Moving can be both exciting and stressful at the same time. As you prepare for a long-distance move from Atlanta, GA, our team at 404Movers is here to make your experience as easy as possible. It might seem like a big task to pack the entire house and move across the state (or country). But these long distance moving tips will help you prepare for every aspect of the move.
Tip #1: Invest in Quality Moving Supplies
The first among our long distance moving tips concerns supply quality. Don’t cut corners when buying boxes and moving tape. Your boxes must hold up as they are being moved and shuffled in the truck. Cheap boxes can start to bend and break, causing damage to the items inside.
Also, invest in quality packing tape to prevent the bottoms of the boxes from falling out. Plastic storage tubs can be useful for protecting fragile items or things that will be placed in storage (such as holiday décor or seasonal clothing). Pack everything as if you were putting the items in long-term storage, even if the boxes will be unpacked again in just a few days.
Tip #2: Inspect Furniture and Other Heavy Items
A close inspection of some of the large items in your house can help you determine what stays and what will go. For example, if you have old furniture that needs to be replaced, then it might make sense to get rid of it now and buy new furniture at your destination. It isn’t worth the space and cost of moving these big items across the country.
Often, you can get a little bit of cash from the sale to put toward the purchase of new furniture. Or, you can find people who are willing to haul away items for free if you post them on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.
Tip #3: Purge Unnecessary Household Items
Have you noticed that your house feels overloaded with clothing, toys, and other household goods? A few new things here and there can really add up over the years. Since you are preparing for a long-distance move, it is a great time to decide what you want to keep and what you no longer need.
While packing, try using the Marie Kondo method of designating several piles: keep, sell, donate, or throw away. Sort one room at a time so you can get a clear picture of all related items. For example, sort all of your dishes and cooking tools at once and purge the items that are no longer used.
Tip #4: Careful, Deliberate Packing
With a long-distance move, your personal belongings won’t just be loaded into the truck and unloaded at the new home. These boxes will also be riding in the truck for long stretches of road. With all of the handling and driving, there is a risk that items might be broken or damaged.
Properly packing the boxes will protect your stuff. Make sure everything is cushioned within the box. Use bath towels and hand towels to wrap fragile items. Pack each box to the top and avoid leaving loose items inside. If needed, mark “fragile” and/or “right side up” on the outside of every box.
Tip #5: Foods and Liquids
The next in our list of long distance moving tips is food items and liquids. It’s not a good idea to pack liquids or foods because these items can attract pests or cause a mess. If you decide to bring food from the pantry, it should be unopened and preferably in sealed cans or plastic containers. Open bottles and liquids can be problematic if they break or spill because the contents can damage other items in the truck.
The best solution is to use as many of these items in the weeks before your move, then discard any partially-used bottles or boxes. You can run to the grocery store after unpacking at the new house to stock the fridge with all your essentials.
Tip #6: Immediate Use Items
As you are packing, consider the things you are going to need on the first day. Load a suitcase as an overnight bag, and put that suitcase in the trunk of your car so it doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. This suitcase should have pajamas, a few changes of clothing, medications, toiletries, and anything else that is needed the first night.
It can also be helpful to have a first-day box that is clearly labeled, with a few standard items that might be needed: sheets, towels, toilet paper, paper plates, and utensils, etc.
Tip #7: Arrangements for Kids and Pets
Not only is it inconvenient to have kids and small animals underfoot, but it can be dangerous for everyone in the house. On moving day, it is best to arrange help so the kids and pets aren’t around when the movers arrive. Talk to friends or family to coordinate babysitting or pet sitting as needed.
Tip #8: Choose a Reputable Moving Company
When you are packing your entire life in a moving truck, the most important decision you can make is hiring a moving company you can trust. Not only should you choose a team with a solid reputation, but ask about insurance coverage and licensing.
There’s a big difference in the quality of services from a professional moving company compared to hiring a few random people who call themselves “movers.” Make sure you choose a company with an established reputation so you can be rest assure that everything will go as planned.
Need More Long Distance Moving Tips?
The long distance moving tips we’ve just discussed will streamline your process and reduce the likelihood that important details are overlooked when it is time to load the truck. And if you need more long distance moving advice, just call us at (404) 753-6683 or Book Now.
We offer a variety of moving services that can be personalized for your unique needs: long distance moves, labor only, packing and unpacking, small moves, residential moves, commercial moves, specialty moves, junk hauling and removal, senior moves, and more. Reach out now and get the support you need.