Making a move, whether it’s across town or across the country, is a big deal. If you’re like most people, your decision to move has come with a lot of pros and cons and you’re likely feeling a combination of excited and overwhelmed. The great news is that you can take some stress out of your move if you begin planning well in advance of moving day.
Hiring Professional Movers
These days, most professional moving companies are requiring at least six months’ notice for any moving contract. If you know you and your family will be moving soon, start by looking up movers in your area. For example, if you live in Long Island, instead of focusing on your final destination, you’ll want to Google terms like “Long Island long distance movers” or “NYC local movers near me.”
When calling these moving companies, start with a list of questions. You’ll need to know how much your move will cost and learn about options each company has for savings and discounts. You might be surprised to learn that most moving companies can help with pieces of the move and that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Maybe you plan to pack for yourself. Perhaps you need a vehicle moved. Or maybe you don’t want to be involved at all. Talking to each company’s customer service team is a good way to know all of your options before deciding on the right moving company for you.
When doing your research, be sure to ask if you’ll be working directly with that moving company or if they outsource their work. This may matter as you get closer to your move or run into problems. You’ll want to know you can contact a reliable source once your items leave your home.
Packing Clothing You Don’t Wear Daily
A great way to make your move easier is to begin packing at least that same six months in advance. Start by taking a look at the items you use on a regular basis and packing up the rest in one dedicated room in your home. Or, if you’ll be storing your things in public storage for a bit, begin the process of moving belongings to your unit as soon as you rent it out. The more you do now, the less you’ll have to worry about come moving day.
Perhaps you want to keep your favorite bootcut jeans with you because you wear them every week. That doesn’t mean you’ll need to wait to pack the red heels that you only use on special occasions. Even with clothing, it’s best to get started packing as soon as you know you’re planning to move.
When thinking about what to pack first, do your research the same way you likely looked up the greatest place to live. Consider the time of year, season, and how long it is before your move. The last thing you want to do is pack something you’ll need in a month or two with moving day still months away.
Doing Your Research Ahead
For the best move possible, consider some research on storage facilities in your new town. This could save you money if you’re able to be more flexible about dates with professional moving companies. At the end of the day, whether you plan to hire a moving service with expert staff and only need to worry about packing personal items in boxes, or if you plan to move all on your own, you’ll be less stressed if you begin planning and packing well in advance of the move.
Best of luck to you on your move!