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Bluebell Relocation Services

Long distance moving checklist

Three trucks on an open road ready for long distance moving

A long-distance move is a venture not many dare to tackle single-handedly. And it’s no wonder. Unlike a local move, here you cannot just run back to your old place, and retrieve the thing you have forgotten. You need to get everything right on your first try. One of the ways to ensure success is to rely on long distance movers NJ for help. However, even they cannot take care of every little thing. There are certain tasks only you will be able to address. What’s more, some of you may want to take this project head-on, and handle long distance moving on your own. The text that follows will be valuable for both cases, and every other that falls in between, so make sure to read on.

Long-distance moving checklist

A project as big as long-distance moving simply yearns for a checklist in order to be of a favorable outcome. There is an abundance of tasks one needs to be mindful of. For this reason, we present you with our checklist that will ensure you do not lose anything out of sight.

A long distance moving checklist

Reduce the number of items you are moving

Long-distance relocation can make quite an impact on your budget. For this reason, you want to be frugal where you can, and where it is recommendable. A great way to start is to go through your home, top to bottom, and separate all the belongings you have into three groups:

  1. keep
  2. toss
  3. donate/gift

It might seem like a great loss of time, but it will mean a lot in the long run. Namely, you will have to go through all of your belongings as it is, so why not do it early. Purging your home from all the redundancies will not only lessen the number of items you have to transport (and thus reduce moving expenses), but it will also ensure that you start your new life being surrounded only with the items you truly need. So, the items that belong to the first group ought to be the things you have used more or less frequently in the past nine months. Everything else you can do without. This, of course, excludes belongings of emotional value (family heirlooms, memories, and such).

The other two groups should be populated with the items you no longer need nor use. The only difference is that you will gift or donate belongings that can serve a purpose to someone else. As for belongings that have no use to anyone, find the right place to dispose of them.

Prepare your packing materials

It is safe to say that there is no moving without packing. Thus, there is no long-distance moving without packing either. And one cannot undertake packing with great success if they are not well equipped with packing materials. Being that you are reading this text, it is logical to assume that you want to have a triumphant relocation. So, let’s see what you ought to acquire before you indulge in the task of packing:

  • quality boxes of various sizes
  • packing tape
  • cushioning materials
  • labeling materials (markers and stickers)
  • optional: dollies, moving straps, furniture pads, moving blankets
A man renting a dolly

Where to get these necessities?

As we mentioned, long distance moving can burn a hole in your pocket with staggering speed. And here is another opportunity for you to be frugal. Go to your local warehouse, grocery, liquor and clothing stores, and inquire about some undamaged boxes they have to spare. These places tend to get rid of packages on a daily basis, and will probably not find it hard to simply forward them to you. There is one thing you need to be extra careful about, though. You might have noticed that the word ‘box’ was preceded with ‘quality’ and ‘undamaged’ adjectives. This is not an accident. You need to have boxes that are damage- and odor-free. Anything else is a direct hazard to your belongings.

Liquor stores are especially great for seeking out packing boxes. As they are used for transferring fragile and valuable goods, the boxes themselves need to be sturdy and reliable. In addition, they also come with box dividers, which will do great for your brittle objects.

Use what you have

Another great way to save money on packing materials is to use what you already have. T-shirts, sheets, and socks can serve as cushioning materials. Bins, bags, and even drawers are great for packing your belongings. However, since we are talking about a long-distance move, you want to ensure that your belongings are indeed safe and secure while on the move. So, you want to avoid packing fragile and valuable items in these alternatives. Also, make sure that you secure the tops with packing tape and plastic wraps.

A box with the word 'fragile' written on it used for long distance moving

Initiate the packing process

If you are the lucky user of reliable moving services NJ, you will probably not have to worry about packing at all. However, if you are one of those DIY enthusiasts, it is not advisable that you skip this paragraph. The sooner you start – the better. Allocate a room you visit most seldom and place all the packed boxes there. This will help you avoid the feeling of living in a warehouse until the moving day arrives. It is best that you start packing items that you rarely use. This will include clothing pieces that are not fitting for the season, certain kitchen tools and utensils, tools from your garage, books, and so on. When the moving week is upon you, you want to be surrounded only with the items you use on a daily basis.

There is a rule of thumb that says: heavy items go in small boxes, while lighter objects are for bigger packages. This is a good logic to follow. Books and kitchen appliances, for example, need to go in smaller boxes. This will ensure than you can handle the box without the risk of damaging it on your way to the moving truck. On the other hand, pillows, blankets, sheets, and other bulky yet light items are great for your biggest boxes.

