Stress-Free Long Distance Moving: Key Tips

Start with a Positive Mindset (Read these tips first)

Moving can be challenging, but if you approach it with a positive mindset, it can become an exciting new chapter in your life. If you start off thinking that moving long distances is stressful, you’ll likely feel stressed the entire time. Instead, remember that you’re likely moving for a better life or for a good reason. Make it interesting and focus on the positive outcomes.

Consider all the great things that can come from this move. Even if you’re moving away for a less happy reason, think about the exciting opportunities ahead. Here are a few ideas to get you started, but making your own list will help set you off on the right track.

Positive affirmations 

• I get to decorate my new place: I get to style my new home exactly how I like and start fresh.
• I get to meet new people: This move gives me the chance to make new friends and build new connections.
• I get to explore new places: I can discover beautiful spots I’ve never visited before—parks, lakes, beaches, and more.
• I get to try new foods: I can experience new restaurants and cuisines that could become my new favorites.
• I get to reinvent myself: I can start anew where no one knows me, giving me the freedom to reinvent myself.

Remember, the stress you’re feeling won’t last forever. As Maya Angelou wisely said, ‘Every storm runs out of rain.’

 

Follow These Must-Know Packing and Organizing Tips

1. Declutter before you pack: Take advantage of your long-distance move to declutter. Eliminate oversized and heavy items you no longer need. Donate, sell, or recycle these items to reduce moving costs and start fresh in your new home.
2. Label boxes clearly: Label each box by room and content to simplify unpacking. Use color-coding or detailed labels for fragile items and destination rooms. This small step can save you hours of frustration later.
3. Pack a ‘first day/travel’ box and essentials for up to a month: Prepare a comprehensive box with items you’ll need immediately, during your journey, and in case of delays with the moving truck: chargers, snacks, first-aid kit, toiletries, clothing, important documents, basic tools, blankets, pillows, cleaning supplies, personal entertainment, medications, and disposable cutlery.
4. Use quality packing materials: Invest in high-quality packing tape, packing paper, and sturdy boxes. These materials will help safeguard your items during the move and ease the unpacking process.
5. Use wardrobe boxes: Wardrobe boxes help keep your clothes wrinkle free and protected from the weather. They make it easy to hang your clothes directly from the box to your new closet. Ask your moving company about wardrobe boxes—many offer them for free!

 

Ensure a Comfortable First Night: Plan for Your Mattress

On moving day, you’ll have your essentials packed in your first day box, including blankets and pillows. But what will you sleep on until your moving truck arrives with your furniture? With long-distance moving companies, delivery can sometimes take 1-2 weeks or even longer, leaving you in need of a quick solution for a good night’s rest.

Here are some options to ensure a comfortable first night in your new home:

1. Bring a temporary mattress: If you have the space, consider packing an inflatable mattress or a foldable bed in your first day box. It’s a convenient option for a temporary solution.
2. Purchase a mattress locally: Stores like IKEA often have same-day purchases available, allowing you to pick up a mattress on the spot. Alternatively, contact a local furniture store to arrange for a delivery on your arrival day.
3. Order online: For a hassle-free option order a mattress through Amazon. With Amazon Prime, you can get next-day delivery, ensuring you have a mattress ready for your first night. Just make sure to place your order at least a day before your move.

By preparing in advance, you’ll ensure a smoother transition and a restful first night in your new home.

 

Take Care and Treat Yourself

Amid the chaos of moving, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Moving is both physically and emotionally exhausting, so it’s crucial to:

• Take breaks: Give yourself regular rest periods.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Eat well: Fuel your body with nutritious meals.

A little self-care can significantly boost your energy levels. Additionally, remember to treat yourself, here are some examples:

• Listen to your favorite music: Enjoy some relaxing tunes to lift your spirits. Listen to the best moving playlist.
• Order your favorite food: Indulge in a meal you love.
• Visit the spa: Pamper yourself to unwind and de-stress.
• Order takeout: Consider budgeting for eating out or ordering takeout during the first few days to avoid doing dishes and save time.

 

Make It Fun for the Kids

Keeping your kids happy can make the move less stressful for everyone. Here are some fun ideas:

• Prepare surprise boxes: Prepare a special box that they can only open during the ride to the new place, and another one they can open when you arrive.
• Tell them they can choose their room paint color: Let them pick out the paint color for their new room to give them a sense of ownership and excitement.
• Give them their favorite foods/snacks: Make sure to have their favorite snacks or meals ready for when you arrive and/or on the road.
• Let them know it’s an exciting new venture: Share all the fun things the new place has to offer and talk about how they’ll make new friends.

Keeping them engaged and excited will help ensure a smoother transition for the whole family.

 

Reconfirm with Your Movers a Few Weeks Before

Avoid last-minute surprises by reaching out to your professional movers a few weeks before your move date. Confirm the moving schedule, addresses, and any special instructions with your long-distance movers. This will help ensure a smooth and seamless transition.

 

Hand It Over to MovingWaldo

Let MovingWaldo connect you with reputable long-distance moving companies at the best rates, ensuring you get top-notch service without overpaying. We simplify the moving process by providing trusted professionals and a free booking agent to handle everything from start to finish. 

For added convenience, consider hiring a full service moving company through us to handle packing, unpacking, and storage. Some companies even offer junk removal and move-out/move-in cleaning. This way, you can focus on settling into your new home without the stress of labor-intensive tasks.

 

Conclusion

Moving long-distance can be stressful, but with these tips, you can make it a lot smoother. Start planning early and use a moving checklist to keep everything on track. If you can, get friends and family involved to lighten the load and make it a bit more fun.

Keeping a positive attitude and staying organized will help make your move easier, whether you’re doing it yourself or using pros. Let MovingWaldo take some of the hassle out of your move by connecting you with the best movers and providing plenty of support along the way. Happy moving!