That’s where move financing can help. If you’re wondering how to finance a long-distance move, there are several practical solutions available. Whether you’re relocating for a new job, better quality of life, or to be closer to family, understanding your financing options for relocation can make your transition smoother and more affordable.

The True Cost of Moving

According to industry data, the average long-distance move in the U.S. costs between $6,000 and $10,000, depending on distance, home size and services needed. In addition to moving company fees, there are often hidden or overlooked costs, such as:

For those making a cross-country move, these expenses can climb into the five-figure range. Exploring the best way to pay for a cross-country move can help ease the financial burden, making financing a smart solution for bridging the gap.

Learn more about moving costs.

Move Financing Options

There are several ways to finance a move, each with its own pros and cons:

Move Financing Made Easy with Suddath

One standout option to explore is Suddath’s move financing program. This program is designed specifically for people relocating and in need of budget-friendly payment options.

Key Benefits:

Whether you’re moving across the street or across the country, Suddath helps remove the financial stress so you can focus on settling into your new home.

Learn more about Suddath’s financing options here >>

*Loans are available through Suddath’s third-party licensed lending partner, HouseAmp. All loans are subject to approval based on each lender’s underwriting criteria. Finance charges and interest rates are subject to the terms set by each lender and may vary. For approved borrowers, settlement-related fees are deducted from the line of credit. Borrowers should review their loan agreement for specific details.

The post How to Finance a Long-Distance Move appeared first on Suddath.

Moving Regulations Vary by State

Different regulations can apply based upon the state you’re relocating to. So, you can’t just collect information about Texas regulations if you’re moving out of state. As a quick overview:

• Some states manage every aspect of how moving companies conduct business, including pricing.
• Others may just have regulations about how to be in compliance and allow movers to charge the rates they would like: These states may restrict:
  • how fluctuations in pricing may occur
  • how/when to collect on those charges

If moving within Texas, here’s information about moving rights from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, including rights and responsibilities. If you’re moving to another state, state-specific guidelines are easily accessible online, and you should have no scarcity of resources to look through. To help, here are the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations and Enforcement of Interstate Moves.

Regulated states have a tariff that sets the guidelines and rules for how movers need to quote, perform, and charge for a move. If a line item is being presented as part of the price or isn’t a tariff item, it may be illegal for that mover to charge for it. Some states allow for bound and non-bound estimates or variations of that like a not to exceed price. These are all based upon the statement of work (SOW) that a moving company puts together.

So, pay close attention to how the SOW is prepared and what information was gathered and used to calculate the price. If something was left off (intentionally or unintentionally), a consumer may still be on the hook for the cost increase if they want that service performed or item moved.

Also watch (and don’t fall for) the “minimum price.” Every mover has a minimum price or time increment they charge for even if it is a one-hour minimum. This doesn’t mean any small move is a minimum price. Other things need to be considered, too, like travel time or trip charges, when the clock starts and stops, and so forth. Ninety percent of local moves do not meet a minimum or less and will have more cost.

If a mover shows up ready to perform just the minimum, with the minimum amount of labor and materials, then they will not be able to provide you with a smooth experience or even be able to handle everything you have properly.

Commonly Heard Concern: Unclear Pricing and Vague Estimates

This can feel exceptionally frustrating. So, as you’re gathering quotes, ask for a detailed breakdown of all the costs involved. This should include labor, transportation, packing materials, valuation, and any additional services (more about those below). Make sure to ask if there are any potential hidden fees or charges that might not be included in the initial quote. This can help you to avoid surprises later on. At Suddath, we provide a granularly detailed breakdown in just this format with no hidden fees.

Clarify Optional Services

Paying for services that you don’t need can inflate your moving costs. Most long-distance moving companies in Dallas and elsewhere provide a myriad of services and allow you to choose which ones you need. So, ask your mover to provide a breakdown of pricing for each service. This allows you to determine what you’re willing to pay for and what’s most important. For example, you may not have time to pack and are willing to pay for this service. Or, if you aren’t in a rush, you may opt to select services such as disconnecting and reconnecting your appliances or decluttering before you move.

Prior to moving, whether you think you’re prepared or not, it’s important to have a conversation with at least one reputable mover, working with a relocation consultant to understand the pricing of long-distance moves in Dallas. Gain clarity over how pricing is based (weight or hourly), so that you can evaluate its costs and make comparisons with other moving companies.

An experienced and professional mover—like Suddath with more than a century of relocation experience—can tailor a solution based upon your needs, concerns, and budget. We offer packing, custom crating, and unique storage solutions based upon the needs of a move along with custom disassembly and reassembly of furniture and more.

Discuss Weight and Mileage

The weight of your household goods can significantly impact your quote for long-distance moves. So, ask how the weight of your belongings and the distance of your move affect the quote to understand the major factors influencing the cost. When you receive your quote, it should tell you what the estimated weight of your shipment is. Make sure to ask whether the price will change when they actually load and weigh your items. You shouldn’t have to pay for a poorly estimated weight of your household goods but, if the salesperson’s estimate is off, they may charge you the difference.

Fortunately, you have control over your total weight because reducing the weight of your household goods before getting a quote can lower your costs. Consider:

• Identifying and not moving items that won’t fit in your new home
• Recycling or tossing items with no discernible value
• Gifting unwanted items to friends or family
• Donating to charities, especially those that offer pickups
• Selling unneeded belongings to offset moving costs
• Have a plan for what you need, and order/ship new items directly to your new home

When you choose our long-distance movers in Dallas, we’ll gladly provide the information you need and answer all your questions.

Choose Your Move Date

Demand spikes in the summer across van lines, and moving is capacity-based like buying an airline ticket. So, if you need a summer move, book early. If you want to save money, seek a more cost-effective moving date that fits your schedule. Any flexibility you have can save you both money and frustration. For example, if you can, book your move on a weekday (Monday through Thursday) and/or during the offseason (October through April) to avoid peak demand and pricing. Here’s an added benefit when you move when there’s more availability: the possibility of getting the best crew available increases. At Suddath, your knowledgeable, dedicated move counselor can help with scheduling issues.

Understand Valuation Coverage

Understanding the difference between moving valuation coverage and insurance can be confusing. So, have your mover explain the differences to ensure that you know what kind of protection you’re getting for your belongings and make the decision that best fits your needs.

All moving companies have to provide basic coverage, known as “standard released value” at the amount of $.60/pound. That means that, if your shipment weight is estimated at ten thousand pounds, you will have coverage of $6,000 for all of your goods. That may be fine for you, but it can also feel insufficient if you have many high value pieces that could be damaged.

That same system also applies per item if cargo damage occurs and you file your claim: a piece weighing ten pounds gets covered at $6. If, though, you want that ten pound piece (or any other item) covered at full replacement cost or repair cost, then purchase the additional valuation to cover your goods.

The decision you make can depend upon how comfortable you are with the experience of the moving company and how transparent they are about how they hire, train, and perform their services. Please confirm, too, whether or not items in boxes are covered if you pack the boxes. Oftentimes they are not as packing quality, carton integrity, and contents of the box can’t be confirmed.

Get Everything in Writing

Ensure that’s the case with all agreements and all details to provide a clear reference and help to prevent misunderstandings. Any reputable moving company will be happy to do exactly that. Also, ask whatever questions you have. A moving company of quality will gladly explain their pricing and services to you in the amount of detail you require.

