Here are some of the best things you can do to ensure a smooth long-distance or local move and to hopefully have an enjoyable journey to a new home.

Do Your Research

A cross-country move or even just relocating across a couple of state lines will take a lot of planning. Assuming you have time on your side, the planning process should start as soon as possible.

We’re here to help streamline your research because at Best-Movers.com, we know how much information is out there and we’re committed to making things simpler. Before you decide anything, it’s important to compare prices, decide what services are necessary, and get estimates for your specific move.

Do Your Research - Best-Movers

Make a Budget

Always assume it will cost more than you think when creating a budget. Account for gas and tolls, stopping for food along the way, and if you’re making a cross-country move, perhaps you’ll need to stay in a few hotels along the way.

Consider what resources are available to you and for additional assistance, and use the tools we have here at Best-Movers.com to find a reliable moving company at a rate that works for you.

Make a Budget - Best-Movers

Less is More

The less stuff that needs to move, the better. Moving away is a great reason to downsize in every aspect of your life and to have a fresh start in a new place. Plus, most of the companies you’ll find on Best-Movers.com (or anywhere else for that matter) charge by weight and volume, so getting rid of unnecessary stuff will save money as well.

A good rule of thumb when going through your belongings: if you haven’t used it in the last 6 months and it holds no sentimental value, let it go. It becomes apparent how much stuff you really don’t need or use which will make it easier to part with.

Less is More - Best-Movers

Sell, Donate, or Throw Away

Once you know what won’t be moving with you, try selling it first. Have a yard sale or go to a consignment shop. Use one of the countless online seller websites like eBay or Amazon. There are even apps these days that make it easy to sell clothes and furniture.

With whatever you couldn’t sell, there are plenty of places to donate gently used items. And for anything that’s truly unwanted and unusable, simply toss it. For things like cleaning and beauty products, do your best to use everything up before you leave and if not, toss those too.

Sell, Donate, or Throw Away - Best-Movers

Pack with Purpose

It’s not smart to just start a packing free-for-all. Make sure you have everything that’s needed before you start and plan to pack room by room. And make it fun!

Ask around for free boxes at local grocery stores or even from friends who may have recently moved. If not, stores like home improvement stores or van rental companies offer packing supplies at reasonable prices.

Oversized boxes probably aren’t the best option since they’ll be hard to carry once full and don’t forget tape, markers, and bubble wrap or newspaper for delicate items.

Start by packing away decorations, seasonal items like winter jackets if it’s warm out and stuff for the holidays, and any belongings that you won’t be using on a daily basis. As the move gets closer, you can set aside anything you’ll use for the last few days and pack the rest.

As you pack, label the boxes with its contents and what room they belong in. Label them on every side so you can see it no matter which way the boxes are stacked. Pack everything as tightly as possible to avoid anything breaking on transit. For a long-distance move it’s a long way to go, so pack your stuff snugly and securely.

Pack with Purpose - Best-Movers

Hire a Moving Company

The absolute best way to ensure a smooth move is to hire a moving company that specializes in long-distance or local moves. Here at Best-Movers.com we work with a broad range of expert moving professionals all across the country. You can trust that any long-distance or local moving company we work with is fully vetted and reliable. Use our tools for estimating cost and take advantage of the valuable information on our site to take the stress out of finding a quality moving company.

Things to keep in mind when using Best-Movers.com to hire a moving company include a few things. What services do they offer? Do they have locations in my area? Do they charge by the hour or in a lump sum? Once you figure out what you’ll need from a long-distance or local mover, you’ll be able to quickly compare offers using our site with much less hassle.

And it’s not just moving companies that should be considered. Packing companies and cleaning companies are also available and Best-Movers.com can help with that, too.

Hire a Moving Company - Best-Movers

Out With The Old…

It’s exciting to move to a new city and with lots to look forward to, it can be easy to let the old place fall to the wayside. But this isn’t a good idea.

As packing begins and the move date approaches, make sure that any repairs that have been put off get completed. Leaky rooves, loose cabinets, stained carpets … these will all be necessary to take care of before going. With homeowners, fixing things up will pay you back as you’re more likely to get higher offers on your home.

Same goes for renters. Fixing up the place before moving will ensure the landlord returns your full security deposit which will surely come in handy for the big move.

Make sure not to forget to forward your mail to the new address and to turn off all utilities. Make a list of all the loose ends that need tying and be sure to do so before leaving.

Out With The Old - Best-Movers

…In With The New

Once you arrive in your new city or new apartment, there are a few final steps to take. These days, most DMV and residential services are available online. Double check with the new local government to find deadlines for changing residency and from there it will be a breeze to register vehicles, register to vote, and enroll children in schools.

With the help of Best-Movers.com and countless weeks of planning and executing, finally being in your new home will feel incredible. So, enjoy it!

In With The New - Best-Movers