Let’s face it: moving to a whole new city, especially if it’s far away, is a pretty big deal. Whether you’re moving to or from an exciting place like Jacksonville, FL, long-distance moving has a ton of moving variables. The idea of starting fresh somewhere new is super thrilling, but the logistics of getting there is not so much.
It can be hard to know what to bring, how to get it all to where it needs to be, and when to do what. Throw in a new city with its rhythm, systems and quirks, and things can be a little overwhelming. But have no fear — it doesn’t have to be this way. A good plan, some level-headedness and the right approach can help you handle it.
We’ve put together a no-frills guide to navigating your long-distance move in this article.
Know Your Moving Options
Some people might not even know this, but you have various moving options, some certainly easier than others.
These are the most popular paths:
- DIY move – You rent a truck and do the packing, driving, and unloading on your own. It is quite affordable but a lot of work.
- Hiring full service movers – They do the work for you. Packing, loading, driving, and unloading is part of the package. While it costs more, it is a lot less frustrating.
- Going half and half – You may pack, and they may transport. Or they ship the heavy stuff and you drive your car.
If you’re moving away from the city, find long distance movers in Jacksonville that specialize in out-of-state moves. A good company will offer:
- Packing and unpacking help
- Insurance for your things
- Effective logistics and safe passage
Be sure to read reviews, get estimates from a couple of companies and ensure that the company is licensed and insured.
How to Create a Moving Checklist (Yes, It’s Important)
Think you can make a mental note of everything and remember it? Think again! This is a surefire way of losing things and missing important dates.
This is where a moving checklist comes in. You can just write it in a notebook, use a spreadsheet, or if that’s more your jam, you can get a moving app.
Here’s what to include:
- Notify your landlord or HOA
- Shut off or transfer utilities
- Update your address with banks, subscriptions and the post office
- 2-3 months before: Hire movers or reserve a moving truck
- Purchase packing materials such as boxes, tape, and bubble wrap
Tick them off as you go so you can see how far you’ve got and feel at least a little less panicked.
Get Rid of Things You Don’t Actually Need
The truth is that most of us own way more than we possibly could need. And the last thing you want to do is pay to haul stuff across the country that should have been tossed years ago.
Here’s how to handle it:
- To organize, go through each room and form four piles: keep, donate, sell or trash.
- Sell furniture or electronics on the web to make a little cash.
- Donate clothes or household items to a nearby charity.
- Toss anything that’s broken or unusable.
The fewer things you move with, the less expensive it is. Besides, it feels great to shed some weight in anticipation of a new beginning.
Get to Know Your New City
No need to save this step for moving day. A little bit of homework beforehand makes the experience of getting there so much easier.
Here’s what to look up:
- Nearest grocery store, gas station, and bank from your home
- If you have children, the best schools or daycare centers
- Bus routes
- Places to eat, relax or make new friends nearby
Learning about your new environment beforehand helps you be prepared. You’ll be more at home and feel less like an estranged outsider.
Set a Realistic Moving Budget
Moving long distances can entail a million little things and their cost can add up. That’s why it’s super important that you set up a budget—and really stick to it.
Things to factor in:
- Charges for a moving company or a rental truck
- Packing materials (and you can never have enough)
- Storage unit fees (if needed)
- Gas, tolls, or flights
- Food and hotels on the trip
- Tips for movers
And do have some wiggle room in your budget for unexpected expenses. For instance, boxes may rip; you may be one tape roll short, or perhaps your car is due for a tune-up. A buffer will protect you from feeling like everything is going wrong when it actually isn’t.
Take Extra Care While Handling Delicate and Precious Items
So, let’s get real —no matter how much you try, things can go wrong. This often happens when you’re handling fragile or valuable things.
Here are a few helpful tips:
- Use bubble wrap or thick towels to wrap breakable items like glass, mirrors and dishes.
- Pack in sturdy, correctly sized boxes so they don’t shift around too much.
- Mark boxes “FRAGILE.”
- Take valuables — like jewelry, legal documents and laptops — with you, not in the moving truck.
If you’ve hired movers, inquire about their policies on packing breakables. There are some that will even arrange it for you and provide you with a guarantee in case something breaks.
Do Not Try to Unpack Everything in One Day
You made it! You’re in your new place. Now what?
Here’s what you don’t want to do: try to unpack every box the moment you arrive. You’ll only get burned out and feel overwhelmed.
Instead:
- Begin with the basics — clothes, toiletries, bedding, and everyday kitchen stuff.
- Take it room by room, and don’t rush.
- Stay organized as you go.
It’s perfectly fine if your last box remains unpacked for a week (or more). It’s about getting comfortable and getting settled, step by step.
Long-distance relocations are always challenging. There’s no two ways about it. But they don’t need to be this difficult either.
Here’s the short version:
- Begin early and allow plenty of time.
- Plan, and try to stick to that plan as closely as possible.
- Select the best moving help for you.
- Pack smart
- Familiarize yourself with your new location in advance.
At the end of the day, this transition is an opportunity to begin afresh. With the proper preparation and mindset, you’ll survive your long haul move.
So take a deep breath, and get started. You’ve got this.