As a key takeaway, don’t let a moving company take advantage of you or fit you into a one-size-fits-all box (pun intended).

Request Your Personalized Quote for a Long-Distance Dallas Move

We hope that this post provides you with behind-the-scenes insights into how moving companies construct pricing and allows you to see how Suddath provides you with transparent pricing and options.

Then, when you’re ready to move long-distance, please reach out to our Dallas movers. We’re here to make your move as efficient, cost-effective, and stress-free as possible.

P.S. Suddath also offers financing options for your move. Just let us know if this is something you’re interested in learning more about.

The post How Much Do Long-Distance Dallas, TX Movers Cost? appeared first on Suddath.

Do: Take Advantage of Resources

This may be your first long distance move—or your first one in a while. Fortunately, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel thanks to experienced long distance movers offering helpful resources such as our Home Moving Checklist.

Do: Declutter

As soon as you know you’re moving, sort your possessions into categories, including what you will:

• Keep
• Sell
• Donate
• Toss

By throwing out what’s not usable and giving away what you don’t want to keep, this will help you to effectively downsize. Then, you can hold a rummage sale or otherwise sell relevant belongings. By following these steps, you’ve pared household items down to what you plan to take with you.

Do: Gather Packing Supplies

If you’ll do your own packing, get the necessary supplies together about six weeks before the relocation date. Supplies include:

• Boxes
• Packing tape and dispensers
• Labels
• Permanent markers
• Bubble wrap (or another form of packing material)
• Dolly

You can use towels and linens to pad boxes. To stay as efficient as possible, use kitchen towels to wrap dishes and bathroom towels to protect items that will go into the bathroom. Typically, you are able to purchase packing items from your moving company to make it easier.

Do: Pack Rarely Used Items Ahead of Time

From holiday decorations to off-season clothing, you’ll have belongings that you won’t need until in your new residence. So, about three weeks before your move, pack those items. They can include books you won’t read in the next month, photos, purely decorative items, puzzles, board games, and so forth.

Label those boxes with the rooms where they should go and then organize your packed boxes in a way that takes up the minimal amount of space required.

Do: Pack Room by Room

A couple of weeks before your move, pack everything that isn’t a necessity, room by room. In the kitchen, you may just keep a pot, a skillet, and a saucepan, packing your cooking sheets, broiler pans, and so forth.

Put those essentials in a box that you label with the room (kitchen) and the words “Open me first.” Use them during the last couple of weeks in your current home or apartment; then, right before moving day, close up that box.

Keep clothing in dresser drawers. Moving companies expect you to, and it’s quite convenient.

Just make sure you don’t make boxes too heavy – you don’t want boxes to break, or items in them to be crushed.

Do: Pack Bags to Take with You

You’ll take these smaller bags with you, and the bags may contain medications, toiletries, important documents, pet supplies, and favorite toys for your children. Anything that you’re going to need immediately, or for the first couple of weeks, pack in those bags. Even if you’re just moving locally, you want to make sure important items don’t get lost in boxes if you need them.

Do: Reach Out for Help

Ask friends and family members for help when you can use extra pairs of hands to pack or otherwise help with your move.

Don’t: Wait Too Long to Pack

It can be too easy to underestimate the amount of time it takes to pack belongings. Make sure you plan at least a month ahead of time to pack you can avoid the stress that comes with rushing. Plus, when you have a need for speed, you might forget to save time for packing belongings in an attic, garage, or storage unit.

This is especially likely if they contain items you don’t use often (which is typically the case). So, use our checklist to plan your timing—and, if need be, start a bit earlier than the typical timeline. That can help to eliminate stress related to packing, and also allow you time to do things like hold a garage sale or sell items on an online marketplace.

Don’t: Forget to Be Clear About What Needs to Be Moved

As you pack boxes, most of them may be going to your new place, but a couple of them might be headed to friends or family members who can use items you don’t need. Or a few could be going to a thrift store. No matter what your specific situation is, be ultra-clear with your cross country movers about what they will transport.

Don’t: Pack Perishables

Nobody wants to waste food. That said, much of it won’t necessarily transport well. Some won’t stay fresh while some jars can break. So, as part of your moving timeline, use up the food in your pantry, cupboards, and refrigerator, which can include having a get together with friends and family members who live nearby.

When moving day looms, you could donate boxes and cans of food to local pantries and, if there are foods you’d like to take with you, place them in a cooler and transport them in your own vehicle.

Don’t: Pack Hazardous Materials

Long distance moving companies won’t transport flammable or otherwise hazardous materials. You can ask your cross-country movers for specifics; the list will contain things like gasoline, lighter fluid, paint thinner, pool chemicals, ammunition, and so forth. Household cleaners also often contain materials that could trigger a fire or give off dangerous fumes—such as ones containing bleach or ammonia.

Dos and Don’ts When Comparing Long Distance Moving Companies

Although it’s important to select and hire cross country movers in a timely way, you don’t want to simply pick the first one you find. It’s important to have the right long-distance movers, ones that provide quality service at a reasonable price, ones that take excellent care of your belongings.

Sticking with the theme, if you want help with packing, make sure that the long-distance movers provide the level of service you want, packing services that fit within your budget.

Choose Suddath as Your Long Distance Movers

As trusted long distance movers for more than a century, we’re the experienced choice. As far as packing and unpacking services, we offer a range so you can pick what fits your needs and budget.

With full-service packing, we’ll take the work and stress off of your hands, using the best materials and techniques to quickly and carefully pack your belongings. We also offer partial services where you pick what to pack as well as offering pro tips for DIY packers.

Contact us today for your long distance movers quote.

The post Packing Tips: Dos and Don’ts for Long Distance Moves appeared first on Suddath.

Waiting Until the Last Minute

The most common mistake people make when facing a long-distance move is procrastinating. Time waits for no one, and neither does your scheduled move day. As soon as you know when you’re moving, it’s time to start contacting cross-country movers for quotes.

Going with a large, well-established moving company like Suddath increases the possibility that you’ll get the date you want. Plus, our partnership with Atlas Van Lines gives us access to a vast network of moving resources virtually every day of the year. Still, it’s always best to request desired dates as far in advance as possible.

Underestimating How Long It Will Take to Pack

Another common moving blunder is setting an unrealistic timeline for yourself. Theoretically, you could pack up an entire home in a few days to a week, depending on the size, but you probably won’t have time to pack all day every day.

Chances are good that you’ll have other responsibilities to attend to during the weeks leading up to your move. So, either spread out the process over several weeks or relax and take advantage of professional packing services offered by long-distance movers such as Suddath.

Partial or complete packing services are optional, of course, but in some cases, having the moving team box everything up is the best choice. If you plan to pack most of your items yourself, divide up the task over the weeks you have left and plan to get it done a few days before the moving truck arrives.

Allowing yourself sufficient time to pack will prevent unnecessary stress. Start by boxing up items you rarely use, and as moving day approaches, pack the rest of it up systematically, room by room. One of the benefits of beginning at least a month in advance is that you’ll have time to make decisions about what to take with you. Even if you decide to let the movers do the packing, it’s always a good idea to take advantage of the opportunity to downsize and declutter before a move.

