Packing Your Home for a Long Distance Move: Essential Tips and Tricks

A long-distance household relocation is trickier than a local move and requires additional planning and discipline. But, whether you are moving across the city or the country, following these tips and tricks can help with a successful move.

1. Develop a Plan and Avoid Procrastinating

One of the easiest ways to fall behind in your long-distance move is by assuming you have plenty of time to complete everything. The packing process is involved and will require more time and energy than you might anticipate.

There’s more to packing than just that, so getting a head start is key. If you get an early start, you’ll have plenty of time to pack carefully without rushing or forgetting anything. This time can vanish quickly, so stay focused and don’t procrastinate!

Pro Tip: Take it one room at a time, beginning with the spaces and items you rarely use.

2. Gather Moving Supplies Ahead of Time

The easiest way to find moving success is by preparing your moving supplies ahead of time. You want to avoid being in the rhythm of packing and running out of boxes, tape, or packing paper. Always opt for more moving supplies than you need to avoid this problem.

Ideal supplies for a long-distance move include

• Packing Tape
• Boxes (Multiple Sizes)
• Specialty boxes and crates for TVs, artwork, etc.
• Moving Blankets
• Scissors
• Furniture Pads
• Bubble and shrink wrap
• Thick permanent markers
• Labels
• Packing paper
• Ziplock Bags

3. Lighten Your Load

Before you start packing for your move:

• Take advantage of the opportunity to purge unwanted items by separating them into boxes.
• Create separate cartons for things you are keeping, donating, and discarding.
• Discard any broken or damaged items, as you don’t want to bring broken items to your new home.

4. Disassemble Larger Items

Taking the time to disassemble your furniture before moving it can help you save time and space in the moving truck. You should take your time moving these items because they are heavy, cumbersome, and awkward. To prevent damage to the surface, use moving pads and blankets.

Pro Tip: Keep ziplock bags on hand to hold all loose nuts and bolts you may acquire while downsizing your possessions.

5. Take Your Time and Label Clearly

A long-distance move has its challenges that are intrinsic to the process. For example, packing and loading your stuff is one thing, but finding them when you arrive at your destination is an entirely different proposition.

That’s why when loading and packing your possessions, you should take the time to label all boxes clearly. In doing so, you’ll have an easier time unloading once you arrive at your new home.

Long-Distance Moving Help

Preparing for a big move is the first step toward knocking it out of the park. So take time to assess the tips and tricks outlined above. Then, contact our team for a quote on your big move!