Category: Moving Tips

Taking care of houseplants is a daily joy for those who carefully maintain them. Most people don’t want to leave their plants behind in a move, but there are several essential details to know if planning to take them.

Moving household plants can be tricky. Professional moving companies can’t transport them since state rules, and other industry regulations prevent them from carrying them on their trucks.

If you are determined to bring your plants with you when you move to your new home, you need to be prepared to manage that. Here are some tips to help you move your own household plants.

Moving Across State Lines

Before taking any plants across state lines, it’s important to research state laws. Also, be sure to follow any applicable federal requirements in their effort to prevent the spread of pests. Some states require permits; others have stricter regulations.

Prep Plants Before the Move

Before the move, about a week (or more if possible), start prepping plants for the trek. Before doing any preparation, be sure the plants can survive in the new climate. Even though plants are indoors, local environments can negatively impact them, so be sure to check. Once you confirm plant hardiness, prep the plants.

• Prune dead leaves

• Rid the plants of pests (use a flea collar at the base of the pot to draw them out)

• Refresh soil with sterilized planting soil

• Water plants 2-3 days before moving

Additionally, transfer plants to plastic planters if you are not already using them. This will make indoor plants lighter to carry and create conditions for less chance of breakage.

Pack plants in open boxes

For short moves across town, carefully place indoor plants in open boxes. This is the easiest way to transport them.

• If using cardboard boxes, tape the bottom to reinforce them

• Cushion the sides of the planters with newspaper or other recyclable items

• Make sure there is enough space for houseplants to breathe

• Place box on the floor in the backseat if possible

• Add a few sturdy items to help keep them still, if needed, especially if the vehicle’s trunk is the only option.

Longer moves are a little tricky because plants need protection from heat and cold. Plan to keep them at a steady temperature that is appropriate for your plant. Keep in mind that sunlight exposure through windows can make them overheat. Trunks are not ideal for long transports since plants won’t receive fresh air or sunlight. Also, remember to bring a watering container along to keep them moist. Be prepared as the process could get a little messy.

Winter Moves

Exposure to extreme cold can damage sensitive indoor plants, even for brief periods. If moving during a time temperatures have plummeted, warm up the car before leaving and carefully wrap plants with newspaper.

Unpacking Plants

Be sure to unpack the plants as soon as possible upon arrival. Understandably, they’ll be plenty to attend to, but it’s essential not to leave plants packed any longer than necessary. After all, you spent all that time carefully packing and transporting them; it would be a shame for beloved houseplants not to survive the move once they’ve arrived.

Shipping plants

In some cases, houseplants can be shipped through the USPS, UPS, or FedEx, but check with company representatives before making arrangements to ensure that you follow guidelines and rules. Keep in mind that boxes will shift, and plants have a higher chance of being damaged, so take extra care to pack houseplants when planning to ship them. Choose the fastest method possible.

Share the Love

Since transporting plants to a new home, especially a home that’s far away, can be a significant chore, consider donating your plants to neighbors, friends, or family before you move. Your friends might appreciate the gesture, and it will give them something to remember you by.

Moving Made Easy 

Need a quote for an upcoming move? Contact us today for a free estimate.

 

If you’ve ever spent hours moving heavy objects around, you probably already know how tired you can get —  and how easy it is to get injured.

After all, in the average residential move, you’re bending, lifting, carrying over and over for hours on end. Then you have to do it all again in reverse when you reach your new home. Besides, moving is complicated, so you’ve probably got a million things on your mind, making it hard to pay attention to what you’re doing.

Add it together, and it’s a recipe for a safety disaster — especially if you’ve opted to do all the hard work yourself with a DIY move.

These five tips will help you put safety first during your next move.

1. Pack Properly

Though it can be tempting (and save time) to throw as many items as you can into each box, it’s not always the best idea for your back. As a general rule, packed boxes shouldn’t weigh more than 50 pounds. Anything heavier is asking for trouble, even if you do lift properly.

Instead, use smaller boxes to reduce the load. You can still use large and over-sized boxes. Just fill them with light objects, such as pillows or comforters, rather than books.

Bonus: Your items will be more secure when packed in smaller, properly packed boxes, too. When large, heavy boxes are over-packed, they’re more likely to be unbalanced and unstable. That increases the risk of breakage and damage.

2. Lift the Right Way

You’ve likely heard “lift with your legs, not your back” many times. But considering that back injuries can be painful and debilitating for a long time — proper lifting technique is key to a safe move.

