So you are packing up your life on the West Coast and getting ready to move to the East Coast. As you prepare for the adventure of a lifetime, you will probably wonder about how to plan your move. Long distance moves are a major undertaking, but this guide will go over some tips to make the experience easier for you.
1. The Bustle Will Be Familiar
Unlike if you were moving to a sleepy town in the Midwest or the South, the East Coast has just as much going on as the West Coast does. You will already be used to living among many different people, and the East Coast will be very similar in that regard. People of all different cultures and walks of life live in the crowded metropolises of the East Coast, so don’t worry about fitting in. In no time at all, you will feel right at home. Nonetheless, you still might run into culture shock, and it’s best to be prepared for it – though do recognize that it is normal.
2. Look Into Your Moving Options
There are some ways in which you can move. You can pack up all your things and ship them. You can hire movers to pack everything into a truck and drive. If you’re looking for the cheapest way to move long distance, you can rent a truck or, you can move with vehicles you already have at your disposal. Your decision will largely depend on the number of things you need to be moved as well as your budget. Availability of helpers or physical limitations might narrow your choices as well.
3. Decide Whether You Will DIY Or Hire Movers
Making moving arrangements with professional movers well in advance is to your advantage because availability can be an issue. If you decide to do it yourself, you won’t have to worry about scheduling with the professionals but you will need to make sure that you have enough time off to make the move and that any friends or family you need to help you are available.
4. Downsize As Much As Possible
Right before a move is the best time to go through your possessions and get rid of anything you no longer need. Excess items can be donated, sold, given to friends or thrown away. This is a good thing. It not only leaves you with less stuff to move but also forces you to cut down on things you don’t want or need.
5. Label Your Boxes
Labeling your boxes as you pack them up will make unpacking much easier and keep you organized during your move. Be detailed – put little lists on the side of each box. Labeling the boxes will also make it easier on movers to put boxes in the correct rooms when you reach your destination.
6. Measure Everything And Create Your Floorplan
Deciding where furniture is going to go ahead of time will make everything much easier. By creating a floorplan ahead of time, you can tell movers exactly where to set things down and you will not have to be moving furniture around until you have it where you want it. Having the furniture settled in will also leave you more room to stack boxes and other belongings.
Getting your move figured out will help relieve some stress as the big day approaches. Take a deep breath and follow these tips. Your move will go smoothly and you will be ready to begin your new life.