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Tips For Long-Distance Moving
If you’re planning a long-distance move and aren’t sure where to start, then you’ve come to the right place. Atlas Van Lines has been in business for over 55 years, which means we know a thing or two about moving. As long-distance moving specialists, we are here to share our expertise and resources to ensure your move goes off without a hitch. Without further ado, check out a list of top tips for long-distance moving below.
1. Schedule your move during the off-season
Many people plan to move during the summer, and because of this, the summertime is one of the most expensive times to move. If you want to move on a budget, consider moving during the off-season or on a weekday in the middle of the month.
2. Make an inventory list
As you start packing boxes, it can be easy to forget what you’ve already packed. For this reason, before you start packing, we suggested making an inventory of your belongings. Once you’ve packed an item, check it off the list. When you make an inventory list, you’ll always have something to refer back to when you unpack in your new home to ensure everything made it safe and sound.
3. Plan where items will go in your new house
Before moving, visualize your new home and think long and hard about where you’d like each item to go. This is a great way to ensure you only pack what you need. For example, if you’re downsizing, then chances are all of your existing furniture won’t fit in your new home. If this is the case, don’t bother bringing it with you. The more items you pack (especially bulky or heavy items like furniture), the more expensive your move will be. So compare the square footage and floor plan of your current home to your new home and plan out where each item will go. If you don’t have room for a certain item, make a plan to donate, recycle, or discard it.
4. Declutter, declutter, declutter
There’s nothing quite like a move to make you realize what you don’t need. Moving forces you to go through your belongings, which will likely make you realize just how much stuff you don’t use. Take this opportunity to declutter. Make piles of items to donate, recycle, or discard so you avoid packing them “just in case.” For example, if you’ve never touched a certain old kitchen appliance, have books or magazines on your shelf that you know you’ll never read again, or clothes you haven’t worn in over a year, it’s likely a sign to say goodbye.
5. Separate valuable items you want to keep with you
As you begin to pack, be sure to separate valuable items that you want to keep with you. Depending on the value of the item, you might get stressed at the thought of it being thrown into a box with a bunch of other items. For example, you may wish to pack jewellery, money, or items with high sentimental value in a separate box that you take with you in the car or plane on moving day.
6. Pack a box of items you will need upon arrival
Some items are more important than others, especially on the day of arrival. Think about what you want to have easy access to on day one, like towels, bedding, toilet paper, a few pots and pans, and a couple of sets of dishware. In essence, the items you need to eat and sleep on that first night in your new home. Pack a box with these items and label it clearly.
7. Organize and label boxes as you pack
While it might be tempting to throw belongings into boxes haphazardly, this will only make your job harder on the other end. For this reason, we recommend packing your boxes by room. For example, the beginning, toys, and decor in your child’s room should all go in their own boxes. Similarly, kitchenware should also be in its own series of boxes. If you want to get fancy, you can create an inventory list and assign each box a corresponding number. Speaking of which, remember to label your boxes. It won’t matter how organized the inside of your boxes are if they aren’t labelled correctly. Make it easy on yourself and your movers by clearly labelling the contents or corresponding room of each box.
8. Buy moving coverage
Moving coverage is important, whether you opt for moving insurance or content protection coverage. Moving insurance provides peace of mind knowing that if something goes wrong, you will be financially protected. Moving insurance can be purchased directly from an insurance company. However, most moving companies also offer their own coverage plans. For example, Atlas Van Lines has two types of content protection coverage available to customers: full value protection and minimal protection. Full value protection is strongly recommended to protect your household goods. With this valuation option, Atlas Van Lines would repair any lost, damaged, or destroyed items or replace them with items of like kind and quality, or offer you a cash settlement for the market value of the items. In contrast, minimal protection allows you to file a claim for a lost or damaged item. Claims are based on the item’s weight multiplied by 60 cents per pound.
9. Hire experienced long-distance movers you can trust
Our final tip for long-distance moving? Hire movers you can trust. Reputable movers have years of experience in the industry and offer top-notch customer service from start to finish. To ensure you choose a trusted moving company, compare quotes, read customer reviews, interview prospective candidates, and then choose the mover that best fits your budget and needs.
Contact Atlas Van Lines for a free quote on your upcoming long-distance move
We hope this list of long-distance moving tips will help with your upcoming move. In the meantime, if you still have questions, don’t hesitate to contact Atlas Van Lines today. One of our customer service representatives will be pleased to assist you. We can also provide you with a free quote on your upcoming long-distance move. No matter where you’re moving to or from, or whether you’re planning a residential or commercial move, the Atlas Van Lines team is here to help. Contact us today to get started.
FAQs
How far ahead of time should you plan your long-distance move?
Long-distance moves should ideally be planned no less than two months (eight weeks) in advance.
What is the first thing to pack when moving?
Out-of-season items or items that are in your home for aesthetic rather than functional purposes can be packed first. Essentially, any items that you won’t need to use between the day of packing and your moving day can be packed first.
What makes a good long-distance moving company?
A good long-distance moving company is one that is experienced, professional, reputable, flexible, and secure. For example, Atlas Van Lines prides itself on its customer service. We have earned the reputation as the go-to long-distance moving company in Canada, and we don’t take that responsibility lightly. How have we earned that reputation, you might be wondering? It all comes down to our standard of service. First, all of our movers and van operators are both experienced and professional. They will safely and carefully load all belongings into the moving truck, using protective blankets, quilted moving pads, clear plastic, and furniture pads to safeguard your items. Further, to protect your current and future home, runners will be put down to protect the floors. The Atlas Van Lines crew will also assemble and reassemble all necessary items, such as bed frames, quickly and efficiently. Beyond our high level of experience and professionalism, we understand that flexibility is a key part of any long-distance move. After all, a lot can happen when transporting items from point A to point B. We make a concerted effort to accommodate your schedule at all times. Finally, as a full-service moving company, we not only offer long-distance moving but also secure storage solutions. We have moving containers of all sizes for you to transport and temporarily store your items in, should you wish to do so. Ultimately, a good long-distance moving company is one that meets the criteria above.
What should you not pack in a long-distance move?
Items that you should not pack for a long-distance move include anything alive, such as houseplants, perishable food that is likely to spoil in transit, and of course, hazardous or flammable materials, such as paint, aerosols, pesticides, gasoline, and more. As an extra precaution, we also recommend packing valuables, like money or jewellery, separately and travelling with them on the day of the move.