Long-Distance Moving Checklist
If you are planning to move across the state or across the country, then you will need to develop a plan to make sure your move goes as smoothly as possible. Use a long-distance moving checklist to make sure that the important items before, during and after the move are handled with care.
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Get Rid of Excess Items
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Approximately eight weeks prior to moving, you need to take an inventory of all your household items and decide which ones are going with you and which ones are not, according to the moving experts at the Movers Directory. Give away items to friends and family, donate some items to charity or hold a yard sale and make a profit from your excess belongings. Whatever you do not sell at your yard sale you can give away and donate as well. Get your items to be moved down to only the essentials.
Choose a Moving Company
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Interview a variety of moving companies and ask to see references for other long- distance moves they have done and to see and proof of their insurance. Be sure to call the references and ask about the service the company rendered. Once your belongings are packed and the trip has begun, you cannot change movers. So find movers you are comfortable with after taking the time to do a detailed search.
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Pack Fragile Belongings
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If you can, you may want to pack and move your fragile belongings yourself. It may require renting a truck, but it would be worth it to make sure your family heirlooms are under your supervision for the entire trip.
Contact Utility Companies
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When there are three to four weeks to go before your move, contact the utility companies in the area you are leaving to arrange disconnection the day you leave. Contact the utility companies at your destination to arrange turning on service the day you arrive. Call again to confirm both locations a week prior to the move.
Communicate With Family
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Discuss your moving schedule with your family. Let them know exactly what day you are leaving, what day you plan on arriving and the route you intend to take. Once you have arrived at your new home, call your family to let them know you are safe. If you do not call when you are supposed to, then your family has the information they need to contact the authorities. A long-distance move can be unpredictable. It helps to protect yourself in as many ways possible.
Contact Schools
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One month prior to the move you need to contact the school district you are leaving, and the school district you are moving to in order to make arrangements for your children, if you have any. Contact the school district office in each area to make sure that all of the necessary paperwork has been filed in order to continue your child's education.
Call Movers
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Ask the moving company for a phone number to contact the movers who have your belongings, and contact them once a day to check on progress. Give the movers your cellular phone number and insist that they call if there are any changes to the schedule.
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References
Resources
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