If you must lift a box or object unassisted, follow these lifting best practices:

• Start with your feet close to the base of the item
• Bend your knees and squat
• Keeping your back straight, slowly stand up, using your leg muscles

The safest way to lift a heavy object is to get help. Don’t attempt to lift heavy items on your own.

3. Choose Quality Packing Supplies

Reducing waste by reusing boxes is great for the earth — but it may not be the safest option for a move. Sometimes second-hand boxes are flimsy or broken down. They are more likely to tear, break or fall apart, to lead to a greater chance of injury or damage. 

Choose your moving supplies wisely. Make sure you check the integrity of your boxes. If they are not quality, invest in new, sturdy boxes and quality tape to keep them shut. Using packing paper and bubble wrap will help keep objects secure, so you can lift boxes and carry them in and out of a moving truck without incident.

4. Grab the Right Gear

Moving is tricky: You’re going to get hot, sweaty, and dirty. Protect yourself by gearing up with the right clothes and equipment.

• Heavy-duty work gloves made from sweat-resistant, stretchable fabric
• Long-sleeve shirts and pants
• Closed-toe shoes
• Dollies or hand-trucks with solid straps to move heavy and oversized items securely
• Furniture glides, so you can slide furniture rather than lift it

5. Ask for Help

Without question, the best way to move safely is by working with professional movers. They’ll have the experience, training, and expertise necessary to safely move even your bulky, heavy items.

Don’t take the risk of getting injured! If you need help, ask for it. Moving is a tremendous job, and there’s no need to go it alone.

Movers You Can Count On

Are you planning your upcoming move? Connect with us for a free quote; we can safely get you and your family to your next home.

Since spring is the number one home-selling season, many Americans plan their relocation between May and September each year. This period is considered peak moving season. 

Like any industry, busy periods can cause delays and logistical challenges not experienced during slower times. If you think about this in simple terms, it’s a lot like trying to get through traffic during rush hour or ordering a coffee during the morning work commute. 

While moving may be more comfortable during the off-season, the driving reasons for relocating from May through September are unlikely to change. Given that everyday people will continue to move during peak months, these are things to consider that can make the process seamless.

Why Is This the Peak Moving Season?

Perhaps the primary reason families prefer to move during this period is summer vacation. Parents generally like their children to complete a school year and start fresh in a new system. Although curriculums may be similar, the learning differences and schedules can prove disruptive to a child’s academic year. Parents like to list homes in spring and close during the break.

Weather is another important factor. Northern states struggle with winter chills, snowfall, and other unenviable conditions. A sudden snowstorm can cause delays while trucks wait for roads to get plowed, among other logistical issues. Lastly, many apartment leases end in late spring and summer, prompting renters to find new digs.

How To Time Your Peak Season Moving

Let’s consider the analogy about rush hour traffic or getting a morning coffee in the context of peak moving season. Rush hour traffic generally occurs between 6-10 am and again from 3-7 pm and the morning coffee issues usually happen around 7-9 am. Roll the week to, say, Saturday or Sunday. The majority of people do not commute to work, and more families make coffee at home. This leaves the roads relatively vacant and coffee shop seating available. The point is that you can plan for peak season moving lulls as well. These include the following.

• Weekdays: Many people try to schedule their move on weekends to avoid taking days off work. Consider planning yours on a slow day such as a Tuesday or Wednesday. These tend to rank among the quieter moving days.
• Mid-Month Moves: The number of moves at the beginning and end of peak season months tends to be higher than the middle weeks. It may be easier to schedule a mid-month date with your preferred moving company.

By targeting the lulls during the peak season, you may be able to secure the services of a residential moving company of your choice.

Contact An Experienced Moving Company ASAP

The log-jam of moves during the peak season makes it increasingly difficult for people to secure the services of a high-quality mover. Industry-leading organizations often get booked months in advance. That’s why it’s vital to secure bids and vet companies as soon as you anticipate moving during the peak season. It’s essential to put your valued belongings and transition in the hands of people who you trust.

Contact us today for your free quote.

Managing employees during a relocation can be challenging – especially if you’ve got a large group to manage. It helps to have a plan and stick to it. These tips can help you maintain productivity in your workplace while also keeping up employee morale. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Plan Your Relocation at a Quiet Time of Year

Pick the right time of year for your upcoming office relocation. Moving at a busy time of year places undue stress on your employees, leading to burn-out.

