Moving house is always a bit of a challenge, but if you’re only moving across town or to another part of your neighborhood, it’s much easier than relocating to another state or even a foreign country. While these bigger moves might be more exciting and a better chance for a fresh start, if you are feeling a bit apprehensive about the extra work that will go into it, here are some suggestions to help you make your long-distance move a bit easier.
Thin Out Your Belongings
Moving to a new house is the perfect opportunity to get rid of clutter, but if you are traveling a long distance to your new house, this is an even more important step. The less you have to take with you, the easier the move will be. You won’t have to worry about organizing transportation to hold boxes upon boxes, and it will make getting everything into your new house a quicker process, which you will appreciate after a long journey. Of course, take the items you want to keep, but also see this move as a fresh start, so why not treat yourself to some new pieces for your new house when you get there?
Arrange to Ship Your Belongings in Advance
It’s always smart to get in touch with a moving company sooner rather than later to make sure you can get help on the day of your move, but when you are traveling far to your new home, it’s even more important to have this organized as soon as possible. You can use websites to connect you with shipping companies and compare rates, so take the time to do your research. If you are planning to take a pet with you to your new home but can’t travel with them for whatever reason, look up companies that offer dog transport or other transport for pets to make sure your animal companion is taken care of and safe on the road.
Plan Your Route
If you are driving to your new home, take the time to plan your route out carefully. You’ll need to time it right if you’re using a shipping company to transport the majority of your belongings to your new home, as you don’t want them to arrive before you do. You’ll also need to factor in enough rest stops so that you don’t get tired on the road, including overnight stays if it’s going to take longer than a day to get to your destination. Book motels/hotels in advance so that you’re not disappointed and have a comfortable place to sleep. You should also try to take notice of gas stations along the way in case you need to refuel your car.
Connect to Your New Neighbors
The move itself isn’t always the hardest part: settling down in a new location can be tough at times as well. Consider using social media to join groups in your new area and see if you can connect with anyone before you move. Perhaps there is a local club that you can join to meet some people who have shared interests? Connecting with people before you arrive or seeing what the local area has to offer can help you feel more settled in your new home.
If you are moving long-distance this year, use these tips to help you make the experience a little bit easier for yourself and get settled quicker.
