Tips for Preparing for Your Out-of-State Move

The number one moving tip for all those who like to wait until the last-minute is don’t! Moving out-of-state is a lot more complicated and detailed than moving locally. You cannot get the job done efficiently if you try to pull it all together the month before you move. Here are some tips for keeping your move on track:

Research and Plan

• Know the delivery window – Depending on the service you hire and the distance you are moving, your moving truck will likely carry other people’s belongings too. Because of this, there may be unforeseen delays in the delivery schedule. Some deliveries can be up to 20 days after you arrive. At a minimum, expect delivery of your items to take a week. Some moving companies will promise a tighter window for a fee. 
• Know the terrain – You will have to know the surrounding area and be able to inform your movers of any challenges they may encounter. For example, you may have to pay extra for a “shuttle service” from the tractor-trailer to your new home if you are moving to a mountainous region, a farmland area, or any place with narrow streets and poor conditions for a large vehicle. 
• Know the building rules and regulations – If moving into or out of an apartment or condo, you need to know the window frame during which service elevators operate, where vehicles can load and unload, and the hours during which you may move. Contact the building management office regarding any of these points. Every building is different, so if you are moving from an apartment or condo to another building, don’t assume the rules will be the same. 
• Plan for problems – You can’t plan for everything, but you can plan for obvious problems that may arise. This will alleviate stress on everyone involved. 
• Share contact info – Be sure your mover has all your contact information – let them know how to reach you in case anything happens. 
• Inspect outdoor furniture or supplies for pests – If you are bringing your patio furniture and other items that have been outdoors or stored in an unfinished basement, garage or shed, then inspect them for insects, eggs or larvae. There are regulations relating to carrying furniture from state-to-state, due to the possibility of transporting.

Sort and Purge

• Downsize – Moving is a great time to declutter your life. Dispose of broken and useless items that you have accumulated. Give away or sell items you have not used in the past year or more.  
• Keep the essentials handy – Put aside items that you want to keep up to moving day and about 3 weeks beyond. Sometimes moving services get held up for a while and moving day doesn’t work out according to the original timeline, so be sure you have everything you would need or want handy. You will need to transport these things with you, so keep it light. You don’t need your entire library with you. 
• Locate important documents – Be sure you include important documents with the above items. This includes anything you may need to prove your identity or your financial situation (i.e. driver’s license, insurance ID cards, vehicle registration, passport, bank statements, insurance documents, home ownership documents, etc.)

Pack Smart

• Pack a “First Day” box or boxes – This box will help you and the rest of the family when you get to your new home. You will be tired, so pack items that will make it a lot easier for you to rest your first day. Some ideas of items to include are pajamas, blankets, sheets, toys, snacks, movie or books, games, and a change of clothes. Also, don’t forget your pet or pets, food and water bowls, food, treats and toys. This way you don’t have to buy new things when you get there or dig through piles of boxes to find what you need. 
• Pack fragile items very securely – This is not time to save on packing material; better to have too much than too little. The boxes must be strong, sturdy, and able to take a beating. Pad all sides and fill empty areas with crumpled paper, packing peanuts or foam. Tape the boxes very well and label breakables clearly on all sides with “FRAGILE.” 
• Pack mattresses in a box – If you are bringing your mattresses, pack them in sturdy boxes. This step will prevent them from getting bent out of shape. 
• Organize everything – Organize your belongings in the way that makes the most sense to you: by room, by person or by type. You’ll thank yourself for taking this measure as you go to unpack. 
• Label exhaustively – Label ALL boxes with your name, new address, and contact information. In case one of your boxes gets delivered to someone else, they will have your information to let you know. Or if something is damaged, your movers will be able to contact you immediately. 
• Do NOT pack food or liquids – Don’t even pack dry or canned food. On a long-distance journey there is no way all your boxes will be handled with care. They will be tossed, dropped, maybe crushed and possibly end up upside down. For these reasons, it’s best to not have cans, jars, or food of any type in them. If you pack dry food, it could attract vermin, which could infest all your belongings and those of other people. Use up or give away all your food stuffs before moving and then have a delivery planned to arrive at your new home, either from an online store or a local grocery store.

Cheap Movers Orlando can provide you with free quotes from moving companies that will help you navigate your interstate or cross–country move. Contact us today to get much needed help from fully vetted, insured and licensed moving services.