Not Keeping Enough Items at Hand

Another mistake some people make when making a long-distance move is thinking that all they need to keep with them is their wallet, phone, keys, and enough changes of clothing for however many nights they may stay in a hotel. They assume everything else should go on the moving truck, when in reality, there are a few other things you might need before, during, and after the move. Be prepared for unexpected delays by packing a bit more than you think you’ll need in a bag or bags you’ll keep with you as you travel.

Since you may be living out of this bag for several days, calling it a carry-on bag might be more accurate than referring to it as an overnight bag. Packing this personal bag early on will prevent you from accidentally boxing things up that you wanted to keep with you during the move.

The contents of your “overnight” kit will be unique to you. Just be sure it includes items to keep you comfortable until you unpack, paperwork you may need during the move, and any small articles you’re worried about misplacing.

Each family member should have a bag of some sort, and kids’ backpacks can include comfort items such as special blankets and stuffed animals as well as toys or games to keep them busy. Here are some suggestions for what to pack in your own bag in addition to your purse/wallet, phone, and keys:

• Toiletries and medication
• A few changes of clothing
• Folder with moving paperwork
• Notepad and pen
• Important documents
• Valuables
• Laptop
• Phone and laptop chargers
• Pet items

By keeping these essentials with you, you’ll feel more comfortable and relaxed during that unknown length of time between packing and completely unpacking.

Not Having an Organized Plan

If you haven’t figured it out by now, the key to a smooth long-distance move is organization. Following a moving checklist and adapting it to fit your situation can help you break down the tasks leading up to the big move, such as purchasing boxes and packing supplies. Keep this to-do list with you in your moving folder or carry-on bag and do your best to closely adhere to a timeline so that moving day doesn’t creep up on you.

Resistance to Hiring Long-Distance Movers

Sometimes people get overconfident in their ability to move alone, or they assume that friends will be available to help. Even with a local move, there’s heavy furniture and the risk of moving injuries, but a long-distance move presents additional challenges. Most likely, everything needs to be loaded on a specific day since a cross-country move is more of a one-shot deal, and then who’s going to drive the moving truck or the family car?

Your friends have their own lives, and a cross-country move requires a more specific time commitment than making a few trips back and forth in the same town over a weekend. Hiring professional movers is almost always the best solution for a long-distance move due to the complicated logistics involved. Not just that, but professional long-distance movers can expertly wrap and pad your belongings and safely move them with the right equipment.

Leaving the loading and unloading and maybe even the packing to the moving team will free you up to drive your personal vehicle and devote those precious last few weeks to other important aspects of the move, such as finding a new job or saying goodbye to friends and family.

Not Thinking About Storage

With a long-distance relocation, sometimes unexpected hiccups make it impossible to move from the old house to the new one seamlessly. For example, an escrow might be delayed if you’re selling, buying, or both, which is why it’s vital to select a moving company that offers flexible storage solutions such as storage-in-transit.

Keep in mind that there’s already a built-in cushion because the moving truck will take longer to get to the destination than you will. Still, for whatever reason, you may end up needing the movers to store your belongings for a few days or longer.

If storage is a possible concern for you, be sure to ask questions about storage services when getting moving estimates. If you go with Suddath, a dedicated move coordinator assigned to your relocation will be in contact with you every step of the way to help iron out these critical details.

Hiring Unreliable Movers

One of the worst mistakes consumers make during a long-distance move is hiring disreputable movers. Unreliable or fraudulent long-distance moving companies often lure people in by quoting low prices that sound too good to be true. Then they hold your belongings hostage until you pay a lot more than they originally quoted.

Therefore, it’s vital to choose cross-country movers carefully. Look for a solid online presence, including positive reviews on consumer sites such as the Better Business Bureau and Angi (formerly Angie’s List). It’s also a good idea to select a company that has extensive experience with long-distance relocations.

Suddath is a top-rated moving company with more than 100 years of experience as long-distance movers. For more information about the full suite of moving services we offer, contact us today at 888-799-5033, or get a free online quote on your move. In addition, take a look at our helpful long-distance moving guide.

The post Common Long-Distance Moving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them appeared first on Suddath.

If you haven’t dealt with many long-distance moving companies before, you may not know the ins and outs of the business, which may leave you in a vulnerable position. Your best defense against scammers is to thoroughly check out long-distance movers out before giving them your personal information, money, and access to all your worldly possessions. There are several red flags to watch out for that might indicate that you are dealing with one of these rogue cross-country movers.

Little to No Web Presence

If you can’t find any mention of a company online, not only is that a red flag, but it’s probably a complete scam. On the other hand, an established professional moving company will have an easy-to-find website and should have numerous positive reviews from satisfied customers.

While checking reviews on sites like Angie’s List, movingscam.com, and the Better Business Bureau can reveal sketchy companies, dishonest movers may frequently change the name of their business to conceal a bad reputation. Unfortunately, no news is not good news in the moving industry because rogue movers don’t like to leave an online trail.

No Address or Phone Number Listed

A reputable moving company will always have a phone number and physical address listed on its website. If you can’t find this information, they probably aren’t legitimate because a real company would have a headquarters complete with offices, trucks, and equipment.

Consistently Not Answering the Phone

Not only should a business have a telephone number on their website, but they should also have staff dedicated to answering the phone. When you call up a moving company during regular business hours, and they never answer, that’s a red flag. They may have given you a fake phone number, or they could be hiding from other customers they’ve swindled.

Nobody Offers to Survey/Visit Your Home

A common tactic of shady movers is to offer to take inventory over the phone without ever seeing the items in your home. However, legitimate long-distance movers are required to do a visual survey of your belongings. This is because the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMSCA) requires moving companies to provide free in-home estimates. If a mover is not willing to look at your belongings before the move, that’s a serious red flag, and you should not proceed with them.

Here’s how rogue movers typically operate: they’ll steer consumers toward getting a “convenient” phone estimate. Then, they’ll later blame the customer for not accurately describing their belongings and demand additional fees at the last minute.

To prevent this scenario, always have a moving company representative look at your belongings and provide you with a quote in writing. This doesn’t have to be in-person: a virtual video estimate is just as easy as a phone call and much more accurate than a call.

They Show Up Without Uniforms, Company Logos, or Proper Identification

Any salesperson who visits your home to provide you with a moving quote should be wearing a uniform and be willing to present their identification. This same rule applies on moving day. Not seeing a logo or company name on the truck can be a red flag if the company hasn’t already proven its legitimacy.

Also, there should be a clearly visible Department of Transportation (DOT) number on the truck, typically on the driver’s side door.

The Price Sounds Too Good to Be True

One reason people fall prey to rogue movers is that they are enticed by a low estimate over the phone or the internet. The old cliche rings true here: if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If a company’s goal is to provide a good value and stand behind their initial quote, they’re going to do a walkthrough of your home ahead of time and charge you at least the going rate for your move.

They Ask for Money Up Front for a Cross-Country Move

Some scammers will sense that this might be your first big move or that it’s been several years for you, and you aren’t sure what’s customary. Please keep in mind that, in general, cross-country movers do not charge the entire cost upfront.

Note that there are exceptions to this rule that may apply to other types of relocations. For example, some movers will ask for a deposit when making a local move within the same city. This practice protects the consumer from unscrupulous movers who might try to cancel on you if they find a more lucrative job. Paying upfront is also the norm with international moves.

