Tips for a successful long-distance move

Key Insights

• Declutter and get organized to simplify moving.
• Look at what moving options are available and compare ease and pricing.
• Pack and protect your belongings to avoid bumps, scrapes and cracks from happening en route.
• Think about your move and coordinate services for a more seamless transition.

It’s no secret that long-distance moves can be considerably stressful. By planning ahead and considering different cost-effective options, you can make relocating to your new home easier.

Declutter before you pack

First, work to declutter far in advance of your moving date. Sort through items prior to buying boxes or hiring movers so you don’t overbuy or overbook. If you’re moving to a new climate, rid yourself of the clothes you’ll no longer find necessary.

Pay special attention to the boxes that sit in storage – if you haven’t used them for a while, do you really need them? Consider donating gently used items to a shelter, or holding a yard or estate sale to make some additional money prior to moving.

Consider alternate modes of moving

While some homeowners may find it less expensive to rent a moving truck and relocate on their own, there are other alternatives to getting your stuff to your new home on a budget. Instead of hiring movers, you can have your items shipped and delivered once you arrive.

Rates offered by moving services can depend on multiple factors, including gas prices, so be sure to get estimates from multiple companies before making a decision. Edina Realty Relocation has partnerships set up with several moving services nationwide, and they can assist you in making your decision.

Pack and protect your belongings

Packing is a huge job, but there are plenty of tips and methods you can employ to make it manageable. Regardless of how you move, be sure you have the supplies needed to safely transport your fragile items.

Buy bubble wrap, packing paper and special boxes for artwork, mirrors, and other glassware or delicate items. You can also avoid buying new items by using existing household items, asking local shops for their boxes or taking them from a recently moved friend or neighbor (check Nextdoor or Facebook Marketplace). One thrifty and eco-friendly way to pack up your things is to use old sheets or blankets (that can stand a bit of wear and tear) to cover furniture or other larger items in the moving truck.

Once you start packing, keep room items together and color code the boxes to keep things organized. This will save you time and energy while unpacking and help you find items quickly.

Consider the actual move

Think about coordinating your arrival with your belongings. Will weather be a factor in how long it takes to arrive, what you’ll need to bring with you or how you’ll be updating, furnishing and putting away items in your new home? How about traveling long distances with kids or pets?

Will you be driving your own car or shipping items? If shipping, be sure to call well in advance and get confirmation of the exact date of arrival to be sure you will be in your new home. Call utility companies to have lights and heating or cooling working to make the experience more comfortable, and make sure any floor or wall protection is in place in time for the movers.

Get the moving help you need

Moving is a massive job. When you add long distances into the equation, it can feel even more insurmountable. Lean into the resources you have, like your REALTOR^®, who can recommend movers and other services to help you with your move. Your REALTOR can also connect you with our relocation services for additional help and resources.

For more assistance, your Edina Realty agent can provide access to Edina Realty’s Updater moving resources, which help you prep and complete your move with checklists, reminders, step-by-step guides and more. Updater is absolutely free and saves movers an average of five hours, $325 and 21 calls or emails.

If you’re starting your home-buying journey, consider working with one of our experienced agents and network of local real estate experts across the nation to not only find your dream home but make your move to it seamless and stress-free. Contact us today to get started!