Moving across the country is not something you can rush; it entails careful planning and weeks of preparation to get everything settled. If you’ve accumulated a lot of stuff over the years, a long-distance move can be challenging. Luckily, there are ways to make moving simple, such as using rental furniture when you arrive instead of hauling every piece with you. Below are a few more tips for a trouble-free, cross-country move.      

How to Make Long-Distance Moves Easy

1. Plan Ahead

As soon as you know you’re moving, draft a plan on how you’ll tackle your tasks from packing to traveling. This includes setting a budget for the move and drawing up a schedule of activities. When budgeting for expenses, examine your options for moving as these will depend on factors like time constraints, your level of involvement, and the number of belongings being moved. Make your arrangements in advance to avoid last-minute, uncoordinated plans.

2. Stick to a Schedule

Once you have a moving calendar, stick to it. It’s easy to forget some tasks in the process, such as updating paperwork and installing utilities, so keep reminders in your phone or on a calendar. Decide which chores are time-sensitive and most important, and put these on the top of the list. Come up with a master list, so you can cross off items as they are completed.

3. Work With Professionals

With long-distance moves, you don’t have to do everything by yourself. Hire a reputable moving company to transport your possessions. If your budget allows, you can also work with professional packers and cleaners to ease the transition even more.

4. Downsize & Prioritize

Packing typically takes a lot of time, and when done wrong, it can put you behind schedule. Before tackling this chore, pack only the essentials first, such as clothes, important documents, medications, and valuables. For quick moves, dispose of worn out sofas and clunky coffee tables and choose rental furniture for the short-term. Dispose of extraneous items by selling or donating them—a lighter load is good for your pocket and new life.  

5. Check Your Move-In Situation

Before moving, be sure to take stock of your new surroundings. Have the utilities installed and functional by the time you come in. Since movers may take weeks before arriving at your new place, rental furniture can help you settle in and feel at home while the rest of your belongings are transported.

To settle down in your new place fast, consider furniture rental from McGuire Furniture Rental & Sales. Located in Maryland Heights, MO, the company offers a broad range of used, new, and rental furniture throughout St. Louis. Call (314) 997-4500 to ask about rental availability, and check out their rental packages for bedroom and living room furniture online.