Comparing Long Distance Moving Companies
Relocating can be stressful, but you can make it much less so by planning ahead and following these tips for moving with ease:
Booking Moving Services
- Whether you'll be renting a truck, using a containerized moving service or hiring professional movers, you'll want to start planning early. Weekends, the first and last weeks of each month and summer are busy times for all these services, so book well in advance if your move falls during one of those periods.
- If you'll be using professional help, make sure to get written estimates from at least three moving companies. Don't accept estimates based on just phone conversations. There's no way an estimate can be accurate unless a moving company representative has been to your home and seen the exact items to be moved.
- Once you've chosen a company, get a list of any special moving packing tips they may have. Some companies have unique requirements and you'll want to know about them well in advance so there are no problems on moving day.
Packing and Organization
- Go through your closets, garage, attic, shed and other storage areas to see if there are any items you can donate or sell. Keep in mind that the more you get rid of, the less you'll have to pack.
- Start packing non-essential items as soon as you can and store those boxes out of the way. Having at least some of the packing completed will cut down stress as the move gets closer.
- Gather plastic grocery bags and non-essential towels, rugs, sheets and rags so you can use them to line boxes or wrap fragile items. These are a great way to supplement any new moving supplies you buy to keep you from running out mid-move.
- Don't use newspaper to wrap glassware, ceramics, collectibles or anything else that might pick up the newsprint ink.
- Dismantle swing sets, slides, lawn furniture and other large objects and keep all the pieces together for each item. It makes good sense to do these tasks yourself; if you leave them for the movers, your bill will be higher and you'll probably run behind schedule on moving day.
- Make sure to have enough prescription and over-the-counter medication to last at least through the first week after the move.
- Contact utility providers -- both old and new -- at least two weeks before you move to arrange for service shut-off and initiation.
- Keep all your moving paperwork (notes with utility shut-off and turn-on dates and contact information, rental agreements, insurance coverage, etc.) in one folder where you can find it easily throughout the relocation process.
Making use of this moving tips checklist can help simplify the transition to your new location. We hope you find these suggestions helpful and that you enjoy your new home!
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