The landscape in the United States looks much different than it did before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the world has begun to reopen and people are beginning to venture out to live life again, one significant change is becoming a norm in business. Working remotely has increased nationwide, and many businesses are continuing this trend instead of having their staff return to the office.
In addition, the newfound freedom that many individuals are experiencing because of their new permanent work-from-home status has prompted them to reconsider how and where they live. In this article, Summit Way Realty will provide some of the top tips on how to plan a long distance move.
Planning for a Long Distance Move
Life is an adventure, and when you have the opportunity to work from anywhere you want, it might be time to make that long-distance move you have been dreaming of. Whether you are moving closer to your loved ones or want a space with plenty of land to roam, the move is never simple. However, with enough preparation, your move doesn’t have to cause a significant interruption in your life. Below are some of the top tips to help you prepare for your long-distance move.
Contact an Experienced Real Estate Agency
When you make your decision to move, one of the first things to do is to find the perfect home or piece of property in the location you want to live. Hiring a real estate agent is the best way to get started. Your agent will be able to provide you with listings in the area you are interested in and help you navigate purchasing your new home. Finding the right agent to work with is crucial. The experienced agents at Summit Way Realty are here to help you sell your existing home and find the perfect property for the next chapter of your life.
Make a Plan, Prepare Your Home, and Schedule Services
Once you confirm your move, it’s time to start making moving plans. Create a detailed to-do list with dates for each task you need to do. We recommend starting backward from the date you plan to arrive at your new home. You’ll need to plan how to transfer your belongings, transportation for your family, pets, and cars. The sooner you make reservations for airfare or hotels on your driving route, the better off you will be.
Likewise, if you need to schedule a temporary rental until your new home is ready, it’s best done as far in advance as possible. Keep to-do lists, calendars, receipts, and estimates all in one place to stay organized.
Contact the Professionals
As soon as you have a plan in place, it’s time to shop around to get estimates for moving companies. Be sure to thoroughly read through what each company includes in their moving packages, along with the insurance they offer for your belongings. Most companies provide a limited insurance policy that you may need to supplement with additional coverage. Accidents can happen, and it’s better to make sure you understand what your coverage is ahead of time.
Additionally, if you need a vehicle mover or pet moving services, you will also need to get estimates for these services. Finally, don’t forget to schedule move-out and move-in cleaning services for your current and new home!
Make Your Reservations
Once you have all your estimates, It’s time to choose which companies you will use and schedule your moving dates. The countdown is on, and you will want to stay on track with your plan to ensure everything goes smoothly. If your family and pets are traveling separately from your household belongings, start booking flights or hotel accommodations for your travel. If necessary, make plans for temporary housing in your new location also.
Prepare for Pets
Moving with pets can add another layer of stress in a long-distance move. Your pets are like family, and you want to make sure their safety is first for their transportation. The most convenient and easy way to transport most pets is in your vehicle. However, this is not always practical. Something to consider is that airlines may have different policies for pet transport depending on the type of pet you have.
Regardless of the mode of transport you choose for your pet; it is essential to have a travel crate and pet supplies such as food and medication for their transport. Additionally, be sure to update your pet’s vaccinations and health records at your veterinarian’s office, as you will need this for the airline or transportation service you use.
Decide What to Take, Donate or Throw Away
When it comes to long-distance moves, every bit of space counts. Start by going through each room of your home to decide what you are taking. You can donate, sell, recycle, or throw away any items you no longer want or need if it is not in good condition. While this is a time-consuming process, it is well worth it as you do not want to pay a moving company to transport items you will throw out.
Time to Pack
Packing is a whole process in itself. Start the process of packing away items you do not use daily and pack as you go. By packing this way, it won’t feel as intimidating. You will need to locate sturdy moving boxes, wrapping for fragile items, packing tape, labels, and a good marker to write on the boxes, so you know what is in each box. Labeling your boxes will help you with unpacking everything when you get to your destination.
Mail, Utilities, Credit Cards, Banking, and Vital Documents
Before your move, it is essential to submit a change of address to your post office a minimum of two weeks in advance, so your mail is transferred by the time you arrive at your new home. Additionally, plan ahead by calling utility companies at your current home to schedule shut-offs, and schedule new utilities for the home you are moving to.
You will also want to contact your creditors and banks to make them aware of your change of address. Next, gather any essential school, medical, or veterinary documents. Finally, don’t forget to schedule a time to take care of driver’s licenses, auto registrations, insurance policies, and voter registrations at your new location as quickly as possible.
Make a list of everyone you need to contact to include subscriptions, bank accounts, creditors, and any other entity that may need your new home address. Keep your list in an accessible spot, such as in a planner or on your refrigerator, so you check off items you complete or add to the list as you go.
Identify and Pack Essential Items
Begin a list of all the things you need on hand while in transit or immediately when you get to your destination. Include things like medications, critical documents, clothes, toiletries, pet food, and other supplies such as a first aid kit. Pack these essential items in your luggage or ship them to arrive ahead of time at your new home. Set aside money to tip the professionals you hire as well as the money you may need along the way.
Safety First
While the pandemic seems to be winding down, the airline, hotel, and or state you are moving to may have their own rules regarding community health and safety. Be sure to prepare ahead of time by having facemasks and hand sanitizer for the whole family. Finally, go through any restrictions on what can and cannot pack with your possessions.
Farewells and Good Wishes
You’ll be pretty busy in the weeks leading up to your relocation, but you will most certainly want to spend time with family, friends, and neighbors you are leaving behind. You are embarking on a new chapter of life, but you are also leaving behind the life you have known. Saying your farewells can be emotional. However, farewell doesn’t mean goodbye forever!
Get Ready to Travel
Before you leave for your new home, have a plan to keep your children and pets entertained, especially if you’re going by car. Be sure to charge all electronic devices before you leave and enjoy the journey by taking rest stops, sightseeing, or visiting friends on your route.
Last Tips on a Long Distance Move
Moving is stressful, and it seldom goes according to plan, which is why having a solid plan for your long-distance move is so important. Summit Way Realty is the real estate agency you can trust, and we are here to help you throughout the entire process. Selling your home, finding your dream home, and everything in between is quite the adventure. Hire our expert realtors to make the adventure worthwhile. Get in touch with our Kansas City Real Estate Agency today!