2. Communicate With Staff

Communication is vital during an office relocation. Give your employees a timeline to keep them up to date on what’s happening during the move. If you expect employees to be part of the relocation effort and pack, sort, or unpack — layout your expectations at the start of the relocation process.

Work on a plan with your employees. Take their feedback and listen to their concerns. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page and agrees about what needs to be done.

3. Provide Encouragement

Moving is hard for everyone, including staff! Encourage your employees throughout the relocation. Tell employees when they’re doing a great job, and give bonuses or prizes to employees who go above and beyond.

4. Provide Tours of the New Space

Let employees see where they’ll be working! This can be especially helpful if some employees are reluctant to move into a new space. Provide tours and, if possible, give employees a chance to pick their own workstation. Even if they can’t choose their own workstation, provide them with an opportunity to be a part of the planning for the area’s appearance and layout they’ll spend the most time.

5. Incentivize Employees

Some employees may decide not to relocate with your company. It might depend on where you’re moving and what the new location is like. Some employee incentives to stay with your company might save you a lot of headache and hassle if you can retain most or all of the people who work for you.

6. Have a Management Plan

Collaborate with other leadership members in your company or organization to ensure that all of your company managers are taking the same approach to staff management. This may involve some planning meetings to strategize. Have regular check-ins with other managers to get a sense of how things are going and ensure that everyone in your organization is on the same path.

7. Play Up the Positives

Remind employees periodically about the positive things they can expect from your upcoming relocation, whether your new building will have more storage space, a better view, or a larger parking lot. The more attractive you make the forthcoming location sound, the more excited your staff will be for their upcoming move.

Work With a Reputable, Full-Service Moving Company

Make the relocation easier on your employees by working with a full-service moving company. Working with a reputable company will reduce the workload for your employees, so they can stay focused on what matters most: their jobs. Call today for a price quote.

 

Let’s face it: Moving is stressful. With multiple components to schedule and organize, it’s no wonder that moving is consistently ranked among some of the most stressful life events.

However, it doesn’t have to be this way. Hiring a professional moving company takes much of the burden of moving off your shoulders and makes the experience less stressful.

But how do you choose a moving company? With so many available options, knowing how to pick a reputable, reliable mover is critical. These steps will help you hire a moving company that’ll save you stress.

Referrals, Reviews, and Credentials

When it comes to choosing movers, there’s nothing like getting a personal recommendation. Start your search by asking family, friends, and co-workers for referrals. If they’ve had a good moving experience — or a not-so-great experience — ask for details.

Next, check online reviews, but don’t just limit yourself to reviews published on a moving company’s website. Instead, look at sites like Yelp, Google, Better Business Bureau, or the U.S. Department of Transportation.

While you’re on the USDOT site, you can check to see if an interstate moving company is licensed. Movers that make in-state moves should be insured and licensed, too; check for a DOT license and insurance information.

Review Estimates

Now that you’ve created a list of reputable moving companies ask for estimates. You’ll want to compare at least three.

An in-person estimate will be more accurate, as the company will do a walk-through and see precisely what they would be moving. A good mover will ask questions about what you plan to take and what you will leave behind.

Look for Red Flags

Keep your eyes open for red flags during the estimate process. These may include movers that show up late, seem unprofessional, or have recently changed their company name. Extremely low bids are another red flag and may indicate a scam or lack of experience.

Unless they must rent special equipment for your move, moving companies should have their own vehicles. A rental truck can be a warning signal.

Finally, beware of moving companies that request a large deposit upfront. In most cases, payment is due after the move is complete. If movers request a large deposit (more than 20 percent) or ask for cash, that’s a big red flag. Always pay with a credit card.

Get Everything in Writing

Once you’ve chosen a mover, get your contract in writing. You’ll want to make sure that terms are laid out in the agreement, including:

• Estimate and prices
• How overages and additional fees are handled
• When payment is due
• Insurance policies
• Pick up and delivery dates
• Inventory/list of belongings

What to Do if There’s a Problem

What if you run into issues with your mover or have complaints? In most cases, you have up to nine months to report any problems and file an insurance claim, so don’t wait too long to go through your belongings and check for damage.

You may file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. For interstate moves, you can contact the Federal Motor Carry Safety Administration. If the company belongs to the American Moving & Storage Association, you can file a complaint there.

While moving is stressful, a good moving company can make it less so. These tips will help you find the right company for your move. Contact us today for a quote. We can work to make your move more manageable.

Business owners may want to relocate to another state for several reasons. For example, a business located near the state line may receive economic development incentives for moving across the line or find the tax or legal climate there more friendly. Or, the target market for the product has changed, and the new state offers better access. In small or family-owned businesses, the owner may wish to relocate and transfer the company with them.