When it comes to cushioning, as we said, start with using the things that you have. It will not only save you money but space as well (which is also, in a way, saving you money). Apart from clothing pieces, you can also use some old newspapers. Go for the bubble sheets only with the items that utterly need it. These include delicate figurines, items made of glass, and other brittle objects.

A sheet of bubble paper used for long distance moving

As for the biggest and bulkiest items of them all, such as your couch, refrigerator, and big appliances, use furniture pads to protect your floors. Also, before you start moving anything, see if you can disassemble it, in order to save some space and your back. Use dollies if necessary, for transport. Moving blankets will also prove to be rather useful for the protection of these items.

Do not forget to label your boxes. And if you remember it, do not dare skip it. This simple action will save you a lot of time and nerves when the time for unpacking arrives.

Additional advice when packing for a long-distance move

Now, there are a couple of things you want to be mindful of when it comes to packing and loading the moving truck:

  • if you are moving from a cooler climate to a warmer one, pack the clothes you will wear there last. This will help you adjust with greater ease, without having to unpack all that you have on the very first day.
  • pack an essentials box. Here you will keep items that can ensure a comfortable living for the first few days. So, you would pack it with some clean towels, bedsheets, plates for your family, kitchen utensils, and basic hygiene products.
  • measure the doorways of your new place in order to ensure that your biggest furniture will be able to fit through it. It would be quite a shame to travel with your couch only to find out you will have to discard it.
  • when loading a moving truck, start with your biggest items, and move on to the smaller ones as you go. This will ensure that there is enough room for all.
  • evenly distribute your belongings inside the truck, making sure that the biggest bulk is near the driver’s cabin. Doing so will prevent the trailer from drifting across the road during transport.

Handling the paperwork regarding long-distance moving

There are two major tasks you will need to take care of when it comes to moving long-distance:

  1. Changing your address. Pay a visit to the post office and other companies with whom you do business. This includes your bank, your brokerage, your insurance company, credit company, and so on. Make sure to do this on time, and not leave it for the time of unpacking.
  2. Contact utility companies. Nothing can ruin that first shower at your new place after a day of moving like cold water, or the lack of it. So, you would want to make sure that water and lights at least are there upon your arrival. In addition, you would want to make arrangements for the utilities from your current home to be disconnected or transferred into the new owner’s name.
A transmission tower

Now, depending on whether you are working and/or going to school, there will need to be some people notified about your relocation. This also stands if you are moving with your kids who are of school age. Make sure to contact the necessary educational facility, and sort the transfer papers as soon as you can. As for your job, depending on your situation, you should also see that you are able to continue with your business advancements as quick as possible.

The necessity of a moving company

Now, some of you are handling your long-distance move on your own. No other word that ‘kudos’ would be appropriate here. However, that is not to say that we support you fully. You see, long-distance moving can take a lot of a person, even with the help of a professional and quality moving company. It’s not just that the packing will take a lot of your time, it’s the meticulous planning, the constant lack of time, and the stress and emotion behind it. Leaving a home you have been living in for a certain period of time can be hard to deal with, and people usually opt for the help of a moving company in order to be able to handle it all, and not lose their mind in the process. That is why we suggest that you do the same.

The additional advantage of professional movers is the guarantee that there will be no mistakes when it comes to the technical part of the move. While you may worry about handling your piano, or the proper way of packing and loading a washing machine, they will take care of it with great ease and efficiency. The sheer amount of experience they have offers speed and safety throughout the whole process.

Contacting your movers

Now, the necessity of a moving company is evident. However, how does one go about finding proper movers? Looking at their reviews on social media can be very helpful. Do not restrain from asking around as well, as many people have moved, and will probably have a recommendation or two in mind. When you have found at least three moving companies that pique your interest, it’s time to ask for estimates. Once you find a deal that suits you best, you have found your movers.

a calculator, some money, and a pen and paper

When should you contact them? Well, as with most other things, the sooner the better. However, that is not to say that you should call them half-a-year in advance. Three months prior to the moving day will do. Especially if you plan on moving during the peak season (months between April and September) or during the holidays. Companies tend to be overscheduled, or short-staffed during these periods. Make sure that you state your needs, possibilities and wishes clearly so that the moving company will be able to work with those suggestions. Keep in mind that you can hire them for a single service they provide, or for a full-service relocation. Whatever you feel will make your move easier to handle.

We wish you the best of luck with your long-distance moving process and a great life in your new home. Happy travels!

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