Top Do’s and Don’ts of Long-Distance Moving

Ensure a smooth long-distance move with these top do’s and don’ts. Learn expert tips for planning, packing, and avoiding common relocation mistakes.

A long-distance move is all you can imagine it is—stressful, expensive, and sometimes frustrating.

While it’s exciting to start fresh in a new place, the logistics of packing up all you own and shipping it miles away can be downright chaotic. 

From forgotten boxes to last-minute panics, things can spiral out of control fast. That’s why having a solid set of dos and don’ts can make all the difference.

So, how about having a handy guiding companion to ensure that your long-distance move is not just smooth but downright seamless?

It doesn’t matter if you are moving just across state lines or to the other side of the country, these practical long distance moving tips will help you avoid unnecessary stress, save time, and (believe it) even cut costs. 

Let’s dive straight into it.

The Do’s of Long-Distance Moving

There are a few steps or actions you can take to ease the moving process. 

By following them, you not only avoid pitfalls but also have a sense of control over the entire move, saving you a lot of headaches and physical and mental fatigue.

Some of the Do’s of long-distance moving include:

1. Start early and plan strategically

There’s no better formula for how to plan a long distance move than starting early.

Map out every step of your move, from creating a checklist to scheduling movers well in advance. The truth is some long-distance moving companies often have limited trucks available for such moves. 

So, if you want to reserve a preferred date before they get booked, you must get started early to avoid the last-minute frenzy.

2. Declutter before packing

Long-distance moves charge by weight or space, so don’t pay to haul things you don’t need. 

One invaluable long-distance moving tip is to declutter your home weeks before the move. You can donate, sell, or recycle items you haven’t used in the last year. 

Fewer items mean less weight and lower costs. Not to forget, it makes it easier to load the truck, unload, and unpack in your new space.

3. Pack methodically and label boxes clearly

Another way to ease things for yourself and your long distance movers is to pack methodically. This simply means packing up your belongings room by room.

It does not imply that you should try to fit everything in one box—far from it. Instead, you can pack the items in one room in as many boxes as needed, but ensure you label them clearly.

Labeling is more than just slapping a tag on a box. It needs to be organized yet detailed. Include the contents of each box and the room to which it belongs. For example, “Kitchen—Cutlery and Knives.“

Note:

You can use color-coded stickers to make identification even easier for movers.

4. Pack an essentials box

Imagine arriving at your new home and digging through 20 boxes just to find your toothbrush. 

The nightmare!

You can avoid this by packing an essentials bag with toiletries, chargers, medications, a change of clothes, and important documents like IDs. 

Keep it with you during the move rather than pack it with the rest of your things.

5. Hire a reputable moving company

Doing your bit is but only one part of the boxes you need to check for a smooth relocation. The moving company you hire can either make or mar your move. 

In some cases, the moving company is responsible for most of the frustrating moments in a move.

You should do your research on any potential company you want to use. Read reviews and get quotes from multiple long-distance moving companies. 

The best way to move long distances is to work with a company with all the right certifications. 

A license with the Department of Transportation (DOT) ensures reliability. It's as important as registration with any local transporters’ association in your local community.

6. Take inventory

Here's a quick fact: long-distance moves usually stretch thousands of miles.

…and the drivers take mandatory rest breaks during such moves, which often presents plenty of opportunities for your belongings to be tampered with.

It’s best to keep an inventory of what you load up in the moving truck, especially your valuables. 

Take photos of high-ticket items to document their condition before the move. You will need this inventory when you file an insurance claim for damage or loss.

7. Notify utilities and services in advance

Contact your utility providers to schedule service cancellations at your old place and start dates for your new home. 

Also, forward your mail through USPS. 

You may as well want to notify banks, schools, and other important contacts about your address change.

The Don’ts of Long-Distance Moving

As much as there are so many do’s to sort out from the long distance moving tips, some don’ts balance it out for a seamless move.

Some of the don’ts of long-distance moving include.

8. Don’t leave packing until moving day

Top of the don’ts, long distance moving tips, is never to leave your packing until moving day.

Rushing to pack on the day of your move is a surefire way to lose or damage items. You could also forget to pack some items or do a shoddy job of it when you wait until D-day. 

Complete packing at least 24-48 hours before the movers arrive, leaving only the essentials for the final day.

9. Don’t overpack boxes

Yes, it’s tempting to cram everything into fewer boxes, but heavy boxes are a recipe for disaster. 

They are harder to lift and more likely to break — quite an easy way to result in injuries. 

For safety and durability, stick to a weight limit of 50 pounds per box. 

Note:

The weight limitation also applies to your moving truck. Usually, the maximum weight limit varies depending on the type.

10. Don’t forget to check regulations

Every state has its moving regulations, particularly for transporting plants, pets, or certain household items. 

Research the rules to ensure compliance, especially if crossing state lines.

Similarly, ensure you or your movers have any necessary transportation permits, such as overweight permits, which some states may want to see.

11. Don’t overlook getting insurance

Assuming your belongings are fully insured by your moving company is a common mistake and definitely not on the list of tips of how to move long distance smoothly. 

Most moving companies provide basic coverage that’s based on the weight of your belongings, not their value. 

Consider purchasing additional insurance for high-value items for better coverage in case of damage or loss.

12. Don’t forget to budget for the unexpected

Moving long distances often comes with hidden costs that you did not foresee ahead of time. 

Toll fees, storage fees, or last-minute purchases are often unexpected expenses.

Build a contingency fund into your budget to cover surprises or these charges without stress.

13. Don’t forget about the weather

Don’t skip the weather news report for your move day for your current location and destination. 

You don’t want to leave a sunny city for a different state and get caught in a rainstorm. 

So, advisably, make adequate preparations for such incidents, including storage options.

Bottom Line — A Smooth Relocation

Moving can quickly turn chaotic, and with a long-distance move, the flip is even faster!

But by keeping these long distance moving tips of do’s and don’ts front and center, you set yourself up for a relocation that is as smooth as it is exciting. 

The road ahead may be long, but with the right plan, you will be settling into your new home quickly and without hiccups.

Good luck!

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