Relocating to a faraway place requires much more planning than relocating within your city or town. Besides transporting your stuff around, you need to research the destination and plan accordingly. Similarly, many things involve wrapping everything up from your old place and unpacking at the new place. It is more like moving your entire life to a faraway land than moving just your things.
Therefore, a long-distance move requires much more time and careful planning. If you are moving from Maine to LA, for example, it will be a major change of environment, especially if you are shifting from an apartment to a house. Similarly, if you move from Australia to the US, you may need to adjust to the changing climate and the difference in real estate values between the two countries.
However, when it comes to packing, transit, and unpacking, we are here with some tips to make your move as stress-free as possible. Therefore, let’s dig into it.
Look for storage
When moving from one place to another, you’ll need a place to store your valuable items until you’re settled in. Storage units are a suitable solution for that. However, it is important that the area has access to commodities and commute routes so you can easily access your items when needed.
For example, if you’re moving to northwest Louisiana, visit Shreveport for storage options. It is a hustling city, surrounded by several amenities and easy transport facilities. Moreover, Shreveport self storage options come in a variety of sizes, so you can choose one that meets your needs. This will also help optimize your storage costs.
Purchase moving insurance
Secure your valuables by purchasing moving insurance. Consult your insurance agent if you are moving to another state or country to find out what your homeowner’s and auto insurance policies cover.
Although moving companies provide a limited insurance policy, it is advisable to have a comprehensive insurance plan if you are moving highly valuable items. These items can also carry a high sentimental value. Therefore, if something gets damaged or lost during transit, you need proper insurance to cover it.
Due to a high influx of Americans moving, insurance could be the last thing on your mind. However, securing your belongings is equally important since this is how most people suffer property damage. By getting reimbursed for stolen, or damaged items, you can avoid losses.
Make an inventory list
Moving to a long-distance place means that you cannot afford to forget or leave anything behind. Since there are so many things to take care of, it is better to list them.
Start by making inventory categories for different items. For example, you can list room-by-room, item-by-item or priority-wise. For example, let a bedroom owner prepare a list of items they want to pack. Similarly, if you are packing kitchen items, it could be better to start by listing items that you rarely use, like fancy dinnerware and silverware. Then, you can move on to cutlery, dishes and pans.
Make sure that you make a separate inventory for each category. It would be better to name your inventory categories the same as you would name your packing boxes. That way, you would know what each box contains.
Whether you use a mobile app or pen and paper, keep the list with you once you are ready to unload at your new place. This way, you can check off the items on your list.
Figure out where your items will go in the new place
Before you move all the heavy furniture across the state or overseas, sketch a floorplan to ensure that your new bedroom is large enough to accommodate your bedroom items. However, if you have a large bookshelf at your old place that you do not need anymore, try getting a smaller or better bookshelf for your new place, or plan your new bedroom décor differently.
Alternatively, if your new place does not have a TV table but instead has space for a wall-mounted television, please prepare it accordingly. Similarly, figure out if your dining table will go in the dining room or the kitchen.
More importantly, analyze how open the floor is at your new place. If your new apartment or house has an open floor plan, you may find yourself in a spacious place. It is better to declutter to maintain that spaciousness before you move into your new home.
Downsize
Downsizing can help you fit better into your home. If you are upgrading your house, you must also upgrade your belongings. That means removing old items and things you no longer need to make space for new things.
Get rid of clothes you haven’t worn in the last season or donate them to charity.
Donate books you have already read or aren’t interested in.
If you still have your college items after graduating, it is time to downsize them too.
You’re better off getting rid of anything you do not use regularly, do not love or can survive without. Hoarding items can stifle change, especially when moving across states.
Adapting to your new life may require new items. If you are moving to a hot place, it might be time to downsize your winter closet. For instance, you might get more fashionable summer dresses that fit the culture of the new country instead.
Conclusion
If you plan to move long-distance, selecting the right storage unit according to your needs is paramount. Moreover, to secure your belongings, purchase moving insurance in case something gets lost, stolen or broken during transit. It is equally critical to make an inventory list to ensure you stay on top of things.
Before you move all the furniture to your new place, figure out where your items should go. Plan the layout of your new home before unpacking. Lastly, downsize and declutter by removing items you no longer need. It allows you to fit new items into your new community.
