Long Distance Moving Costs

When Preparing for Your Move, Get Organized

Buy a binder and create a moving folder

First thing’s first, you will want to buy a binder/notebook or create a “moving” file on your computer. This way, you will have somewhere to keep your moving checklist, organize your timeline, and store all of your moving paperwork.
Establish a folder for moving documents, contracts, and receipts (you’ll want to keep track of all of these), gather important personal documents (e.g. passport, social security card) and any financial documents relating to your new home (think mortgage/loan agreement/lease).

Take inventory

Take inventory of your belongings and estimate how much your move will cost.
This is an important step, so be sure that you account for everything you own. You can use this inventory list when you hire a moving company and when shopping for insurance.

Know your moving budget

Before we go any further, decide on a moving budget. Be sure to include all your moving costs and how much money you will need post-move for furniture, repairs, etc.
Remember to keep proof of all moving expenses and store them safely in your handy moving folder.

Schedule ‘your’ time

Knowing how to prepare for a move also means preparing for upheaval. Even after you’ve found your best time to move and planned your commute, life still happens.
Prepare for things to get a little messy and set aside time each week just for you. Grab that face mask, take a bath, exercise, do whatever you have to, and take care of yourself.

Make Important Moving Decisions When Preparing for Your Move

There are a lot of decisions to make when preparing for a move, so make your life easier and know the answers to these questions before they arise. This way, you’ll be both informed and prepared for your move when the big day arrives.

Here are a few key questions to ask yourself when prepping for your move:

• Will I hire professionals to pack or will I do it myself?
• Am I planning to hire a moving company or book a moving truck?
• Am I going to move my car?
• Will I purchase moving insurance?
• What kind of moving boxes will I use: plastic moving bins, recycled boxes, or new boxes?
• To be as organized as possible, be sure to answer these questions in plenty of time before you move.

Prepare for Your Move by Packing Like a Pro

A huge part of knowing how to prepare for a move is knowing how to pack. What do you do with all those necklaces? How do you keep those electric cables organized? Here are our best tips and hacks to prepare you for packing like a pro.

Purchase the right packing supplies

Moving is expensive enough without wasting money on supplies you don’t need. For example, you’re going to want the right kind of boxes to fit your personal items. Have a lot of books but very few hanging clothes? Buying the appropriate shape and size of boxes can make all the difference when packing up your home.

Know how to pack tricky items

Some items are harder to pack than others. Know how to wrap and pack your fragile belongings so they make it to your new home in one piece. Try packing your jewelry in plastic wrap, take photos of your electronics before unplugging them, and learn to pack your food like a grocer. And remember, always accurately label your boxes. You don’t want your books landing on your glassware.

Prepare to move by paring down

Unless you’re a true minimalist, chances are you don’t need everything you own. Prepare to move by going through your belongings and getting rid of what you don’t need. Hold a garage sale or a yard sale and donate anything that’s left at the end of the day.

Pack in the right order

As long as you aren’t moving in a hurry, you can start to pack up your home in stages. If you want to know how to prepare for a DIY move, much of your planning is in the packing. Start boxing up any off-season clothes and items that you rarely use as early as you can, especially if you aren’t going to use them before you move. The last items on your packing list should be your important documents, moving day dog kit, and your “open first” box which contains the essentials for the first days in your new home.

Prepare to move with the professionals

Choosing a moving company can be daunting, but knowing what to expect can significantly help. Make sure you ask the right questions to moving companies and get multiple estimates before making your selection.

Understand the rules of professional moving

Before your moving company arrives, you should know what can and cannot go in the moving truck. Flammable items, for example, are not allowed in the vehicle and you should keep important documents with you when you move, not in the back of the truck. Once you select your moving company, figure out how much to tip your moving company and withdraw the correct amount of cash the day before your move.

Iron Out Any Pre-Move Details When Prepping for Your Move

When figuring out how to prepare for a move, it’s important to remember the details. With everything on your to-do list, make sure these tasks don’t get left behind.

Transfer utilities before you move

When figuring out how to prepare for a move, consider what you’ll want up and running as soon as you move in. Electricity, gas, and water will be top of the list followed closely by TV and internet service. Transfer all of your utilities before you move to make the transition as seamless as possible. Debating over keeping your cable service and cutting the cord? Now is a great time to do some research and consolidate services.

Things You Shouldn’t Forget to do Before You Move

Before you dash out of your old home and hand over the keys, there are a few things you should take care of to avoid any surprises.

Tie up any loose ends

If you’re leaving the neighborhood, remember to pick all your clothes up from the dry cleaner and return any library books you have stashed away.

If you’re a member of a local gym or yoga studio, be sure to cancel your membership before you move or make sure it will transfer to a location near your new home. Now is also a great time to gather any refills you have at the pharmacy in case you’re too swamped to transfer them to your new area.

Prepare your new home security system

You’re going to want to protect your new home as you prepare to move. If you have a home security system, be it a smart system or a traditional home security system, contact your provider as you prepare for your move. Let them know you’re moving and follow their instructions for setting up home security in your new place.

Get your security deposit back

Renters, you know what we’re talking about. If all goes smoothly, you should see your deposit pop up in your bank account within 14-60 days after you move. Given this broad time frame, it’s a good idea to mention it when you give your landlord 30-day notice. If there are any disagreements over returning your security deposit, this could take even longer so prepare well in advance.

Prepare for Your Move by Prepping Your Old Home

The contracts are signed, your boxes are packed, but wait! There are a few more things to take care of before you leave your old home for good.

Double check everything

After you’ve taken everything out of your home, check nooks and crannies for anything you may have overlooked, including the garage and attic.

If you’re renting, be sure to take photos of your old home’s move-out condition and do a final walkthrough with your landlord. This will help you get your deposit back without a hassle.