Making the Long Distance Move
Whether you are moving a few hundred miles or 3000 miles, like I recently did, there are many things you can do to make this disruptive time easier. Before you move to a new location, visit the chosen place on a reconnaissance mission. You are scouting for locations that appeal to you. If it is a job related move, try to move within a 30 minute commute of the job location. From the job location, survey the potential homes or apartments that may interest you. If you have a minimum of furnishings to move, look for a furnished place. In any case, once you have found a place, place a deposit on to reserve it.
The advantage for you is that you can now decide what to ship to your new address instead of packing it in your car or U-haul. It may be cheaper. It also helps with forwarding your mail via USPS. Now, you can instruct them to begin the 7-10 day process at least a week before you move because you have a new address. Otherwise, you will wait until you arrive and mail continues to go to the former address.
If you are moving across a long distance and you do not have a lot of furnishings to move, the best way to handle this is to buy or rent a place in your new location furnished. That way, you reduce the need to move furnishings and acquire new items. This method is perfect for long distances. For example, I relocated from California to Florida. I went to the chosen location and stayed there 20 days. It was my recon mission. I found a place suitable for my needs and it was furnished- couch, two beds, dining table for six, huge hutch, large TV stand, all standard appliances. With so many things in place, when I moved, I only had to replace a few items not to my liking. The furniture I was not able to take was sold or donated. Getting movers is expensive. I also shipped boxes of clothes long before arriving in Florida that I did not want to haul in my Rav4.
While downsizing and letting go of items is always difficult, it is cleansing for many who find themselves anchored down with possessions over time. It happens to all of us who rent or own a home.
When I moved, the SUV was still packed to the top and I still left a few things behind. I found that disassembling chairs or other items helped minimize space use within the SUV. Upon arrival at the new location, the transition was super easy because I had already set up the utilities previously and they were active. The place was furnished. It was like I had always lived there and was returning from a trip.
Whether it's an apartment or home, this same strategy can be used to make your move far easier. It's all about planning ahead of the move, going to the location and finding your spot.
