Moving across the country doesn’t have to be a pain. If you take the right steps to prepare yourself, you can forego the hassle and actually enjoy the process. Even better, you can make your move an adventure. Find out the key tools for an easy move in the steps listed below.
Step 1: Take inventory of everything you own
Before you even start to move your belongings into boxes, pause to take inventory of your possessions. One of the easiest ways to do this is to take a video camera and simply video the contents of your household. Similarly, you could use a camera to document your belongings.
Be sure to extend your documenting efforts to include your car and any recreational vehicles you own such as a boat or motor home.
While you’re taking inventory of all you own, it’s a good idea to go ahead and get rid of what you no longer want. Try to think in terms of cost versus benefit: If you don’t want to pay to have it shipped, or if costs more to ship an item than it does to replace it, your best bet is to get rid of it.
Step 2: Get an insurance policy
If you’re not already covered by some form of insurance that covers you during a move, go out and get a policy.
Because you’ve already taken inventory of your household, you should have a clear idea of how much you own. Try to assign a rough value to the total of your possessions. It can be an estimate, so don’t get hung up on exact costs.
Your next step is to look into insurance policies that will cover you during your move and provide at least as much as the current value of your home in remuneration.
Step 3: Research trailers and moving companies
If you’re on the fence about moving yourself versus hiring a professional to do the work, start by researching costs.
Look at the rental cost of driving a truck yourself – and don’t forget to factor in the price of gas and the extra time it will take you to do the loading, unloading, and driving.
Next, look into the cost of different moving companies. Compare the costs of all-inclusive packages where the movers do the loading and unloading against the cost of services where you do the heavy lifting but the company provides the driving services.
Make sure any company you end up settling on is reputable. You can determine this by looking into their rating with the Better Business Bureau or by checking for references. You’ll also want to make sure you’re covered by the company’s insurance policy in the event they make an error in transit that ends up damaging your belongings.
Step 4: Figure out how to move yourself
If you opt for professional movers to transport your belongings to your new destination, you’ve got to figure out how you’ll get you and your family there.
Of course you have the usual options of automobile, train, or plane – or even ship if your journey includes crossing a sea. Naturally, it makes sense to start comparing the price of all those options and weighing them against the time it will take to get there.
Be sure to factor in the price of overnight stays in hotels (when relevant) as you compare travel prices. Similarly, factor in the price of gas (if you’ll be driving yourself). Regardless of your travel method, you’ll have to eat, so don’t forget the cost of at least three meals per person per day – plus a few snacks along the way!
Take note – if you’re going to be driving yourself, be sure to take the time to give your automobile a maintenance check. Make certain all systems will be reliable enough to drive the distance you need to go.
Step 5: Look for fun along the way
If you can manage it, you might consider stopping at some fun destinations along the way. Think about swinging by a theme park or water park you’ll pass along the way or even consider stopping at a large aquarium or botanical gardens.
You might also make your journey into a trip down memory lane by stopping in to see old friends or relatives who live scattered across the country.
Not only will those go a long way in relieving any tension you feel from moving, it’ll also make for a memorable moving experience.
