As with so many other major projects, the best way to prepare for moving house is to get as much information as possible in advance. One of the first decisions you will have to make will be whether to hire professional movers or to do it all yourself. Hiring professional movers, especially long distance movers, can make the whole process go much more smoothly, since they will literally do the heavy lifting. This will free you up to keep an eye on the logistics, make sure that kids and pets are safe and comfortable during the move, and to take care of all other details.
Should you hire a moving service?
Should you do-it-yourself or hire professional movers? Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, moving can be a big project. Like any other big project, it will go more smoothly if you plan everything out ahead of time. While nearly two-thirds of all movers, or 62%, move to a new home in the same county, long distance moves come with some special challenges. Not only will you have to pack everything, you will have to plan to run your household on minimal supplies for a few days at both your old and your new homes.
This is one of the best reasons to pick professional long distance movers to do the heavy lifting for you. They have the training, manpower and supplies to pack, ship and unpack your entire household with the greatest care for your belongings. There will still be plenty for you to do. Essentially, during the move, you will be running a minimalist household, with basic supplies for a few days.
Moving is an adventure
Whether you’re doing a local move or a long distance move, it’s easier if you can treat it like an adventure. And if you can persuade your kids and pets to treat it as an adventure as well. In fact, you could think of it as a sort of camping trip at the end of which you and your household will be comfortably ensconced in your new home. As with any adventure, you should begin by making a list of essentials you will need for the duration.
This will include basic clothing and toiletries, food items that can be eaten without heating, drinks that can be transported easily, any necessary medications, and of course your GPS tracker. In fact, if you can find the time to research your route and your destination ahead of time, you will be able to orient yourself much more easily en route and on arrival. Another list should have all the necessary tasks like shutting down utilities and cable at your old home and starting the services at the new one, changes of address for the post office, bank accounts, credit cards etc, and finding a local doctor, vet and dentist at your new location.
How to find a good moving service
It’s important to put a little time and effort into finding a good local or long distance mover. After all, they will be handling all your worldly belongings and household items for a few days, and you want to be sure that these are safe hands. Most local and long distance movers now have their own websites, with all kinds of information and customer reviews. But the best way to find the right movers is to talk to them.
You’ll get a sense right away of their attitude to the job and to you, the client. Communication is important and you want to be sure that they will answer all questions you may have and address all concerns. You should confirm that they are insured and bonded, that they have the right supplies, and that they will be punctual. Once you’ve done all your planning in advance, you’re free to enjoy your moving adventure.
Moving can be a major project, and professional local or long distance movers can help to make it an easier one. It’s important to find the right moving services, so you can be sure that your belongings are in good hands.