Long Distance Moving Tips Made Simple
Learn how to plan with these long distance moving tips and execute a long distance move with ease. This guide simplifies every step, from packing your belongings to hiring the right movers. Cut stress, save time and ensure your items arrive safely.
1. Understanding Why Long Distance Moving is Different
Moving far isn’t the same as moving locally. Long distances requires more planning, as more problems can arise. Knowing what to expect is half the battle.
Key Challenges and How to Overcome Them
- Time Management: Long-distance moves take weeks of preparation. Start early and stick to a schedule.
- Protecting Your Stuff: Packing right isn’t optional. Fragile items need care; labeling boxes is critical.
- Staying Organized: You’ll juggle a lot—documents, packing and ensuring everything is schedule in the right order. Write everything down and follow a checklist.
Professional Help or DIY?
- Hire Us: I’m Gilbert and we’ve been helping families move for over 15 years. We can handle the heavy lifting, logistics and transport. It’s worth it for the long hauls.
- Go DIY: However if budget is tight, rent a truck and organize friends or family to help. Just know it’ll take more effort and time.
2. Pre-Move Planning & Organization
Start Early and Stick to a Timeline
Long-distance moves take time and I’d start planning as soon as possible. Create a timeline with clear tasks for each week leading up to your move.
For example:
- 4 Weeks Out: Book movers, gather packing supplies, and declutter.
- 2 Weeks Out: Begin packing non-essentials and organize important documentation.
- 1 Week Out: Confirm move dates, finalize packing, and prepare essentials.
Declutter and Downsize
The more you take, the more it costs. Go room by room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or toss. Consider holding a garage sale to make extra cash and lighten the load. Less stuff means less stress.
Organize Important Documents
Keep all your essential paperwork—IDs, contracts, health certificates, and moving company details—together in a secure folder. Carry it with you on moving day. Losing these can delay your entire process.
Choose the Right Move Date
Pick a date that works for your schedule but also aligns with mover availability. Avoid peak moving times like weekends or holidays for better rates and flexibility.
Pro Tip:
Start early. Planning ahead saves time, reduces costs, and avoids last-minute headaches.
3. Packing Your Belongings with Care
Pack Room by Room
Tackle one room at a time to stay organized. Start with non-essentials like books, seasonal clothes, or anything you’re not gonna need everyday. This method keeps packing manageable and prevents chaos when unpacking.
Use the Right Materials
Protect your items with bubble wrap, packing paper, and sturdy boxes. Don’t skimp on tape—secure boxes tightly to avoid spills. For fragile items, double-wrap them and fill gaps in boxes with soft materials like towels or clothing.
Label Boxes Clearly
Mark each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. Write “Fragile” on boxes with breakable items. Trust me, labeling saves time when unloading and unpacking.
Pack Essential Items Separately
Set aside a “must-have” bag with essentials for the first few days—clothes, toiletries, chargers, important documentation, and snacks. This bag stays with you during the move.
Pro Tip:
Heavier items like books should go in small boxes. Overloaded large boxes can break or be too heavy to lift safely. However, if you want us to handle all the packing, we have high-quality packing materials and offer packing services.
4. Choosing the Right Long Distance Moving Company
Do Your Research
Picking the right movers is key. Look for experience, good reviews, and clear pricing. At Gilbert’s Mountain Movers, we’ve spent over 15 of experience handling long-distance moves, earning a 5-star rating from our customers. You can count on us to get the job done right.
What Makes Us Different
- 15+ Years of Experience: We know how to handle long hauls.
- 5-Star Rating: Customers trust us for a reason.
- Full Service: From packing fragile items to loading the truck, we handle it all.
Ask Questions
Regardless of which movers you decide to hire, it’s smart to ask questions to feel confident. Ask about:
- How we handle fragile items.
- What’s included in the price.
- How we deal with delays.
- Our process for securing items during transport.
- Insurance and liability coverage.
Trust Your Gut
The right movers give straight answers and keep you informed. That’s how we work at Gilbert’s Mountain Movers. If something feels off with other movers, move on.
Pro Tip:
Price matters, but trust matters more. With Gilbert’s Mountain Movers, you’ll get both. Regardless of who you choose, ensure you do your due diligence.
5. Preparing for Moving Day
Confirm Everything
Double-check your move date and time with your moving company a few days before the big day. Verify that the movers have your address and any special instructions, like parking arrangements or building access codes.
Prepare Your Home
Clear pathways inside and outside your home to ensure movers can work safely and efficiently. Disassemble large furniture if needed, and keep fragile items in a designated area for careful handling.
Stay Organized
Keep your essentials bag, important documentation, and any valuables with you—not on the moving truck. Label these clearly so they don’t get mixed up. You’ll want easy access to things like IDs, health certificates, or medications.
Oversee the Loading Process
Supervise the movers as they load the truck. Make sure boxes labeled “fragile” are handled with care and heavier items are loaded securely to prevent shifting during transport. Communicate any special instructions to the moving crew.
Pro Tip:
Take photos of your packed belongings and furniture before they’re loaded. It’s a simple way to document their condition in case of any issues during the move.
6. Settling Into Your New Home
Unload with a Plan
Direct movers or helpers to place boxes in the correct rooms based on your labels. This simple step saves time and hassle when unpacking later. Start by unloading essentials first, so you have what you need for the first few days.
Unpack Room by Room
Tackle one room at a time, starting with the kitchen and bedrooms. Focus on unpacking essentials first—things like beds, toiletries, and daily-use items. Save decorative or less urgent items for later.
Set Up Utilities and Services
Make sure your electricity, water, and internet are up and running. If anything isn’t working as planned, call the service providers immediately to resolve issues quickly.
Update Your Records
Change your address with important institutions, such as banks, healthcare providers, and insurance companies. Don’t forget to update your driver’s license and voter registration if applicable.
Inspect for Damage
Check your belongings for any damage that might have occurred during the move. Compare this to your pre-move photos. If something is damaged, contact your moving company immediately to file a claim.
Pro Tip:
Take your time unpacking. Moving is exhausting, and rushing can lead to frustration. Give yourself a realistic timeline to get settled.
In Conclusion
Having these long distance moving tips can make all the difference in planning a smooth relocation. Start early, stay organized and choose reliable movers to keep the process stress-free.
With the right prep and focus, your belongings will arrive safely, and you’ll settle into your new home with ease.
FAQs
How far is considered a long-distance move?
A long-distance move is typically any relocation over 650 km or across provincial borders. These moves require detailed planning, careful packing for fragile items, and proper coordination to ensure everything arrives intact and on time.
How far in advance should you prepare to move?
Start planning your move at least 6 – 8 weeks before your move-out date. Long-distance relocations need more preparation. Use this time to declutter, clean, and pack. Staying ahead makes the process smoother.