Here are some things to keep in mind when moving your business to another state.

Establish Yourself Legally

The steps for establishing your business legally in a new state depend upon its legal structure. A sole proprietorship, which is legally considered the same as the owner, just tells the IRS of its new address. The owner then cancels business licenses and permits in one state and obtains ones in the new state.

Businesses that are organized as LLCs or corporations will register in the new state. Depending on the laws of the state, you may have two options. The first is to close the business in one state and open it in the new state. The second is to keep the business open in the original state but register as a foreign company in the new state. Consulting with a tax attorney is essential since liquidating a business may have tax implications.

Tell Employees

Develop a communications plan for telling employees about the move. If you hope some employees will relocate with your business, determine what types of relocation assistance you will offer, including whether you will provide job assistance for the spouse. Provide enough information to allow these employees to make an informed decision about relocating. If employees are not relocating, determine what severance packages you will offer.

Maintain clear communication with employees throughout the process. Announce the move, then also meet with employees individually about their situation. By being proactive, you will minimize potential performance issues.

Tell Clients and Potential Clients

Communicate with clients and potential clients through mass media, as well as one on one. Communicate directly with key clients, stressing your move’s positive aspects and how the relocation will benefit them. Send press releases to the newspapers in all cities where you have key clients and engage them on social media. Redo your marketing collateral and website to include the new address.

Plan and Execute the Physical Move

Plan for services at your new location, including Internet, VoIP, or other phone services. Different carriers will likely operate in your new state.

Plan your new space carefully. Draw a blueprint and determine the basics, such as the location of electrical outlets and phone jacks. If you use an interior designer, be sure they coordinate with IT staff to place cables and other connections.

Consider how to minimize productivity losses during the transition. For example, consider whether employees can work remotely during the move or whether you should schedule the move over a holiday. You’ll pay more for moving companies over holidays, but you might recoup the money spent on increased productivity.

Obtain quotes from several top movers who have experience in interstate office moves. Use discounts, but only for movers on your list anyway.

Office Move

Moving your business to a new state presents many challenges. We can help you navigate those challenges through excellent planning and a moving team like no other. Contact us for a quote today. We can help relocate your business locally or long-distance.

If you’re like most people, there’s a particular part of the house that strikes fear into your heart when it’s time to pack up and move: The garage.

It’s not hard to understand why the garage is so often left until last. After all, it’s packed with stuff that just doesn’t fit in the rest of the house. From oily automotive parts to dirty lawn tools, bulky outdoor equipment, and random items that just don’t get used very often, the garage can definitely present a packing challenge.

But don’t be intimidated. These tips will help you pack your garage like a moving pro.

Editing Down

The first step in a successful garage move involves taking the time to go through your belongings and (most importantly) getting rid of anything you don’t want or need. While we understand the impulse to simply box everything up and worry about it later, you’ll thank your future self for making an effort to edit.

Plus, there’s no good reason for paying to move items you don’t use or want. Start by separating your garage stuff into four categories:

• Keep
• Donate to charity/give away
• Sell
• Trash

Not only does this method means you’ll have less stuff to move, but the recipients of your donations will benefit, too. You can even make a few extra bucks to fund your move by selling items you don’t want anymore.

Review the Rules

Certain materials are classified as “hazardous” by federal safety regulations, so they can’t be transported in a moving truck. Your moving company will let you know what’s on the list.

Many forbidden items are typically stored in garages and may include:

• Paint and thinner
• Aerosols
• Diesel and gasoline
• Propane tanks
• Pesticide and fertilizer
• Charcoal
• Flammable items

Tool Packing Tips

When packing tools, have bubble wrap, tape, and moving blankets on hand. Bundle shovels, rakes, and other garden tools together, wrap in a moving blanket, then tape securely.

If you’ve kept original packaging, that’s a perfect way to pack tools. If not, wrap sharp edges with bubble wrap before placing them in moving boxes. Don’t forget to take batteries out of power tools first. Simply put small hand tools in a secure toolbox.

Outdoor Equipment

Now comes the fun part: Packing standard (and bulky) garage items such as lawnmowers, BBQ grills, and bicycles. Start by draining the gas from your yard equipment before safely securing any sharp edges.

Remember that movers usually can’t move charcoal or propane tanks, so you’ll have to remove those from your BBQ. (Perhaps your neighbor would appreciate them!) Clean your grill before securing it for the move.

