Long distance moving often includes a lot of preparation, whether you’re going across the state or cross country. It’s important to plan ahead before a long-distance journey, but how far in advance should you start? And what does the planning process even look like? Here’s everything you’ll need to stay on track for your next long haul move.
How Far in Advance Should You Plan a Long-Distance Move?
Every moving timeline will look different, but planning a long-distance move often requires a lot of extra organization. Try to create your moving plan in advance-- at least three to four months (about 12 weeks) -- to ensure you have both the supplies and transportation needed. A solid timeline also helps to alleviate stress in the long term.
Here are some questions that can help determine the timeline of your move. Depending on how you answer may impact your moving timeline:
- How many people are moving?
- Moving by yourself may mean more physical labor, but less time for packing and moving.
- What do you actually want to bring with you?
- Consider leaving behind large, old, and damaged furniture behind. Only bring along must-haves for long-distance moves.
- Do you want to fly or drive?
- Does the cost of driving (gas, tolls, hotels) equal or exceed the cost of flying (flights, luggage, shipping items)?
- When should you start packing my items?
- The more stuff you have, the more time you’ll need to pack. This is why decluttering is so important!
- Will you move in right away or is there a gap between move-out and move-in?
- If you can’t move into your new home right away, you’ll need a safe space to store your belongings in the meantime.
How Many People Are Moving?
The number of people moving can help determine the mode of transportation for your future move, as well as how much time it’ll take for you to complete your move. Moving alone means that you have more flexibility and resources at your disposal.
However, if you have a larger family, options are a little more limited. For example, a family of 5 you won’t all fit in the cab of a moving truck. In this case, it may be easier to drive separately or fly and have your belongings shipped to your new home.
When and How to Pack Your House for Moving
Start sorting your belongings as soon as possible, dividing them into “keep,” “sell,” and “give away.” Consider what will be most important to you in your new location, especially if there is a climate difference in your new city.
You may decide to buy some things when you arrive instead of moving them depending on the cost of the move or if you have limited space. These include common items like:
- Kitchen appliances – refrigerators, microwaves, etc.
- Books
- Large furniture that has wear and tear
- Outdoor furniture/toys and décor
Remember to think about the past square footage of your living space and your future square footage - is there a substantial difference that may influence how much you (need to) get rid of?
It's also important to make sure you take extra care while packing so that your items aren't damaged during the trip.Find the right boxes near youto help with your organizing and packing -- you can also purchase moving supplies that provide additional cushioning and padding.
With U-Box portable moving and storage containers, you have an extra layer of packing flexibility that allows you to go at your own pace. Need a week or two to pack it all? Order your containers and store them in your driveway or parking spot. Pick up can always be scheduled on your schedule.
Hiring Long Distance Movers
A traditional full-service move with a long-distance moving company can be a costly and less flexible choice. With a U-Box container, you have the option of adding Moving Help for loading and unloading your belongings; movers near you do all the heavy lifting for you in each separate location. This allows for variations in schedule and possible storage time you may need.
Deciding How to Travel
Choosing how you’ll travel to your new home can dictate how many extra days you’ll tack onto your move. Traveling by plane can cut your moving time significantly, especially for cross-country moves. If you do decide to travel by plane, you will have to ship your items before departure.
AU-Box containershipped to your new home is a helpful solution for keeping all the contents of your entire household together and safe. Recommendations are given on the number of containers based on square footage/rooms to ensure you have the right amount of space for your items.
Flexible Moving Dates
If there are gaps between move out and move-in dates, or if you’re unsure of your future address/permanent living situation, you may not know what to do with your things.
A helpful feature of a U-Box container is that it can be held in one of U-Haul's storage centers until you need it, you can access it any time or even schedule a date for delivery to your new home.
How Much Does a Long-Distance Move Cost?
As you’ve probably noticed by now, there are many cost factors for a long-distance move, including distance, amount of items, and the number of people moving.
When you use U-Box containers for your move, the cost is based on how many containers you need and delivery location. If you choose to store your containers, there may be a different cost. Regardless of delivery or storage method, you can reserve at no charge and lock your rates immediately.
