General Tips For Long-Distance Moving

Posted on: 15 February 2016

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When you are moving long-distance, it requires some extra steps as opposed to a short, local move. Planning early will help you organize the move and avoid some common mistakes that are often made. Keep the following tips in mind during a long-distance move.

Collect Moving Estimates

If you are aiming for a professional moving company to help with the log-distance move, which is highly recommended, get multiple estimates first. This allows you to better compare different moving companies and decide which one is a better fit for you. Avoid going with the first one you find just because they are close by or gave you the lowest quote. If you don't compare, you might not end up with the best moving company. When gathering estimates, make sure they are given after seeing your home. This provides the most accurate estimate so there are no surprises when you get the bill on moving day.

Keep Important Items On Your Person

Whether you are flying to your new home or driving across state lines, you need to keep the most important items with you. This can help with peace of mind and ensures you at least have the most urgent items with you when you get to your destination. While moving companies are great at keeping up with their schedule, they have no control over weather conditions or traffic. If you arrive a day before they do because a big accident on the road, you don't want to be without important documents or enough clothes to get through the night. Pack bags for all family members, including personal identification, clothing, health and first aid items, blankets, and pillows. Also make sure your pets have everything they need.

Protect Mattresses and Furniture

When you are keeping furniture in a moving truck for a long-distance move, there is a higher risk of pest infestation. It is often unavoidable, unless you protect your furniture. With mattresses, avoid cockroaches, bed mites, and bed bugs by covering them in mattress bags. These cover the top mattress and box spring completely, zipping up tightly. It will keep the mattresses dry, keep out bugs, and ensure no damage is done to them while being loaded onto the truck. You can also get large sheets of plastic that will cover other upholstery furniture to protect it further.

It is also a good idea to downsize as much as you can so you are bringing less items with you. The layout or size of your home might be much different, so bringing extra furniture only means you will need to sell or donate it when you arrive. It is best to bring only what is absolutely necessary, then purchase what you need after you move in. Contact local movers like those from Affordable Transfer Co Inc. for more information.