Consider taking your bikes apart before moving; it’s usually easy to remove wheels and handlebars. You can also find specialty bike moving boxes for extra protection.

Finally, defrost your garage freezer several days before the move. Give the interior time to dry before loading it onto the moving truck.

When you’re disassembling and packing items, snap pictures before and during the disassembly. This simple step will make it easier to put everything back together again when you reach your new home.

Make Moving Simple 

Moving a garage can seem intimidating — but it doesn’t have to be. When you give yourself time to edit and organize the packing process, you’ll enjoy a smooth garage move.

Let us help with your relocation. Contact us for a quote today.

 

Every day, people deal with transitions in sometimes vastly different ways. But there is no escaping the fact that change and emotions go hand-in-hand. Significant changes such as marriage, graduations, retirement, and buying a new home come with highs and lows.

We sometimes forget that the moving process itself tends to create an internal rollercoaster that can be challenging to navigate. By identifying issues that may heighten feelings and employing strategies to manage them, you can enjoy moving and the new space that awaits.

What You Need To Know About Moving Stress

One of the driving reasons that many people find moving so stressful comes down to “fear of the unknown.” We like flexing a certain amount of control over our daily routines, and moving reshuffles the deck thoroughly. One living space is in boxes, strangers are loading your comfortable belongings into a truck, and everything you own will be in a new place — including you — when you wake up tomorrow.

It’s not unusual for people to experience telltale signs of stress before moving, such as the following.

• Body aches
• Headaches
• Sleeplessness
• Persistent worrying
• Feeling out of control

Can you relate to any of those? Now that we understand what we’re dealing with internally, we can do something about it.

Strategies That Help Overcome Moving Stress

If fear of the unknown starts our heads spinning, knowledge can prove to be a powerful cure. Consider conducting some online research about the various steps involved in moving. Read blogs about how long people usually take to unpack and get settled.

Consider ways the moving company can fast-track the process by providing a detailed plan about where things will go in the new space. There are moving checklists and advice columns about expediting the process. With that knowledge in hand, you can map out a plan to demonstrate how the process unfolds and precisely when you will wake up in an organized home.

How To Manage Family Moving Emotions

When adults decide that moving is in a family’s best interest, children may disagree. Their world may revolve around friends, school, and extracurricular activities. Things like job opportunities and improved quality of life are not necessary ideas they fully comprehend.

That’s why it’s essential to break the news of a move gently. Be prepared to answer questions about schools, people, activities, and issues that matter to children. Keep in mind children do not like change or the unknown any more than adults. It’s essential to exercise patients when their emotions overflow.

Make The Moving Process Fun For Children

The moving process does not necessarily need to be a difficult time for children. In fact, youngsters can be incredibly resilient. With a little prompting and promotion of the new space and neighborhood, it might not be difficult to make the ride fun. 

These are the ways some parents make transitioning easier.

• Help your child organize the contact info of friends before moving.
• Encourage your child to make a map of their new room.
• Point out the perks of the new space.
• Help your child run a Google search of age-appropriate activities in the area.

Although not every parent likes the idea of kids playing video games, they have become almost like playgroups, where friends log in together. Headsets and microphones allow youths to play and talk virtually like real life. The point is that the younger generation appears more comfortable with electronic communication. When used appropriately, it can alleviate homesickness by maintaining contact with friends in the old neighborhood.

Making the Move Easier

While we cannot avoid the fact that relocating raises at least some worry about the unknown, knowledge, planning, and a good moving company can make a world of difference.

We can help you plan a stress-free move. Contact us today for a quote.

 

Are you preparing to move soon? Perhaps you are getting your home ready to put on the market, but is your home ready?

You may not realize it, but the bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the house when selling your home. Is yours ready? Maybe your tired bathroom could use a little sprucing up, staging, or updating.

Updating your bathroom doesn’t mean a total overhaul. If your bathroom is looking a little dated, you don’t necessarily have to invest thousands of dollars. Instead, give it a refresh. There are ways to make adjustments to turn a tired bathroom into a revived room to sell your home.

Here are some tips.

1. Add a splash of color

Giving an old bathroom a bright splash of color can do wonders for its appearance. A few good accents include a new bath rug, shower curtain, and matching towels. If you have windows, hang some new curtains. Convert a tired wood vanity into a brand new one by applying a new paint color to complement the other additions.

