The thought of moving cross-country into a brand-new home that feels like the right fit for you is undoubtedly exciting. You can't help but fantasize about your life in it, and you do it long before you've even begun the transition. However, it's not all rainbows and sunshine when it comes to your new life. Before you can start the next chapter, you must deal with the relocation process. Planning and executing it is not simple, but it's still manageable. At the end of the day, it all comes down to getting organized during an interstate move. But how exactly can you accomplish that? You can start by following the tips we have compiled here.
How to get organized during a long-distance move?
Moving long-distance doesn't have to be a daunting task. You can majorly simplify it through some careful planning. Knowing what steps to take and taking them on time will spare you the headache during transport and make the unpacking less unnerving. The good thing is that getting organized during an interstate move isn't all that hard. There is an order to it that, when stuck to, can even turn the whole experience into one worth remembering.
Begin preparations as early as possible
The key to a successful long-distance relocation lies in dealing with preparations early. You can't expect your relocation to go smoothly if you deal with everything last minute. Instead of handling problems on the go, devise a moving plan as early as possible. Some say four weeks prior to the move is the ideal time to start preparing. However, you will likely need even more time as you will have to deal with things such as:
Decluttering
Cleaning
Packing
Paperwork
Once you've determined the right time to begin organizing the cross-country move, you can start getting into details. Make a list of all the things you need to complete before "the day" comes and keep it handy to make sure you stay on schedule. As far as writing everything down goes, you can either do it the old-fashioned way on a piece of paper or through an app. The choice is entirely yours.
Decide on a budget
A budget is a huge factor that can majorly impact the entirety of your move. It's the size of your wallet that decides things such as whether to handle the relocation on your own or hire professionals to do it for you. Being aware of just how much money you've got at your disposal can help you plan your expenses in a more efficient way.
Should you do it yourself or hire professional movers?
This is something you must figure out on your own. However, before you make up your mind, remember that DIY moves take longer, they are a lot more stressful, and the risk for injuries is significantly higher. On the other hand, they are more affordable and can be successfully tackled with the help of friends and family. When it comes to professional movers, they have the necessary tools and the know-how to provide adequate assistance in this process. Choosing residential movers for the task is almost exclusively a better option. If you can afford them, that is.
Get organized by dealing with clutter
The key to staying on track with your interstate relocation is to declutter before you start packing. People have a habit of hoarding unnecessary items, and you don't want this habit to transfer to your new home. The goal is for it to remain neat and organized for as long as possible. That's why selecting what to keep and what to get rid of is essential. Instead of simply throwing out what you don’t need anymore, opt for selling or donating. If you are tight on money, the first option could really help with the finances. However, if money isn't an issue, consider donating your belongings to a thrift store or charity.
Keep important documentation in one place
Chances are, when your relocation process begins, you'll be met with a ton of paperwork. Deeds, bills, legal, and medical documents, you name it! Keeping track of everything with paperwork scattered all around is really difficult. To avoid the mess and ensure you are getting organized during an interstate move, keep the documentation in one place. Depending on the number of documents you have, a folder, a binder, or a box will do the trick.
Pack smart
What many wish they knew while relocating was that packing smart is achievable without much effort. With enough time, the right strategy, and the right supplies, the whole process can be a breeze. Of course, it's also important to know where to start, as you can't just pack your items in random order. The rule of thumb is to start with items you don't use as often and leave the frequently used ones for the end. Packing things room by room might also be a good idea. You can even assign a color to each room and color code your boxes accordingly. And don't forget to label the boxes! This will save you some precious time and prevent you from frantically searching for what you need.
Prepare an emergency bag
Getting organized during an interstate move implies keeping essential items at hand. You will want to prepare a bag with everything you'll need during the transport. That includes food, water, medication, toiletries, and documents. If you are moving with children, don't forget that keeping their favorite toys or blankets on hand will significantly ease the transition, as well.
