Moving can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be very complicated, stressful and expensive if you don’t know what you’re doing and are not adequately prepared. Whether you’re moving to the next block are or planning a cross country move, it’s all about preparation. Here are some tips on how to prepare for long distance moves.
Set up a Moving Budget
When you move long distance, chances are you’ll hire a moving company and you’ll be paying a certain fee that’s generally based on miles and/or per pound. Your fee can also be affected by the number of movers and trucks that are required to move your things to their new location.
It’s important to set up a moving budget so you know how much you can afford to pay a mover. You can generally expect to pay from $70 to $120 per hour if you need one truck and two men. Keeping these figures in mind, set up a budget and look for areas you can cut back to save money.
Plan Your Move
If you hire professional movers for your cross country move, they’ll take care of the bulk of your personal belongings. However, you’ll still need to take care of certain things and get yourself to your new location. Keep in mind that you’ll be paying for fuel, hotel bills, packing materials, etc. Plan ahead where and what you’ll eat on the trip, where you’ll stay and how much fuel you can expect to buy.
You don’t want to run out of funds half-way through a cross country move. The further ahead you can plan your move, the more efficient and cost effective the move will be. Don’t be afraid to make reservations if need be.
What to Take and What to Leave Behind
When you’re moving, one of the biggest dilemmas is what to take with you and what to get rid of or leave behind. This is the ideal time to determine what you really need and want to keep. You don’t want to pay to move things that you no longer need or want. Go with the 1-year rule. This means if you haven’t used it in the past year, it may be beneficial to get rid of it. It’s often said that we seldom realize how much we actually have until we have to pack it up and move it all. Moving can be the perfect time to de-clutter your home.
Research Moving Companies
If you’ve decided to hire a professional moving company, don’t jump at the first company you find or even the cheapest. Do some research and compare companies and rates. You can also get helpful information on movers from the American Moving and Storage Association. Consider these factors when choosing a moving company.
- Cost (price per pound and per mile)
- Reputation
- Customer service
- License