They Tell You They Will Determine the Price After Loading Your Items

Always get a written estimate before hiring a moving company. A written estimate can be either binding or nonbinding, so be sure to ask plenty of questions and read the fine print when getting quotes. Also, keep your paperwork with you in case there’s a discrepancy on delivery day. If you don’t get any kind of price quote, you’re pretty much guaranteed to be overcharged.

They Don’t Have an MC Number and DOT Number, or The Numbers Don’t Match Up

Checking for certification by government agencies is a good first step in vetting potential moving companies. One of the easiest ways to determine whether a mover is legitimate is to visit the FMCSA website and do a “search by company.” If the moving company isn’t listed, it means they aren’t certified, and if you hire them anyway, you increase your risk of falling prey to a moving scam.

Professional moving companies should have an MC number and DOT number listed on their websites. When you find these numbers, compare them against the FMCSA website to see if the numbers match the numbers on the website or paperwork from the moving company.

Long-Distance Movers You Can Trust

Although looking for an online presence and checking for certifications can weed out fake moving companies, even long-distance movers who are certified may be relatively inexperienced or even dishonest. Neither the FMCSA nor the DOT endorses moving companies based on registration status. This is why it’s so important to not only check certifications but also go with a company that has a long-standing reputation in the industry.

With Suddath, you can feel confident knowing we are trusted and experienced long-distance movers, with staff that we train in-house to treat your belongings and property with the utmost care. Our quotes are free, and we do walkthroughs either in person or over a video call using an app similar to Facetime. In addition, our long-distance movers take extra precautions at every step, providing specialized packaging and crating as needed.

Suddath is a professional local, long-distance, and international moving company with over a century’s experience in the industry. This experience, combined with access to Atlas Van Line’s network of top-rated moving partners, means we can safely and efficiently move you anywhere you need to go in North America.

When you book your move with Suddath, one of our dedicated move coordinators will be assigned to your move and will be in touch with you through the entire relocation process. As expert movers with a long-standing reputation in the industry, we know how to plan the logistics of your move to ensure you get your items in the time frame you need them. Don’t trust your valuable belongings to just anyone. Get an accurate moving quote from Suddath today, and read our essential guide to long-distance moving for more helpful tips.

The post Spot These Red Flags with Long-Distance Moving Companies appeared first on Suddath.

Car Transport Options

Drive It Yourself

If you only have one vehicle, driving it yourself is the most affordable option. Sometimes, however, it just isn’t feasible or desirable. There’s also the possibility that you have multiple vehicles. If you don’t mind driving one of the vehicles yourself, you may opt for a combo solution, meaning you’ll drive one car and arrange transport for any subsequent vehicles.

Sell One or More of Your Vehicles

Frequently, families with more than one car or truck will sell all but one of them so they can all ride together during the move while a moving company transports their belongings. Riding in the same car allows couples to take turns driving, making the trip more manageable. However, everyone’s situation is different, and it’s not always a good financial move to sell a vehicle you have financed.

Contract an Auto Transport Company

Some moving companies classify automobiles as “big-ticket items” and have a special division that handles auto transport at an additional cost. But more often, a moving company has affiliations with auto transportation providers that are trusted vendors who specialize in moving vehicles and can do it for a reasonable price. Using an automobile transportation service is also referred to as “shipping” your car.

If you have multiple vehicles, or for whatever reason, you just want to skip the drive and fly out, we’ve got you! Suddath is a reputable long-distance moving company that has trusted partners to help you facilitate moving all your vehicles.

Vehicle transport companies that partner with long-distance moving companies can save you a lot of headaches by moving your automobiles in conjunction with your home move. When you go through Suddath, you can get a quote on two different types of vehicle transport. Our partners, such as Atlas Van Lines, offer a choice of door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal transit.

Door-to-door transit means we would arrange to have your vehicle picked up at your old address and dropped off at your new one. Terminal-to-terminal transit is where we instead have the vehicle transported to a holding facility to be delivered or picked up at a later date.

It’s not uncommon for there to be special circumstances surrounding a move, such as needing to transport multiple vehicles or even an entire car collection. Perhaps you have a classic car that’s a collector’s item—that valuable car may require special handling in an enclosed vehicle.

For other situations, you can save money by allowing your car or truck to share space with other vehicles on an automobile carrier. If you’re moving overseas, you’ll most definitely require the help of an outside car transport company to move your vehicle by air or sea. Whatever your preference, a Suddath moving coordinator can make it happen for you.

Hire a Professional Driver

Long-distance moving companies often have access to a network of specialty providers to assist with auto transport options, and that doesn’t always mean loading your vehicle onto a truck. A professional driver could be a possible transportation provider as well. People in that line of work typically come with references and have an excellent driving record, so it may be worth considering.

Send Your Car by Train

This is location-specific, but if you happen to be moving along a particular stretch of the eastern seaboard, Amtrak Auto Train is a service that may be able to drive your vehicle either north or south. State-to-state movers like Suddath that often service the east coast will be familiar with this option, including its advantages and its limitations.

Boat Transport Options

Consider Your Destination

If you own a boat, perhaps there’s a body of water between your old house and your new house. If that’s the case, you might want to consider an option where your boat is loaded onto a “boat carrier” and taken to a port near your new home. However, if either your old house or new house is landlocked, ground transportation is your only option.

Just like with automobiles and motorcycles, you’ll have the option of open-air or enclosed transportation as well as a choice of door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal transport. If you hire Suddath for your move, you’ll have a dedicated moving coordinator to arrange all this for you.

Consider Various Boat Storage Options

Keep in mind that moving your boat might be more complicated than moving other vehicles because it’s less likely to follow a parallel timeline with your actual move. Sometimes, because of bridges and height restrictions or having to travel at a slower speed, your boat will arrive at the new house much later than you and your other belongings will.

If you’re planning to use the boat as soon as you arrive at your new home, it might be best to send your vessel on ahead of you, especially if you were going to have it taken to a storage facility anyway. In fact, sending the boat ahead can sometimes save you money since the timing of the move can affect the cost.

Contact Your Long-Distance Movers

Your dedicated Suddath move coordinator will help you facilitate the transport of your boat by working out all these details with you and one of our trusted transportation partners.

Motorcycle Transport Options

Ride It Yourself

A leisurely ride to your new home on your motorcycle might be a relaxing break from the stress of a big move. Maybe you can have someone else drive your car while you ride across the country on your bike. That said, it may not be possible to ride it all that way due to inclement weather or a tight schedule with your move.

Haul It Yourself

Since a motorcycle is substantially smaller than a car, moving it yourself might be feasible if you have access to a pickup truck, or a trailer and vehicle large enough to pull it. Before going with this option, be sure to research the proper way to load and stabilize the bike securely for safe transport.

Get Help from a Moving Company

Suddath has relationships with trustworthy motorcycle transport companies that can move your motorcycle to your new location in a timely manner. Since a motorcycle has a relatively small footprint, there are several ways to transport it. The method of transportation you choose will probably just depend on cost and timing.

Options for moving a motorcycle include transporting it in an open-air container or inside an enclosed moving truck. There’s also the matter of where you want your bike taken.

In all the scenarios we’ve discussed, your Suddath move coordinator will work with you every step of the way to coordinate the details of your move, including transporting your motorcycle and any other vehicles you may have.

