9 Tips for a Smooth Long-Distance Move

9 Tips for a Smooth Long-Distance Move

Relocating your household from one state to another can feel overwhelming, but with thoughtful preparation and effective collaboration with movers, it can become a manageable—even positive—experience. This guide walks you through each step of the process, from early planning to moving day, so you can transition to your new home with less stress and more confidence.

 

1. Start With a Plan

Timeline Creation:
Begin planning at least 8–12 weeks before your desired move date. Create a moving timeline with milestones such as researching moving companies, decluttering, packing, notifying utilities, and scheduling travel.

Inventory and Budgeting:
Create a detailed inventory of your household items. This will help with insurance coverage and estimating moving costs. Use a spreadsheet or app to track your budget—include estimates for mover fees, packing materials, travel expenses, insurance, and any deposits for new housing.

 

2. Declutter and Downsize

Before packing, assess what you truly want to bring. Long-distance moves are priced by weight and distance, so reducing excess items can save you money.

Strategies:

• • Sell: Host a garage sale or sell on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or eBay.
  • Donate: Give gently used items to charity or local shelters.
  • Dispose: Properly dispose of broken or unneeded items—recycle where possible.

This is your chance to curate what’s truly essential in your life.

 

3. Choose the Right Moving Company

Hiring a reputable mover is one of the most critical steps. Here’s how to do it right:

Research and Compare:

• • Get at least three in-home or virtual estimates from licensed interstate movers.
  • Use the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) website to verify mover credentials and check for complaints.

Key Questions to Ask:

• • Is your company licensed and insured for interstate moves?
  • Do you offer binding estimates?
  • What services are included (packing, storage, disassembly)?
  • What’s your policy on damaged or lost items?

✅ Kentucky Tom Pro Tip: Ask each mover for a written list of the types of items that can’t be moved.  This is particularly true if you’re moving out-of-state.  There are U.S. transportation rules, as well as rules specific to each state that the mover must abide by.

Watch for Red Flags:
Avoid movers who:

• • Demand large upfront deposits
  • Have no local address or branded trucks
  • Don’t provide a written estimate

Choose a company that communicates clearly and offers transparent pricing.

 

4. Understand Your Estimate and Insurance Options

Non-Binding vs. Binding Estimates:

• • Non-Binding: Price may increase based on the final weight.
  • Binding: You pay the agreed-upon price, even if the actual weight differs.

Valuation Coverage:
Basic liability (60 cents per pound) is included, but often insufficient. Consider purchasing Full Value Protection or third-party insurance for peace of mind.

 

5. Pack Smart (Or Hire Help)

If You’re Packing Yourself:

• • Use strong boxes and tape
  • Label each one with its contents, destination room, which side is up, and if the items contained in the box are fragile.
  • Pack non-essentials first, and keep valuables and important documents with you.
  • Create an “open first” box with essentials: toilet paper, basic tools, chargers, snacks, and a few dishes.

✅ Kentucky Tom Pro Tip: For a smooth move-in to your new home, take the time to pack and label everything that you can.  No matter how good the mover is, they don’t know you as well as you do.

If Movers Pack for You:

• • Be available to supervise and guide their work.
  • Take photos of valuables before they’re boxed up, in case of claims.

✅ Kentucky Tom Pro Tip: Even if you packed and labeled most things yourself, it’s essential that you’re at your home during the packing and loading days.  Mistakes happen even under the best circumstances and most can be caught only if you’re onsite for the full day(s) of packing and loading.  By being there, you’ll save yourself a lot of time during unloading at your new home.

Either way, clearly mark fragile items and liquids that shouldn’t be transported (like cleaning supplies or aerosols).

 

6. Coordinate Travel and Logistics

Personal Travel:
Book flights or plan your driving route early. Account for pets, children, and overnight stays if the trip spans several days.

Vehicle Shipping (If Needed):
If you’re not driving, arrange to ship your vehicle through a reputable auto transporter.

Utilities and Change of Address:

• • Cancel or transfer utilities at your old home.
  • Set up new services at your new home ahead of time.
  • File a change of address with USPS and update your info with banks, subscriptions, and government agencies.

 

7. Moving Day Tips

Be Present and Prepared:

• • Walk the movers through your home and highlight fragile or high-value items.
  • Double-check closets, attics, basements, and sheds before the truck leaves.
  • Review and sign the Bill of Lading and keep a copy.

Create a Last-Minute Checklist:

• • Empty trash and fridge
  • Leave a few lights on, especially outdoor lighting, so that you’re house doesn’t appear to be abandoned
  • Set the Heating/Cooling System (HVAC) to a reasonable temperature for the time of year
  • Lock all doors and windows

 

8. Upon Arrival: Inventory and Settle In

Check the Inventory List:
As items are unloaded, use the inventory list to confirm everything arrives. Report any missing or damaged items immediately.

✅ Kentucky Tom Pro Tip: This requires a lot of patience and determinations on your part.  Why?  Movers and their load/unload team are paid by the job.  It’s in their best interest to complete the job quickly.  Take your time and ensure everything that was loaded is not only unloaded but also placed in the correct room.  This could save you a lot of time by immediately identifying and reporting to the moving company items that are missing or damaged.  The only way to make this happen is to be there during unloading and ensuring that boxes are placed in the correct rooms.  

✅ Kentucky Tom Pro Tip: If you have a substantial amount of items to move, unpacking everything while the movers are onsite may be impossible.  This is when your selection of movers becomes important:  when you discover that something is missing or damaged a week or month after unloading.  Prior to hiring them, ask your movers for a written statement about how to file a claim and how long the process takes (See Tip 9, below).

Tip Movers (Optional but Appreciated):
A common guideline is $20–$50 per mover per day, depending on complexity and service quality.

Start With Three Important Rooms:
Focus on setting up the bedroom, kitchen, and a full bathroom first so you have a functional space from the start.

 

9. File Claims Promptly (If Needed)

If anything was damaged or lost, contact the mover in writing within 9 months of delivery. Provide photos, documentation, and receipts when possible. Good movers respond quickly and fairly.

For Your Consideration

Interstate moves involve many moving parts—literally and figuratively. But when you take the time to plan, partner with trustworthy movers, and stay organized, you’ll protect your belongings and your peace of mind. Treat it as a fresh start, and embrace the opportunity to declutter and begin your next chapter thoughtfully.

Whether you’re moving for a job, family, or adventure, a smooth move sets the tone for your new life.

 

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