How to Prepare for a Long Distance Move

Regardless of your destination, moving can be taxing, even overwhelming. Relocating across the country adds a whole new level of difficulty compared to moving across town.

Moving can be stressful whether you’re moving across town or across the country, but with thoughtful planning and patience, it can be done with the least amount of stress to you and your family. With a few simple steps, you can make everything easier.

Make Sure You Have Enough Money

There are certain expenses that come from a cross-country move and you need to be prepared. Expect to spend between eight and fourteen thousand dollars to relocate an entire household. This way, you will have the money to hire movers, purchase packing materials, pay for storage, security deposits, hotels, food, and much more. Because you will probably spend more than one day on the road when moving cross-country, you will incur quite a few expenses.

Have a Plan

You can’t simply say, “Ok, I will move on these three days,” when relocating to a place that is thousands of miles away. Instead, you need a clear plan so that you won’t get overwhelmed during the actual process. Your plan should include:

• How far you will travel each day

• Whether you will fly or drive to your new home

• How much money you will need in fuel if you drive

• What you will do with belongings you won’t be taking to the new house

• Where you will eat and how often you will stop

• What you will do if you have a breakdown

Make your plan as detailed as possible and leave yourself some leeway. For example, if you start a new job on a Monday, you need to get to your new home on Friday or earlier. Waiting until the last minute can be a big problem if something unexpected happens.

Save Money

If you are relocating before you have a home lined up, be careful where you stay. There are ways you can save money. Extended stay motels are designed for people who need more amenities like a cooktop and full-size refrigerator. Often, you can pay lower prices for the rent and you will be able to cook instead of eating out every day. This can be a good option until you find a permanent residence.

Make Plans in Advance

If you already have a new home lined up before your move, get everything in place beforehand if possible. Contact all of the utilities, telephone, and internet service and have everything turned on the day before you will arrive. You will want to get back to your normal life as soon as possible. Don’t wait until you arrive to get everything set up or you could spend days without electricity or Internet.

Long distance moves can be extremely difficult and stressful. However, if you take the right steps to prepare, you will find it much easier to manage.

via:http://www.hvmoving.com/how-to-prepare-for-a-long-distance-move/