Whether moving to a college dorm or moving a family to the new residence, planning will take much of the stress and hassle away from an interstate move.

Before The Move

• When you suspect a move may be possible, organize and do closet cleanouts. You may be surprised to find out what you don’t need, no longer use, or can do without.
• If donating, don’t forget those receipts for tax writeoffs.
• Start packing those unused items that are in storage in the back of the closets, or out-of-the-way garage corners and cupboards.
• Label your boxes as you pack either by room or by need.

Also think about the logistics of a move – transportation to be used, time and money spent for the move, and how you want to pack. If you have the budget, you may want to book professional moving services to make the move less daunting. Develop a general plan and stick with it as much as possible, so you don’t get overwhelmed by details. The master plan will allow flexibility in the details as long as you have the main guidelines in place.

To save money by doing your packing, contact interstate moving companies for used cartons at no charge. Also, contact recycling facilities and newspaper offices for packing materials. Many people combine doing their packing for the “stuff,” and let the movers pack the furniture.

If not using your vehicle, then you will need to do research on which rental company has the vehicle option to fit your needs and budget.

If using a moving company, have questions ready to ask.

• Especially when moving a household, ask the moving spread dates. The estimated arrival dates can occur over a date-range, as a moving truck can hold a multiple of customers’ items.
• Make sure the company and its drivers are insured. Most companies should have that information displayed on their website and their paperwork.

Will you be shipping your vehicle across the country, or driving? Strangely enough, once you factor in meals and hotel expenses, driving your vehicle may turn out to be more expensive than shipping the vehicle and taking a train or plane to your destination.

The Move

• Make sure to have utilities hooked up at your destination by the time you arrive.
• If using a moving company, exchange contact information with the drivers. Also confirm with the drivers the place where your items are being delivered, making sure everyone is on the same page.

Prepare a first night box or bag that will travel with you. Include anything that will help you get by for the first day or two of “roughing it.” such things as

• Bandaids
• First aid kit
• trash bags
• extension cord
• paper towels
• dish soap
• hand-towel and washcloth
• hooks for hanging
• minor tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrench, and hammer.

An organized move can be a fun adventure and a treasured family memory for years to come, so plan what you can, and enjoy the rest.

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ovalcree

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