4 Tips to Prepare for Long Distance Moving

Long distance moving is different than moving within your city and is, for most people, a hassle. It doesn’t have to be if you know what to do and when. Everything from having your clothes organized in boxes to storing papers and receipts will impact your move and what you do when you move into your new apartment. Preparation is key to getting everything organized and where it needs to be on moving day. Here are 4 tips to help you get ready for long distance moving:

1. Prioritize Your Things

When you are moving long distance, you want to get rid of a lot of your possessions. It will reduce costs if you’re not transporting things you don’t need. Prioritize your possessions. Write everything down on a list, and place the most important items at the top. Place anything that you can live without below that on the list. Sell or give away the things that are at the bottom of the list. Places like a Goodwill store will buy your clothes and books.

2. Organize Your Moving Papers

Long distance moving will get you so busy that you can forget or lose your important papers. Take all of your receipts and keep them in a safe place. Use a day planner or a folder, and keep every piece of paperwork related to the move in that one place. Organize them by what they are and when to use them. If you’re moving for a job, keep the employer’s instructions there; if you’re flying, keep receipts for your plane tickets in there. If you make it a habit to keep all important moving papers in one place, you won’t have to search through multiple bags to find them once you’re in transit.

3. Find Special Transportation for Pets

Contact your airline before the long distance move if you need to ship any pets. While some airlines will allow you to take a small pet on the plane, many now require pets to be shipped as cargo, on a separate flight. Make sure you have the proper kennel and some way for your pet to access food and water. In many cases, your flight will arrive at a different time than your pet’s flight. You’ll need to make arrangements to have someone pick your pet up at the airport if its flight gets into your new city before you do.

4. Register Your Car

Long distance moving will bring you into a new state. Check with your state Department of Motor Vehicles to see what you should do to register your car. Registering your car will help you to establish your state residency. You will need your registration papers to transfer or buy new car insurance.

Long distance moving is a busy and exciting experience. It is important to prepare well before moving day, so that when you’re ready to move, you won’t forget something important. With proper planning, you can hit the ground running when you arrive at your new home.