When moving, there's a lot to coordinate, especially when the move is a long distance one. With a little forethought, however, getting into a new home can be quick, simple and less expensive than might be expected.
Check to make sure that the movers you hire have the right equipment and offer insurance. This will ensure that your furniture and other items are not damaged as they are moved, transported and unloaded. For example, two movers may be able to move a couch with just muscle power, but moving a piano requires special moving belts and a flat dolly. Ask if they have extra packing material such as blankets for items that could get scratched or broken, and get the insurance agreement in writing so you know the coverage limits.
Do "spring cleaning" as you pack. When moving a short distance, unused or unnecessary items tend to be kept because short moves do not always require the rental of a moving truck; people move with their own vehicles and make many small trips back and forth between the new property and the old one. In a long-distance move, however, all of the items have to be moved at one time. This translates (usually) to renting a moving truck or hiring a moving company. The larger the truck, the more expensive the move will be, so getting rid of what isn't used or needed while packing will save money because a smaller truck size is possible. Cleaning also allows a person to prepare mentally for the long move; you can toss out items associated with things from the old community or home that you do not want to remember or which will not help you in your new life.
Make a thorough list of utilities and tasks that need to be transferred, turned on or completed by the time you arrive at your destination. In the hurry of moving, it can be difficult to keep track of things like when the electricity will be turned on in the new home. It is even more difficult to coordinate utilities and tasks given that hours of operation for some utility companies may not correspond to the time or day that you plan to arrive. By making a list, you can keep track of what utilities and tasks need attention and which ones have been completed.
