Relocating of any kind can be difficult and stressful, but long-distance moving can bring along some extra burdens and fears, especially if you don’t really know much at all about where you are moving.
In order to help you keep things simple and manageable, here are some tips to help you move long distance out of California.
1) Pack like a tetris champion:
There are many clever tricks you can utilize to pack your possessions efficiently. If it makes sense in your situation, wrap up your clothes in dresser drawers. Don’t leave any loose space in boxes. If there is a gap of any kind, fill it with whatever you can.
Have you ever gone into someone’s fridge and it is so packed you can’t seem to find anything? Maybe bribe that person to come help you pack your trailer! They seem to know how to get every last bit of use out of every square inch.
Pack items within each other. For example, put your silverware inside your Tupperware. Wrap linens and towels up in black trash bags, and use them to pad boxes.
It might not be glamorous, but it is a great way to be efficient, and efficiency is key when preparing for a big move.
2) Downsize:
There is no better time than now to purge your belongings for your fresh start. Even if the new house is similar in style, you are not going to want to bring it all with you. If it isn’t something you absolutely love, now is the time to sell it or give it away.
Often times people move with all their possessions, only to find months later they are still surrounded by boxes they have never unpacked. If it’s not something you love or need, you probably aren’t going to miss it very much. Think about how many times you have used that thing in the past year. If it’s a seasonal item, that’s one thing, but most things are just junk that has been accumulated over time and you never actually use it.
Also, if furniture costs more to ship than it’s worth, you might want to consider leaving it behind. Try to sell your old furniture and put the money towards fresh new ones in your new place! Good furniture tends to keep its value pretty well over time, so as long as it’s not disintegrating, you should get some decent value out of it.
3) Be very careful when hiring movers:
Always keep sentimental items and valuables, such as jewelry, with you if possible. For items of value, that you won’t be moving on your own, have the items insured in case they become lost or damaged. You can tell movers to be careful until you’re blue in the face, but most of the time, something will get broken. Just make sure it’s nothing super important to you.
Make sure to mark boxes with name and address as many big moving companies will move several families’ items on one big truck. While this mistake could probably get sorted out eventually, it’s just not worth all the extra time and hassle to go through that process. Try to make their job as simple and easy as possible so you get all your things in a timely manner.
4) If possible, drive your car:
See the country (or state) and make it an adventure. Shipping a car can be expensive and can have ambiguous dates of arrival. Many shipping companies wait until they have many cars to move, before getting your car loaded up and on the road. Being in a new city, without transportation will get very frustrating, very fast.
Try to prepare a few days extra for moving if you need. Unless you are swimming in money, which might be why you’re relocating in the first place, you should really consider a cost-saving adventure of driving through the country.
5) Be prepared to buy some new things:
As with any move, there are always things you will inevitably need when moving into your new home. Think of a new dish drainer, silverware organizer, paper towel holder and other similar items.
Plan ahead and stash a little cash away for these purchases. You don’t want to add any additional stress to the move by worrying about buying the little things you will need to make your house a home.
We are all humans and we all make mistakes. There is a good chance that you might forget to pack something or forget where something is. Don’t worry about it; you have enough on your plate already. Take this time to buy some nice new things and upgrade the simple things in life.
6) Don’t rush things, be patient:
When you find yourself in a new town, it is more than just physically settling into your new house. You must settle in emotionally too. It will take a couple of weeks to really feel comfortable in your new town.
Get to know the area, and do some exploring. Be patient and you will feel right at home in no time. Try some new places to eat, and find out what the locals enjoy about the area. Enjoy this new experience and the fresh start in a new town!
Are you looking to relocate without any stress? Give Buyers of Bakersfield a call now at (661) 384-7021 or fill out this form, and we will be in touch right away! We can help you sell your house quickly in Bakersfield!