Suddath and Its Partners Can Help You Move Your Vehicle

As experienced movers in Ft Lauderdale and long-distance movers throughout the US with an extensive history in the moving industry, we have long-standing relationships with reliable transportation providers for virtually every possible situation.

The bottom line is that there are many available options for transporting your vehicles to your new address. Your dedicated Suddath moving coordinator will be happy to help you determine the best way to get your cars, boats, and motorcycles to your new driveway as part of your home move.

Find out more about the specialty moving services that Suddath offers or give us a call now at 888-799-5033. For helpful tips on preparing for a long-distance move, read our guide.

The post Transporting Your Car, Motorcycle or Boat to Your New State appeared first on Suddath.

Get Motivated to Downsize

Most people tend to accumulate excess belongings over time, and ideally, they occasionally do a purge. Life gets busy, though, and decluttering often gets put off for years. A long-distance move is one of those significant events that can spur us to action. Downsizing will make unpacking more manageable, and it can also save you money on your move. If you need further motivation, think of decluttering before moving as an opportunity for a fresh start at your new home.

Start Decluttering Early

When planning a long-distance move, it’s never too early to start decluttering and downsizing. Getting organized by sorting through your belongings in advance will help reduce your stress as you begin to minimize your possessions and envision yourself in an organized new home. By reducing excess stuff, you’ll save money on boxes and packing supplies, as well as on the move itself.

Get Ready to Declutter

Before you start rummaging through everything you own, you’ll need some boxes and bags to sort items into categories such as keep, sell, donate, and discard. You’ll also want to make a specific plan for selling or donating useable items. Here are a few suggestions:

• Sell your items at a garage sale or on websites such as Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Craigslist, or Poshmark.
• Contact a local charity to arrange a donation pickup.
• Give away items to friends, family, and neighbors.

Note: With many online selling platforms, you can select the option for “local pickup only,” which is convenient when you don’t have time to deal with shipping the items.

Tackle One Room at a Time

Going through everything you own and making a decision about each item can feel like a monumental task, which is why it’s best to spread out the project by breaking it up into rooms. Tackling one room at a time and doing a little each day will keep you from feeling overwhelmed.

Start with a rarely used room or perhaps your garage and build momentum as you declutter each area of your home. As you work through each room, remember to include those out-of-sight areas, such as the cabinet underneath the bathroom sink.

Divide Each Room into Manageable Parts

If a room has an excessive amount of clutter to sort through, divide that room into sections. For example, you could declutter your upper kitchen cabinets one day, the lower cabinets the next, and the pantry the following day.

Life still happens even when preparing for a move, so you’ll need to pace yourself based on how many days you have left until the movers arrive. As with anything in life, consistency is key. Spend your spare time each day chipping away at decluttering projects, and you’ll be glad you did.

Don’t Move Things You Don’t Use Anymore

Often, people have a mental block against getting rid of “perfectly good” items, even though they never use them. Here are a few positive affirmations to tell yourself that may help you feel better about letting go of what you no longer need:

• The money you spent on unwanted items is already gone.
• Selling marketable items will provide you with some extra cash.
• Someone else can greatly benefit from using your gently used cast-offs.
• Donating to local charities that have thrift stores provides job opportunities for the less fortunate. (This benefit is in addition to helping the actual cause supported by the charity.)
• You will enjoy relaxing in a clutter-free home when you arrive at your new destination.

As you downsize your belongings, you may feel overwhelmed at the thought of the remaining stuff you still need to pack. Keep in mind that long-distance moving companies like Suddath offer optional packing services, which can help free you up to attend to other aspects of the move.

When in Doubt, Leave it Out!

Although it’s ideal to do some preliminary decluttering before you start packing, try to maintain the same minimalistic mindset as you’re boxing things up to take to your new home. If you feel hesitant about bringing something to the new house, don’t pack it. This additional layer of decluttering will make your job easier on the other end when you go to unbox everything.

Consider Whether Your Current Furniture and Appliances Will Work at Your New Home

Furniture

Reducing your belongings isn’t only about saying goodbye to small, miscellaneous clutter. If you’re downsizing to a smaller home or even just an older house with smaller bedrooms and doorways, it’s possible that some of your furniture won’t fit in your new house. If you’re moving into a new place “sight unseen,” or you forgot to take measurements when you toured the home, ask your landlord or real estate agent for a detailed floorplan with dimensions.

Appliances

It’s also possible that the new house already has appliances such as a refrigerator, washer, and dryer, and there’s no need to bring your current ones. Even if you do need to provide your own appliances, it might not be worth transporting that old fridge you inherited that’s on its last leg. With heavy items such as refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers, you can use the money you save by not moving them to buy new replacements.

Get Rid of Things That Don’t Belong on The Moving Truck

When moving state-to-state, an important thing to remember is that your long-distance movers won’t be allowed to take liquids, flammable items, candles, or batteries on the moving truck. Because of this restriction, you’ll have to drain items like gas cans, propane tanks, lawnmowers, and other gas-powered tools before moving day. Consider offering non-allowable items to your friends and neighbors or contact your current city’s waste management department to find out the procedure for properly disposing of potentially toxic or flammable items.

Ask Your Long-Distance Movers About Storage Options

Sometimes, for whatever reason, you’ll need to postpone decisions about what to do with your excess items. Maybe you’re running out of time and won’t be able to sort through your belongings before the move. Or perhaps you’ll be moving twice, and your temporary home is smaller than your final destination. Whatever the reason, people often need storage services surrounding a big move, which is why it’s essential to discuss this possibility with long-distance moving companies when getting quotes. Suddath offers a variety of storage options to meet your needs.

Final Thoughts

While moving can be a hectic time, decluttering and downsizing can significantly streamline the process of packing and unpacking. Fortunately, you don’t have to handle everything on your own or worry about transporting your belongings across the country. Long-distance moves can be stressful, but enlisting the expertise of professional movers can help lighten the load both figuratively and literally. Whether you need Jacksonville movers or movers in Dallas, their experienced teams can manage the logistics, so you can focus on settling into your new home.

With our long-standing partnership with Atlas Van Lines and over a century of experience as long-distance movers, Suddath’s moving teams can move you anywhere in North America. For more information about the full suite of moving services we provide, contact us today at 888-799-5033, or get a free online quote on your move.

The post Decluttering and Downsizing Makes Sense for a Long-Distance Move appeared first on Suddath.

Reasons You May Need Storage During a Long-Distance Move

One big difference between moving locally and moving across the country is that a long-distance move is more of a one-shot deal. You won’t have the option of running back and forth to move items from the old house to the new house—once you’re gone, you’re gone. Although temporary storage might be necessary with any move, the complicated situations that can come along with the typical long-distance move can result in an even greater need for storage services. Read our guide to a successful long-distance move.

Here are some of the most common reasons customers ask cross-country movers to store their belongings temporarily:

• You have to be out of your old house before your new home is ready. Flexible storage options are a must in this all-too-common situation.
• Your move isn’t permanent. This can be the situation with cross-country moves when the plan is to first rent a home in the new area and then look for a house to buy after getting to know the various neighborhoods.
• You have remodeling projects to complete on your new home. When possible, it’s always easier to complete any renovations before bringing in your furniture.
• You need to stage your home for resale. Selling your current home can be a big part of the moving process. Homes that are staged appeal more to prospective buyers, which is why you may need to remove some of your own items ahead of time to make room for professional staging props.

