline by scheduling short work periods each day and having frequent meetings to review the process and make any adjustments that may be needed to keep the project on track.
Tip 2: Gather estimates and compare moving companies
Failing to take time to gather estimates and compare available moving companies in your area is another common cause of stress during any type of long-distance move. Since highly-rated moving companies are likely to fill their schedules much more quickly than lesser-quality movers, it is critically important for families to begin gathering estimates, checking availability, and comparing moving companies as soon as the decision to move is solidified. If it is possible to schedule your move during the off-season, which is usually fall, winter, and early spring in most areas, you may experience far less competition for the most highly-rated movers than you might during the busy summer moving season.
As part of the process of comparing moving companies, it can be a good plan to get in-home quotes from at least three movers. During these visits, moving company representatives will estimate the number of household goods involved in the move and then add that figure to other costs, such as fuel surcharges, packing materials, and professional packing services.
It is important to understand that the initial quote may not be the final price and that it may be possible to negotiate some of the fees before the binding estimate amount is given. Information from the in-home quote can also help families make informed decisions to reduce the volume of the move by:
- opting to discard or donate furniture or appliances that may be nearing the end of their useful lifespan
- eliminating old toys, clothing, or books that are no longer in use by family members
- checking measurements of large items to ensure that you are not paying to move items that will not fit inside the new home
Tip 3: Explore add-on options to minimize moving stress
No matter how carefully planned your long-distance move may be, there are sure to be obstacles that arise during the process. Exploring the many add-on options and services available from the moving company you hire is the best way to minimize stress and keep the process moving forward. For example, most reputable moving companies offer benefits like personal packing options, customized packing boxes and supplies, and secure storage space within their facility to better serve their clients.
For more information, contact a local moving company, like Christofferson Moving & Storage.
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