We are a nomadic society. That’s one reason why 40 million people moved annually over the last five years. If you’re considering a relocation of several hundred or thousand miles, here are six ways to make it a breeze.
Make An Inventory List
Once you’ve pared down the items you want to move, the next step is to design an inventory list. Create a separate one for each room to help you know what goes where when you reach your destination.
Another reason to create an inventory list is for security purposes. What goes inside the moving truck should be the same that comes out. If items are missing, then you have written proof of their existence. Moreover, an inventory list helps track any items damaged in the move that need replacement.
Transport Your Car
If you decide to pack everything from your existing home to add to your new residence, you are most likely going to need a rental moving truck, which then leaves your main vehicle. You can look up car moving companies like National Transport Services for this solution. This is an efficient way to get your vehicle from one place to another. The estimated relocation costs of moving your car are based on distance and whether you choose open-air or enclosed transport.
Pack the Boxes with Distance in Mind
A long-distance relocation requires you to pack your storage containers a certain way. They need to be ready for a drive of several hours or days across sometimes rough terrains. In light of this, they should be as sturdy as possible.
Pack heavy items first to cover the box’s bottom. These items should comprise a quarter to half of the storage space. Fill the rest of the container with lighter items to even the weight and cushion heavier inventory. Under these circumstances, the container retains a sturdiness that prevents it from sliding over the moving vehicle’s floor.
Wrap Fragile Items
Don’t consider fragile items like dishes and glassware as heavy materials. If you pack them at the bottom of the box, they’re bound to be damaged during the move. Instead, carefully wrap your fragile items for shipment.
Use bubble cushioning to wrap the most fragile items because although it’s more expensive than paper, it’s considered durable packaging for long-distance moves. If possible, place these items in air-tight plastic containers instead of boxes.
Label Everything
Packing labels and permanent, waterproof markers are your friends during a move. Use them to put your name and address on all containers. Additionally, Place labels on boxes that contain fragile items.
Tagging goes beyond the storage container. Use labels to describe items packed in bubble wrap or paper. When you reach the new residence, the descriptions tell you precisely where an item goes in the room.
Pack Items to Keep with You
Not everything goes into the truck for a long-distance move. You need clothing, food, and medicine to tie you over during the trip. Hence, you want to prioritize those items ahead of time.
Include several changes of clothes, food, and over-the-counter and prescription medicines necessary for your daily routines. Pack these in luggage or containers that you keep nearby. Taking these precautions prevents you from frantically searching moving boxes for these items once you arrive at your new residence.
Closing Thoughts
In the end, the best way to make your long-distance move a breeze is not to panic. Maintain a positive attitude as you and your family go through the packing process. You’ll realize how much can be donated or sold, thus lowering the volume of material to pack. Before you know it, everything will be ready for the next chapter in your life.