Do You Really Need Storage?

With a long-distance move, it may take up to two weeks to receive your load, depending on several variables, including how far you are moving and the time of year. If the time between leaving your old house and getting the keys to your new house is only a few days, you may not need storage at all. It all depends on when the moving truck is scheduled to arrive at your new home.

Length of Storage

An important question to ask when interviewing moving and storage companies is whether they are able to store your items in the event that there’s a delay and your new home isn’t ready. Knowing there’s a little wiggle room with the time frame will give you peace of mind during a potentially complicated relocation.

Remember that some smaller moving companies may not have long-term storage capabilities, so be sure mention any storage needs when getting quotes from movers. Also, the length of time the moving company will be able to store your belongings could depend on where and when you are moving.

Traditional Storage

For typical household goods and short-term storage needs, traditional storage often works well. This is especially true in geographical areas where the climate is mild to moderate. Even if the weather is less than optimum, a regular unit will provide some protection from weather extremes. In the winter, the facility’s temperature will be a few degrees warmer than the temperature outside. Whereas, in the summer, the temperature inside the unit will be a few degrees cooler than the external temperature.

Temperature Controlled Storage

The next level of moving storage is a temperature-controlled option. If you’ll need your belongings stored for an extended period or you’re concerned about temperature extremes, upgrading to a temperature-controlled option is a great solution.

The industry standard for temperature-controlled storage is to keep the temperature inside the facility somewhere between 55 and 80 degrees. The more radically different this ideal range will be from the weather outside, the more important temperature control will be for your items. Here are a few examples of items that may benefit from temperature-controlled storage:

• Appliances
• Electronics
• Photos and artwork
• Collectibles

Climate-Controlled Storage

If you’re looking for the maximum level of protection for your items, climate-controlled storage is for you. Keep in mind when you’re discussing moving and storage with long-distance moving companies that some movers use the terms “temperature controlled” and “climate controlled” interchangeably. However, a truly climate-controlled environment is one in which the humidity is also regulated.

The great thing about a climate-controlled facility is that the environment fluctuates very little as far as humidity and temperature. Typically, the temperature range in a climate-controlled facility is narrowed to a more exacting standard than the broad range considered acceptable with temperature-controlled storage.

The stricter requirements with a climate-controlled facility are ideal for preserving your most fragile items. Knowing the difference between temperature control and climate control can help you make the right choice for protecting your goods. The following items do best in a climate-controlled unit:

• Musical instruments
• Wine collections
• Fine art
• Important documents
• High-end decór
• Antique wood furniture

Keep in mind that not all moving companies offer temperature-controlled or climate-controlled storage capabilities, so you will need to ask about that when getting quotes.

Vault Storage

If you’re looking for the highest level of security, vault storage is the way to go. This kind of storage typically involves your belongings being padded and wrapped and placed in an enclosed wooden crate before being stored.

Long-Distance Movers with Flexible Storage Options

When planning your big move, be sure to ask the moving companies you’re considering if they have storage options such as storage in transit, and long-term storage.

Here at Suddath, we offer a variety of long- and short-term storage options. Also, when we say climate control, we mean climate in the strictest sense of the word—we are referring to the regulation of both temperature and humidity.

Suddath offers the following flexible storage options:

• Storage in transit (SIT) in case your new home isn’t ready
• Temperature-controlled storage
• Climate-controlled storage
• Long term and vault storage

Suddath has been handling cross-country moves for more than a century. With access to Atlas Van Line’s top moving partners, our long-distance movers can move you anywhere you need to go in North America. Not only that, but we have more than three million square feet of warehouse space across the country to safely and securely store your household goods until you need them. When you go with us, we’ll provide you with a personal move coordinator who will be dedicated to planning your move’s logistics, including any storage needs.

Note: Please keep in mind that with an interstate move, storage may cap out at around 180 days, depending on the location. If you need storage beyond that time frame, that’s something you can discuss with your move coordinator.

Trust Your Long-Distance Move to Experts

Regardless of the storage option you choose, knowing your items are in good hands can make all the difference during a potentially stressful long-distance move.

Since Suddath also stores the goods of commercial customers in our warehouses, your items will be cared for with the same level of organization, temperature control, and security as our business clients’ merchandise, which often includes sensitive items like medicine and food.

When there’s a lack of flexibility on either end during a cross-country move, it’s vital to go with a moving company that offers flexible storage options. Get a free long-distance moving and storage quote or give us a call today at 888-799-5033.

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Gather the Necessary Packing Supplies

Once you know you’re moving, you’re probably anxious to start packing, but first, you’ll need to get together some packing supplies. About five to seven weeks before the move, gather the following supplies:

• Moving boxes
• Packing tape and tape dispensers
• Permanent markers and possibly labels
• Bubble wrap or other packing materials
• A dolly for moving boxes around as you pack

You can use towels and linens to pad boxes. To stay as efficient as possible, use kitchen towels to wrap dishes and bathroom towels to protect items that will go into the bathroom. Typically, you are able to purchase packing items from your moving company to make it easier.

Downsize Your Belongings

Another way to prepare for packing is to downsize your belongings. Most people tend to accumulate excess clutter over time, and four to six weeks before moving day is a good time to reduce the sheer amount of stuff you own. Sort through your possessions and sell or donate any items you aren’t planning to take with you.

When going through your garage or shed, consider giving away items that won’t be allowed on the moving truck, such as cans of paint or gasoline containers. If nobody wants them, contact the appropriate county or city office in your community and ask where you can drop off leftover hazardous materials.

Consider having a garage sale or inviting friends to come over to look through your excess belongings. Lastly, discard any remaining unwanted items that were not sold or given away.

Pack Rarely Used Items First

Now that you’re finished decluttering, it’s time to start packing. The important thing to remember with a long-distance move is that it may be a while before you unpack. Three weeks before the move, begin packing items that you know you won’t need during the next month or so. Here are some examples of things to pack during this stage.

• Photos, memorabilia, and excess decór
• Books you don’t plan to read anytime soon
• Infrequently used kitchen items
• Off-season clothing
• Camping equipment
• Seasonal items
• Children’s toys
• Board games

You can probably think of other things you can pack in advance that aren’t on the above list. Basically, you want to take your household belongings down to a bare minimum in those final weeks leading up to the move. As you pack, label each box according to where it will belong at your new home. Be sure to stack the marked boxes in an organized way so you can continue to easily maneuver around the house.

Pack Room by Room

About two weeks before moving day, it’s time to get more ruthless about packing. Systematically pack up each room, keeping out only the bare necessities. For example, when you pack up your kitchen, you may want to hold out one place setting for each person and a few basic cooking tools such as a saucepan, skillet, knife, cooking spoon, and spatula.

As you work through each room, identify essential items that will be going on the truck but that you may still need access to before the move. Consider putting those items in boxes but keeping them open for now in case you need something out of them.

