Moving – Plan for the Road Ahead

Whether you are headed down the street or across the country, you want to know how your stuff is going to get there, how you are going to get there and what needs to be done when you arrive. This process can be streamlined with one afternoon of phone calls and research.

How Is Your Stuff Going To Get There

Everyone has “stuff” and you wan to make sure that it all gets to the same location, preferably, at the same time. If you haven't already, consider hiring a moving company that can handle the packing and transportation of your items. While this may be a little more expensive than packing yourself, it will save you some stress and frustration. Letting someone else do all the heavy lifting frees you up to take care of other things.

If you are going to be transporting your own items, think about how you are going to be moving them. If you are moving close by and can fit everything into your own vehicle, even with multiple trips, this may be the best way to go. Think about all of the larger items, like furniture that need to be transported. You may also consider renting a truck or trailer to load everything up at one time and make one trip to the new home or apartment.

Finally, you can also consider having a storage container placed near your home. You can fill it up at your convenience and call a company to pick it up when you are ready. For moves over a long distance, this may be the most efficient way to get your stuff to a new location.

How Are You Going to Get There

For shorter distances, the answer is easy. You will probably be traveling with your stuff, in your own vehicle to the new place. You won't need very much planning as this is simple. For longer distances, you need to make arrangements to get to the new house or apartment. If you have rented a vehicle, you may be driving it. If your stuff is being taken over in a container, you may be driving your current vehicle, or if you don't have a vehicle, you may want to arrange a plane ticket, a ride from a friend, or a train.

When You Get There

If you are moving, sometimes arrangements will need to be made at the new house or apartment. Make a list of all of the utilities that need to be turned on if they aren't already. Set a date for cable installation and phone service. If you set these appointments before you arrive, you should be able to get an appointment date that works well for you. Also, it is one less thing that you need to worry about as you unpack. Also, don't forget to change your mailing address so that you still receive all of your correspondence after relocating.