It’s common for people to feel a strong emotional bond to a place where they’ve spent their entire life, the city they call home. Packing up that life to settle somewhere else is not an easy decision, especially for those who find comfort in the familiar. However, sometimes, you have to take a leap of faith for a brighter future.
Moving to a new place also offers exciting career growth and advancement opportunities. That’s why around 8% of Americans relocate each year. Moving also provides a sense of tranquility and improved quality of life, and it’s especially true if you’re based in Fort Lauderdale and have been looking to move out. Sure, Fort Lauderdale is a beautiful place, but it lacks the serenity we all need on occasion. More importantly, the cost of living there is 20% higher than the state average and 21% higher than the national average, making it one of the most expensive states to live in. And that seems reason enough to consider such a move.
This article highlights essential things you should do when moving long-distance.
1. Don’t Do it Alone: Count on Movers
When you’re relocating, you’ve got a lot on your plate, and handling all the logistics alone can be exhausting. And it’s even more challenging if the move requires you to travel long distances. You might need a few chiropractor and massage therapist visits due to all that heavy lifting you’d be doing.
That’s why hiring professional movers who know the city’s routes would be ideal. So, suppose you’re moving out of Fort Lauderdale owing to the high cost of living, unpredictable weather situation, and congested traffic. In that case, we suggest hiring reliable Fort Lauderdale long distance movers to take the stress out of the equation and cherish the excitement of starting a new chapter in your life.
Hiring professional movers might seem a bit pricey, but it’ll be worth your money in the long run. After all, it’s better to pay movers to assist you with the move than to pay for physical therapy sessions to treat any strained muscles!
2. Don’t Wing it: Create a Checklist
You have to account for many things simultaneously while planning a long-distance move. If you want to stay organized and ensure a seamless transition, it’s better to plan ahead and create a list of everything you have to do. Planning and jotting down all your essential tasks will help you stay on top of everything and avoid the chaos at the eleventh hour.
Here’s how you can make a checklist:
- Decide on a moving date and make a schedule.
- Collect your packing supplies by gathering bubble wrap, boxes, tape, packing paper, and other required materials.
- Let the relevant authorities know about your move. Inform your bank, insurance companies, and postal service.
- Disconnect utilities at your current home and ensure they’re set up in your new house.
- Be mindful of the traveling arrangements. Make sure you pack your essentials and important documents separately.
3. Declutter Away!
Do you want to travel miles away carrying items that no longer serve their purpose? Well, this is your chance to declutter and start afresh. Relocating offers you a chance to start with a clean slate, so make sure you don’t carry things you no longer need. Clearing the clutter means you only keep things that bring noticeable value to your life and let go of anything that doesn’t have any use.
If the items are in good shape, you can even consider selling them online or donating them to schools, libraries, or a trusted charity.
Additionally, decluttering can lessen the physical burden of moving and help you spend less on transportation and packing supplies. It will also make your long-distance move more manageable, allowing you to start your new life with less stress when unpacking.
4. Pack Carefully
When the moving days are around the corner, start packing. The best way to lower your stress is to pack wisely. Strategic packing will make it easy to decide what to pack and what to discard. It will also save you from frantically rummaging through the boxes to get what you need.
If you want to improve your packing experience, you should label your boxes, as it makes it easy to identify your belongings and find anything you require while unboxing. For instance, you can put kitchen utensils in their own box. Similarly, you can pack liquids—Liquid soaps, bleach, detergents—in a separate container to avoid leakage and damage to other items.
We recommend choosing a labeling system you find convenient and intuitive. For example, some might find a color-coding system a practical option while packing. Also, don’t forget to pack your important documents, family heirlooms, and jewelry in a separate bag and keep it with you to avoid losing them.
5. Make Traveling Arrangements Beforehand
If you want your long-distance move hassle-free and smooth, make all your travel arrangements beforehand. Waiting until the last minute may lead to unnecessary stress and complications. Planning ahead will also allow you to secure the best deals and choose suitable travel dates. Most importantly, your mind will be at peace knowing everything is in order and taken care of. So, make those travel arrangements at least a month prior to the moving date.
6. Say Adios to Your Old Neighbors
When moving a long distance away, greeting your old neighbors before you leave is courteous. It’s thoughtful to say goodbye and express gratitude for the relationships you’ve built and the time you’ve spent together.
7. Familiarize Yourself with the New Environment
Sure, stepping out of your comfort zone and starting a new life in an unfamiliar place is hard, but acquainting yourself with the new place and learning about its cultural norms can make the transition a little easier. We also suggest you familiarize yourself with your new place’s transportation laws before you move.
Wrapping Up
Uprooting your entire life to start afresh in an unfamiliar setting sounds intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Relying on the best movers, making a checklist, clearing the clutter, and packing smartly can make the transition easier. Remember to go easy on yourself during the entire process, and if you’ve planned well, everything should go smoothly.