There’s a lot that needs to be considered while planning a long-distance move. Staying organized will help you manage the task and minimize your stress. Create a binder to store all your receipts, appointments, packing lists, and other essential documents, and then use the following guide for moving into your new home without any hiccups. 

A Weekly Timeline for Long-Distance Moving 

8 Weeks Before

First, make an inventory of your most valuable items — furniture, jewelry, artwork, and electronics, for example. You can refer to this list later to make sure everything has been safely moved and use it to purchase insurance to protect these items. 

Go through your belongings and remove anything that’s fallen into disrepair or sits unused. Separate the items you want to donate from those that need to be thrown away.

As soon as you have a relocation date, make a reservation with a moving company. They typically accept appointments several months in advance and might have limited availability if you have a last-minute move. 

4 Weeks Before

If you rent property, notify your landlord of your departure at least 30 days in advance. You can also take this opportunity to schedule a walk-through to happen the week you plan to move out. 

Pack nonessentials and seasonal items. Use new boxes to ensure the cardboard is sturdy and won’t bottom-out during the transition. Come up with a labeling system that will make it easy for you to unpack items by room when you’re set up at your new place.

2 Weeks Before

Call your cable and utility companies and cancel or transfer your service. You should thoroughly clean your house or apartment to ensure you get a full deposit back; don’t forget to clean out the basement, attic, garage, and shed, if applicable.  

Decide what you need to do before leaving the neighborhood. For example, return library books, transfer prescriptions to a new pharmacy, and close your accounts if you use a local credit union or regional bank. 

The Week of Your Move 

Notify the postal service of your move and forward your mail to your new address. You should also give your new address to your employer, friends, and family. 

By this point, you should be prepared to live out of one or two suitcases. All your other belongings should be securely packed and ready to go. 

Do a final walk-through before leaving your old home. Take out the trash, turn off the air conditioning, and make sure all the windows are closed. When you’re ready to leave, lock up all the doors and leave the keys at the agreed-upon location for the realtor or new inhabitants. 

If you’re moving out of Rowan County, NC, Salisbury Moving & Storage can ease the transition. The company has served residents and businesses since 1983 and can ensure your belongings are safe every step of the journey. To learn more about their long-distance professional movers, visit their website or call (704) 638-0723.