Long Distance Move Checklist

Moving any distance requires thorough planning in order to make sure all your belongings get from point A to point B. In addition, you want to make sure your new place is ready for you and that you can resume life as quickly as possible after the move. Long distance moves often require more planning than shorter ones since you have an entirely new community to master.

Here, we’ll give you a quick checklist to follow when moving long distance. This will be divided into two parts: prior to the move, and after the move.

Prior to the Move

You’ll have a lot to accomplish before you actually pack up the truck and move, so preparation should begin at least a few months in advance. To begin:

• Find and choose a reputable moving company and choose a day and time to move.
• Decide how you will get to your new home on moving day. If you will fly to your final destination, check airfares early to get the best prices.
• Find a vehicle transportation service to move cars, motorcycles or recreational vehicles that you will not drive to your new home.
• Donate or discard any unwanted or unused items.
• Measure your furniture and other large belongings to be sure they will fit through your doors.
• Acquire packing supplies, including sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, newspaper, etc.
• Begin packing early, as much as a few months in advance.
• Pack vital documents, such as birth certificates and passports, in a place where they’ll be accessible to you during the move.
• Back up your computer and important documents.
• Submit a change of address form to your post office. Give your bank, credit card company, insurance company and others your new address.
• Contact utility companies at your new location to arrange electricity, gas, and water services. Arrange to turn off utilities in your old location on moving day or the day after.
• Use up all perishable food items prior to moving day.
• Verify whether there are any move-in policies or parking permissions you need to be aware of at your new place.
• Confirm plans with your moving company a few days before moving day.

Once you’ve gotten through all these steps, you’ll be ready to load up and head out!

After the Move

Once you arrive, besides unpacking and getting settled in your new home, you’ll have a few other things to do as well:

• If you have moved to a different state, retitle and register your vehicles.
• If you reside in a new state you will need to apply for that state’s driver’s license or ID card. If you are in the same state, contact the appropriate government agency to get a license or ID card with your new address.
• Find important services you will need such as banking, health care, dry cleaning, etc.
• Thank your movers, real estate agent, and others involved in the moving process.
• Explore your neighborhood and getting to know your neighbors.
• Register to vote in your new town.

For more assistance with long distance moves, contact IMS Relocation today.