Moving Long Distance? 5 Things Every Homeowner Should Know Beforehand

Thinking about moving a long way from a current domicile? There's quite a bit more than packing that must be considered before hitting the road.

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Moving Long Distance? 5 Things Every Homeowner Should Know Beforehand

Posted by Gary Ashton on Monday, November 18th, 2019 at 10:05am.

What Homeowners Need to Know About Moving Long DistanceThinking about moving a long way from a current domicile? While packing and loading a truck is easy, there's quite a bit more that must be taken into account before hitting the road and calling it a victory. Here are some long-distance moving tips and essential actions for Hendersonville homeowners to address before departure.

1. Inventory and Insure Your Belongings

After taking time to downsize to just what is really worth making the long haul journey, take an inventory while packing. This helps keep things organized and easy to find when arriving in your new place. Knowing what needs to be moved allows for better accuracy concerning moving services and transportation costs.

Another benefit of the inventory list is it streamlines the process of filing a claim, should any items be lost or damaged in transit. Of course, this is only possible if a special insurance policy is purchased either through the moving company or private insurers. Moving insurance is well worthwhile, as the American Moving & Storage Association states up to 20% of moves require at least one claim.

2. Pack Properly for a Long-Distance Move

There's a big difference between moving cross-country and a few miles away. Local moves often require a few hand-me-down boxes carelessly packed into a car and trekked over a few at a time. Long-distance moves work very differently from short hauls, and goods may be transported and handled by multiple movers and transferred from truck to truck along the way. This means the more secure things are packed, the better chance they have of arriving safely.

Go ahead and invest in high-quality boxes, sturdy packing tape and extra padding and cushioning to keep boxes full and sealed, Never pack any foods that can attract critters, get crushed or spoil. Avoid packing any liquids, as they can spill and soil personal items, including those of other customers whose items may be traveling in the same truck.

3. Make Plans for Pets and Kids for a Few Days

Moving out and getting moved in can be stressful and hectic on everyone, but pets and kids in particular can get unruly or even become overwhelmed. Have a friend or hire someone to watch little ones and furry friends while the major action is underway. Ultimately, this will save a lot of time and ensure the work gets done on time, and owners can get on the road with a bit of remaining sanity.

4. Be Mindful of Mover's Delivery Windows

It's vital to pay careful attention to the potential delivery window for belongings to arrive at the new home, as it can take up to three weeks to make the transfer. This can often be avoided by scheduling with a moving company as soon as possible, especially during busy moving seasons like the summertime. Because long distance moves require a lot of logistical considerations by moving companies, they'll offer customers a ‘delivery window' of a several-day period.

5. Get to Know the New Community Before Moving In

If it's possible to tour the city for a visit while looking for a new home or apartment, that will make the first few days much easier for everyone. When checking the city out in person isn't possible, the Internet can certainly provide a good bit of information and can make new residents feel more comfortable navigating the area and finding what they need with less stress.

Long distance moving tips can't do it all for homeowners taking on a new journey, but this advice can set them on the path to a successful move with less drama and unnecessary expense and hassles.

 

Gary Ashton

The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage

The #1 RE/MAX team in the World!

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