2. Install new hardware and fixtures

Worn out hardware and bath fixtures can give a bathroom an overall dingy appearance. Try the following suggestions:

• Swap out your vanity’s cabinet door handles and drawer pulls with new hardware.
• Install a modern sink faucet to give the sink an updated look.
• Change out the tub’s faucet and add a modern shower head.
• Add new matching towel racks and toilet paper holder.

These small adjustments can completely change the look and feel of your bathroom, essentially giving it some eye-catching features.

3. Replace outdated lighting

Many bathrooms have lighting that not only dates a bathroom but is inefficient. Replace any glass vanity covers with a modern style, such as cracked glass or alabaster frosted glass. If you can afford to go a little bigger, try adding something slightly more dramatic, such as chandelier or pendant lights. Make it bright. Choose bulbs with simulated natural light. 

4. Add fresh paint

A new coat of paint can do wonders. If you have tired wallpaper, buy a wallpaper steamer (these can be purchased online for about $50) and spend an afternoon taking it down. Once you sand down any rough spots, you’ll be ready to give the bathroom an entirely new look or just neutralize it.

Are you not wanting to remove the wallpaper or do a complete paint job? Give the medicine cabinet, bathroom door, shelving, or the foot molding some bright white paint to draw the eye away from any old tile or wallpaper.

5. Deep clean everything

Make sure you scrub the bathroom before your open house and showings. Nothing is worse than mildew, scum, and hair in and around the sink, tub, and toilet. Prospective buyers want everything to feel fresh and clean! 

PRO TIP — When getting your home ready for an open house or showing, remove all medications and toiletries, add some fresh flowers, and make sure the toilet seat is down. 

Moving Help

Freshening up bathrooms can be an expensive job, and many people find it cost-prohibitive. Instead, look for smaller ways to add function and character. A little flair can go a long way towards sprucing up outdated bathrooms to get your home sold.

Are you looking to relocate? Call us today to learn more about our services. Check out our blog for other essential tips about moving.

A change of scenery can also offer life-changing opportunities. But picking up and moving your life and belongings isn’t always easy.  Planning for a long-distance move is a big task, but it’ll be much easier with these long-distance moving tips.

Tips for a Long-Distance Move

The smartest way to start with a long-distance move is to make a plan. Using these tips, you can create a moving strategy to quickly, safely, and efficiently get you to your new destination.

Pick a Date

When can you move and when do you have to move? If you’re moving for a job or a time-sensitive reason, starting with a date will give you the best chance to be there on time and with some breathing room.

Hire Professionals

Moving in the same neighborhood or city may feel easy with a few strong friends and a truck. But moving to another state is a different situation. When you’re planning a big move, like moving internationally, it’s best to hire a company that knows what to do.

You can get a good estimate from multiple companies before deciding. Start the process early and work with professionals who can help you move without worry. 

Plan Your Pack

Are you wondering how to pack for a long-distance move? It can feel overwhelming without a plan. An excellent place to start is with a timeline of events, so you know where and when to begin.

Once you have a timeline, you can begin on lists of what to pack and when it needs to be packed. You may leave some things until the last minute to pack, but you can take care of a lot ahead of time, leaving you with less to worry about as your moving date comes closer.

Downsize

A long-distance move may offer a chance to start over and begin anew. But it won’t be any easier if you insist on bringing every little thing you own with you. You can save money, time, space, and energy by downsizing before you move.

Consider donating to friends, family, or local stores and shelters. If you plan ahead you can also make some money off items you don’t need by selling them before the move.

Label Everything

The last thing you want when arriving in a new city, state, or country is to be lost in a sea of brown boxes with no idea where anything is. It’s one of the most simple moving tricks but also easy to forget. Keep a marker on you as you box up your home to make the unpacking and even loading up process easier for everyone.

Prepare Essential Items

Think of the things you use every day like your toothbrush, a change of clothes, and other necessities. When you’re packing everything up, make sure you plan a few boxes and bags of items you’ll need for the trip out to your new home, and for those first few days when everything is still boxed up. These priority items will come in handy as you settle in.

Don’t Delay

One of the most important long-distance moving tips is to simply not wait. As soon as you know your plan, you can get started. Packing tends to take longer than expected, and it’s easier to stay organized if you’re on schedule and not rushing to finish up before the movers arrive. Start quickly and stay on top of the process to make moving to another state or overseas look easy.

To the Next Adventure

A long-distance move offers you a new home and a new state or country to explore. It should be an exciting time. By planning ahead you can avoid unnecessary stress and focus on the positives. And if these moving tricks helped you feel more ready than before, check us out for more good tips.