Label those open boxes with the words, “Open me first.” This is because usually, the last boxes you’ll seal up are your most essential, everyday items. Finding those items right away when you get to the new house will help you settle in more quickly. Examples of items you can pack in your open-me-first boxes include:

• Toilet paper and paper towels
• A set of linens for each bed
• Disposable dinnerware
• Cleaning products
• A few towels

Pack Your Carry-On Bags

In addition to your last-minute essentials boxes, you’ll need to pack some “carry-on bags” with items that will be traveling with you instead of on the moving truck. These items may include important papers, medications, comfort objects for children, pet supplies, and toiletries. Filling a few suitcases or duffle bags with these kinds of items will allow you to more quickly pack up the rest of your home.

Finish Packing

Ideally, the last week before the move, you’ll have almost everything in boxes. That said, people often underestimate the time it will take to pack up their entire household. Once you finish boxing everything up, go ahead and seal up those open-me-first boxes and do a final check to make sure all of them are securely taped and properly labeled.

Packing Tips for a Long-Distance Move

Now that you have a general timeline for packing, let’s get into the nuts and bolts of how to pack for your big move:

• Continue to get rid of clutter as you fill each box. Inevitably, you’ll come across clutter while packing, even if you recently downsized your belongings. Avoid bringing junk to your new home by continuing to discard items during the packing stage.
• Keep dresser drawers full. You may not realize this, but the movers expect you to leave clothing in your dresser drawers. Save time on packing by leaving your drawers full.
• Avoid making boxes too heavy. Whenever possible, keep boxes light. It’s better to use lots of small boxes than a smaller number of large boxes.
• Use actual packing tape. Packing tape works much better than other kinds of tape, and you don’t want any boxes opening up during transport.
• Don’t wait too long to pack. It can be too easy to underestimate the amount of time it takes to pack belongings. Make sure you plan at least a month ahead of time to pack you can avoid the stress that comes with rushing. 
• Don’t pack perishables. Nobody wants to waste food. That said, much of it won’t necessarily transport well. Some won’t stay fresh while some jars can break. So, as part of your moving timeline, use up the food in your pantry, cupboards, and refrigerator, which can include having a get together with friends and family members who live nearby.
• Don’t pack hazardous materials. Long distance moving companies won’t transport flammable or otherwise hazardous materials. You can ask your cross-country movers for specifics; the list will contain things like gasoline, lighter fluid, paint thinner, pool chemicals, ammunition, and so forth.

Ask for Help

Despite your best efforts to pack up your home while keeping up with everything else, you may be running out of time as moving day approaches. Moving is a big job — especially if you have a large family or just a lot of stuff. If you still have last-minute packing to do, consider calling in a favor and inviting a friend or two over to help you pack.

Enlist the Help of Long-Distance Movers

We’ve been talking about the budget-friendly option of do-it-yourself packing, but if you’re running out of time and you’re short on helpers, you may want to consider professional packing companies. Although dedicated packing companies are relatively uncommon, some long-distance moving companies offer optional packing services.

Hiring a team of professional packers and movers such as our movers in Jacksonville or our movers in Dallas, can help you focus on other aspects of your move. Our highly trained professionals will carefully pack your belongings using top-quality materials and techniques, ensuring everything is well-prepared for your new home. Opting for the full-service packing option allows you to relax while expert movers handle the entire process.

In addition to the full-service option, partial packing services are also available. Just let us know which items you want us to pack. Suddath offers a choice of full-service, partial, and DIY packing to meet your needs and budget. Regardless of what you choose to pack yourself, we will always carefully blanket wrap all your furniture and expertly load your items, so they’re safe for your new destination.

A long-distance relocation is a major undertaking, but with a bit of organization and the assistance of experienced cross-country movers, you’ll be packed and ready for the truck on moving day.

Suddath has been relocating people since 1919. We offer a variety of flexible long-distance moving services to meet your needs. Contact us today for a free long-distance moving quote.

The post How to Pack for a Long-Distance Move appeared first on Suddath.

The best way to tackle a big move is with good, old-fashioned planning and organization. Even though there will likely be some unexpected twists and turns along the way, this guide to long-distance moving will help equip you to handle every aspect of your upcoming move.

Research and Vet Long-Distance Movers

Before you can set an exact date for your move, you’ll need to select a moving company. As you’re researching long-distance movers, there are a few steps you can take to verify that the moving company you are considering is, in fact, a reputable company.

First, make sure they have an online presence. If you can’t find any mention of a moving company online, that’s a major red flag. A reputable moving company will have a website as part of a well-established online presence.

It’s always recommended that you go with a certified mover. Several organizations certify national and international moving companies, and you can either look up this information online or ask the moving company to show you the documentation. You may also want to consider visiting the Department of Transportation (DOT) website and doing a quick “carrier search,” since all moving companies are required to have a DOT number even if they aren’t out-of-state moving companies. Interstate moving requires additional certifications that local movers aren’t required to have, but all professional movers should all have at least a DOT number.

You’ll also want to look at the online moving reviews of the companies you’re considering. Once you’ve narrowed it down to two or three finalists, it’s time to get some quotes. Keep in mind that an in-person estimate or virtual video quote tends to be much more accurate than a quote obtained during a telephone interview. It’s always best that a representative of the company actually sees your belongings. Be sure to get the quote in writing and read the fine print.

Why vet a mover? Believe it or not, there are rogue movers out there whose sole purpose is to prey on unsuspecting individuals or families. These disreputable companies may do things such as hold your property hostage while demanding additional fees, dump your belongings in the middle of the street, or worse, drive off into the sunset with your belongings.

Even after you’ve hired a reputable company, verify the identity of the movers when they arrive at your home. Look for company logos and uniforms and ask to see identification. Because scammers abound, you want to make sure you’re turning your belongings over to the right people and not imposters.

Schedule Your Move

If you’re not already limited to specific dates, there are a few factors to consider when timing your move. Think about how possible move dates will fit in with your family’s school or work schedule.

Another factor is the availability of the moving company. If your dates are flexible, ask about availability and consider selecting the dates that will give you the best deal. Keep in mind that interstate moving companies get booked faster in the spring and summer months. This is why, when getting quotes from state to state movers, you may want to ask if they offer special rates during slower times of the year.

It’s really never too early to start planning for a long-distance move. Even if you’re relocating months down the road, you can begin to research movers and maybe do some preliminary packing. Typically, moves are scheduled around eight weeks in advance. If you’re moving on shorter notice, you’ll still be able to accomplish everything mentioned in this guide—you’ll just need to work faster.

Get Organized

The key to a stress-free move is proper organization. Once you’ve scheduled your move, you’ll need to get organized, and one of the best ways to do this is by starting a moving binder. Keep a folder or binder with you that will include things like to-do lists, a moving checklist, paperwork from the movers, important bills, and information about utility companies in your new area.

Prepare for Your New Space

When it comes to home organization, moving can provide a welcome fresh start. Envision how you want life to be in your new home as you decide which items to take with you and which to leave behind. Consider how furniture may fit in the new rooms. Looking at a floorplan of the new home or pictures taken during a showing can help with this process. Once you know what you’re leaving behind, divide unwanted items into piles to discard, donate, or sell. Arrange free pick up with a local charity and/or have a yard sale.

Tips for Downsizing

Some people are minimalists and don’t need to downsize, but others tend to accumulate excess stuff over time. Not only that, sometimes a relocation involves moving into a smaller home. If that’s the case, you’ll have no choice but to downsize. Whether you’re reducing your belongings out of necessity or just lightening the load to save money on a long-distance move, there’s no better time to declutter than before and during packing. Think about it — you’re already going to be handling every single item in your home.

