Moving is a complex process as it is, but moving out of the state or across the country? That adds a whole other level of planning.
Long distance moves can take months to plan and execute. Try to be proactive to avoid too many responsibilities piling up. It is also important to be intentional about what you bring with you and what you leave behind (and declutter) when you move.
Look at every part of the moving process as a fresh start, even the tasks that seem tedious and difficult. These packing tips for a long distance move will greatly reduce your stress level and allow you to embrace the excitement of moving to a new place.
Your Guide To A Long Distance Move:
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Create a Moving Out Checklist
Before you start any sort of packing and preparation, make sure you have a checklist for moving out of state.
There are a countless number of duties to monitor and complete when you are moving. A checklist will help you keep track of items you may need, services you may need to hire, and an all encompassing to-do list of tasks that need to get done before the long distance move.
This checklist will help reduce the scatter-brained, overwhelmed feeling that comes with moving and allow you to stay on schedule.
Download: Ultimate Moving Guide Checklist here.
Getting Rid Of Large Items
There will be a point in the moving process when you ask yourself what not to move long distance. When this occurs, start with the big items first like furniture, appliances, mattresses, and exercise equipment.
Chances are, it does not make logistical or financial sense to bring all of these large items to your new home in another state. They may not fit the layout or vibe of your new place, or they may just take up too much room in the moving truck.
If you are not selling your old furniture or appliances, or there are large items that are broken that you need to get rid of, make this step of the process easier for yourself and hire a service like LoadUp.
Get Rid of Your Old Appliances Now! BOOK A PICKUP ❯
After adding your items to your cart online and making your appointment, LoadUp will come to your property and dispose of your heavy household items. All that is required on your part is to disconnect your appliances, and allow for our Loaders to remove the items safely.
Simplifying what would otherwise be a time-consuming and laborious task, takes away that added pressure and knocks one more thing off the checklist for moving out of state.
Getting Rid Of Small Items
Now you can move on to the smaller items. Packing up a property can seem like a daunting task, but it is also an opportunity to get rid of belongings you do not need.
Best packing supplies for moving
Make sure you have all of the necessary materials to make the move easier, to keep your breakables in one piece and to speed up the packing process.
- boxes
- packing tape
- bubble wrap
- trash bags
- labels
- sharpie
- scissors
📦 Be Prepared: The average number of moving boxes used for a move is 60. Breaking down cardboard boxes can be time-consuming when you are ready to relax and enjoy your new place! Get Help with Cardboard Box Breakdown and Removal ❯.
Whether it is clothes, small household items, or junk you have been meaning to get rid of for a while now, be strategic about what will make the cross-country trek with you and what should be left behind.
Getting rid of old items to make room for something new can actually be very therapeutic. Aside from making the move easier by bringing less items, it can also help you get inspired in what you want to replace and how you want to design your new home.
After packing, do not add another chore by having to fill up your car with everything you are getting rid of, and taking trips back and forth from your local donation center.
LoadUp will come to your house and get rid of your household garbage, your old decorations, and whatever else you need disposed of.
Check Out What Items We Take! WHAT WE TAKE ❯
Even if you are looking to donate, we can do that too!
How To Ship Your Clothes
Downsizing your wardrobe and prioritizing your essentials are a must during the moving process. Think about your new home, climate, career, environment, and hobbies, and allow those prompts to guide you while you search through your belongings and pack your closet.
Once you have decided what you are keeping, pack your clothes by seasons and/or types. Sorting your clothes by seasons and types helps speed up the unpacking process, and makes it easier to keep track of everything.
Whether you are putting your clothes into boxes or bags, make sure they are labeled clearly to avoid confusion. You can also utilize wardrobe boxes, trash bags, and garment bags to transport clothes like dress pants, blouses, and dresses without getting them wrinkled.
If you are wondering how to ship your clothes while moving, keep track of how many boxes of clothes you have and the weight of the boxes. Use this information to compare the prices of different services like USPS, FedEx, and UPS.
👚 Get Rid of Old Clothes: Find out more about where you can sell, recycle, or donate clothing.
Shipping clothes can be pricey, so we will reiterate the importance of being thoughtful about what clothes and items make the long distance trip to your new home.
Get Excited for Your Move!
Nothing ever goes 100% according to plan, especially when it comes to moving, but it’s about controlling what you CAN control, and trusting that everything else will work out in the end because of the work you put in before.
By being prepared, organized, and realistic about your long distance move, you can focus more on the journey and embracing the change. We hope that these long distance moving tips will help you during this exciting time in your life.
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