Sometimes getting rid of things is easier said than done. Here are a few tips for downsizing before a move:

• Start decluttering early. When it’s too early to pack, organizing and decluttering your belongings can help you feel more in control, and it will make packing more manageable when the time comes.
• Take it one room at a time. Tackling one room at a time can prevent you from feeling overwhelmed or making a bigger mess as you declutter.
• Digitize what you can. Take photos of sentimental items that you want to remember but not keep. Scan some of your photos and paper clutter.
• Discard broken or expired items. If you haven’t fixed a broken item by now, you probably never will, and you shouldn’t pack old food or toiletries without first checking the expiration dates.
• Get rid of items you didn’t know you had. Are you just now going through a box from your previous move? If you’ve done without those long-lost items for this long, you probably don’t need them.

Prepare for Your New City

There’s a long list of things to do when your address is changing, especially when moving out of state. You’ll need to start looking into things such as driver’s licenses or public transportation, voter registration, and which utility companies service your new area. Find out which of the following you can set up in advance:

• Electricity
• Natural Gas (if applicable)
• Water
• Sewer
• Trash/recycling
• Internet
• Cable TV

The information you will gather pertaining to these services should go into your moving binder, where you can access it before, during, and after the move.

Family Matters

If you have school-aged children, you’ll want to start looking into your child’s new school or school district as soon as possible. Doing a little research and advance planning will help the registration process go more quickly. Contact both the old school and the new school to get the ball rolling on the records transfer. Selecting a daycare center close to your home or work could be another essential item on your to-do list if you have young children.

It might also be a good idea to check out family-friendly things to do and see in your new city so the kids will have something exciting to look forward to after the move. Children often have mixed emotions about moving, so focusing on the move’s positive aspects is vital during this major transition.

Change or Cancel Services and Memberships

Once you’ve nailed down the exact dates of your move, you’ll want to cancel or close accounts, services, and memberships with businesses in the town you are leaving. With an out-of-state move, you’ll be changing utility companies for sure, so you’ll be canceling your current accounts as opposed to transferring them to a new service address. Don’t forget to cancel any local memberships, such as your gym membership.

Change of Address Notifications

The key to a successful move is staying organized, and you don’t want to lose track of your bills or other important mail. You will, of course, need to set up mail forwarding with the post office, but you should also contact some places directly, such as credit card companies, banks, health insurance providers, and car insurance companies.

Take Inventory

Once you know which items are going with you to your new home, make a list of what you will move by yourself, possibly in your personal vehicle, and what the interstate moving company will be responsible for. Keep this inventory list with you, along with your other moving paperwork.

Get Packing

One of the most overwhelming tasks when preparing for a move is packing everything up, which is why we’ve dedicated a large portion of this guide to the subject of packing. The key to getting everything into boxes on time is to either start well in advance of the move or to pay your moving company extra for packing services. If you’re doing your own packing, most national movers recommend that you start the process at least a month before moving.

When packing weeks in advance, you’ll need a strategy. During the early packing stage, ask yourself whether you’ll use certain items before you get to the new house. Some examples of things to pack first are:

• Holiday decorations
• Off-season clothing
• Books you aren’t currently reading
• Kitchen items you don’t use every day

Not everyone has time to pack—especially with everything that goes into moving out of state, which is why many national moving companies, including Suddath, offer optional packing services.

Packing Timeline

If you do decide to pack most of your things yourself, the following timeline should help give you an idea of what to do and when:

5-7 Weeks Before Moving Day

Gather the necessary packing supplies, which may include:

• Boxes or reusable containers
• Packing tape dispensers and extra tape
• Permanent markers for labeling
• Padding materials
• Dollies, moving blankets, and possibly dolly straps

4-6 Weeks Before Moving Day

• Downsize your belongings, especially in the garage.
• Sell or donate items you don’t need to take with you.
• Give away items you can’t donate, move, or throw out, such as containers of gasoline.
• Contact your local community to find out where to drop off leftover hazardous materials.
• Discard remaining unwanted or unneeded items that were not sold or given away.

3 Weeks Before Moving Day

• Pack all seasonal or infrequently used items that you won’t need before the move.
• Stack the marked boxes in an orderly fashion so that you or your moving team can maneuver around the house.
• Label boxes according to which room they will belong in at your new home.

2 Weeks Before Moving Day

As moving day approaches, the decisions will start to be more about what not to pack than what to pack. Here’s what to do during this stage:

• Start packing up the kitchen.
• Keep out one plate, bowl, glass, and utensils for each person, as well as a bare-minimum cooking kit, which might include a skillet, saucepan, knife, cooking spoon, colander, and spatula.
• Identify any “Open First” items and label those boxes accordingly but consider keeping the boxes open for now.
• Decide which items will be traveling with you instead of on the moving truck. These items may include clothing and toiletries, medication, pet supplies, and important papers.

1 Week Before Moving Day

During this final stage of packing, you’ll pack more and more of your stuff, possibly at an increasingly rapid rate since people tend to underestimate how long packing will take.

• Seal up the “Open First” boxes
• Do a final check to make sure all of your moving boxes are taped and labeled.

Packing Organization

One possible method of staying organized with packing and unpacking is to number the boxes. This numbering would be in addition to labeling each box with the name of the room. The idea behind numbering the boxes is that the boxes with the lowest numbers were packed first and can be opened last because they contain non-essential items that you can do without for a while. The highest numbered boxes should be items you use every day, which is why you would wait until the very end to pack them. If you don’t end up using a numbering system to prioritize your boxes, be sure to label certain boxes as “Open First.”

Packing Tips

• Avoid packing clutter. Even if you downsized a few weeks before you started packing, continue to discard items as you pack to avoid taking junk to your new home.
• Keeping clothing in dresser drawers. Did you know that the movers are expecting to move full dressers? Don’t waste time removing all of your clothing from the drawers.
• Use clothing and towels as padding when possible. Just try to only box items together that are from the same room. For example, pad dishes with kitchen towels, dish rags, and aprons.
• Don’t pack boxes too heavy. When possible, pack boxes lightly enough so that one person can safely lift them.
• Be careful with large glass items. Before you wrap a glass picture or mirror, use masking tape to make an “X” across the glass. Pad the item generously and fill up any space in the carton to avoid excess movement.
• Get help. Moving can be a significant undertaking, depending on how much stuff you have. Either get help from friends and family or contact a professional moving company for assistance with your move.

Essentials Bag

Packing a suitcase or duffle bag with essential items for each person will allow you to finish boxing up the rest of the house.

Eventually, you’ll need to pack almost everything so, near the end, you might be living out of a suitcase and eating takeout. Your essentials bag will probably contain clothing, medication, and toiletries. It should also include your moving folder with important documents like paperwork from your state to state movers, your to-do-list and/or moving checklist, and the information needed to start up utilities at your new home.

The inevitable changes that often come along with moving across the country, such as a new job, new school, and new friends, can be stressful, but the actual move doesn’t have to be. By following the above tips and systematically chipping away at your to-do list, you’ll be well on your way to a successful long-distance move.

Suddath has been moving families since 1919 and is an agent of Atlas Van Lines, one of the leading cross-country moving companies in the United States. Get in touch for a customized moving quote on your long-distance move.

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