Having a good plan when moving will not only save you more time but helps you avoid unnecessary problems during the trip. You have to know the difference between short-distance and long-distance moving to make the necessary preparation. Whether you are going on a short trip or on a long-distance move, make sure to remember these useful tips to ensure your safety and smooth moving.

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Pack your things like you’re going for a long trip

Multiple teams will handle your things when you are doing a long distance move. Not only that, it will travel miles and miles for many days, sometimes weeks. It is best to pack everything you might need, whether it’s a 1 day or a couple of weeks travel. You also have to make sure all your belongings are tightly secured inside a cushioned box to avoid damages. Seal everything you pack. You have to remember that your boxes will tumble along the way, in a worst case scenario, manhandled. Spend some money on hi-quality used packing boxes instead of using cheap boxes. It may be a little expensive, but you can make sure that it will safely hold all your valuables. Remember, packing for a long distance move is like packing your things and putting it in a storage facility for a long time.

Insurance for your valuables

This is one mistake you should not make. Not ensuring your belongings when you move. I remember when I moved, my long distance movers told me to ensure my valuables every time I do long distance moving since it’s in their policy that any damage to my property will not be shouldered by their company. Sounds awful, right? But not all companies don’t shoulder damages. Usually, they investigate the damage and if turns out, it’s their fault, they will pay for it. You can’t be sure what will happen with all the boxes transported inside a big truck for a long period of time. According to a survey conducted by the AMSA or the American Moving and Storage Association, at least 80% of moves do not fill-up damage claim forms. If you are moving, always remember to be ready in case something happens. Don’t forget to get proper coverage. Federal law requires moving companies liable for only $0.60/pound. Get a full coverage just to make sure.

Keep the things you needed close to you

Personal documents, money, pieces of jewelry, driver’s license, passport, SS card and other valuable things should be kept close to you at all cost. Documents like bank statements (most recent), tax returns, payment stubs are needed when the shipment arrives. It is best to keep it close to you to avoid opening the boxes when they are needed. In other words, anything you need when you arrive at your destination should not be packed in a box. Keep a small traveling bag with clothes, hygiene kit, first aid kit, documents you need when looking for a job or some sleeping materials. Moving trucks take some time before arriving at their destination. You don’t want to sleep naked on your first day at your new home, do you?

Inspect all the furniture

Inspect all the furniture the moment it arrives in case there’s an insect infestation. Moving companies are required by state regulations to inspect for any contamination, but you can’t be too safe. Check and double check before it’s too late. The government provides all the necessary information in regards to this kind of situation. Get rid of contaminated furniture before insects invade your new home.

Organize your Mattress properly

If you don’t box your mattress properly, it will be bent out of shape, dirtied or worse, damaged. You also have to make sure to seal it so avoid insect contamination. Your mattress will be handled by different people from the moving company. You don’t want grease, sweat, and dirt in your mattress.

Never pack food and liquids

Avoid packing perishable goods. These goods if crushed or ruined can attract insects and vermin that can infest your new home. Even foods that are tightly packed or sealed can get crushed that will result in unexpected spilling of liquids on your belongings. If some liquid will leak, not only your belongings are at risk, but also other peoples valuables that are inside the truck. This is not uncommon in the moving business. Paints, cooking oils, bottled water, and liquid condiments are the usual suspects.

Be very organized

Organize everything you pack. It will save you more time and energy. The best way to organize is to pack one set of items per day. The items you always use should be packed in the same box. Pans and saucers, plates, kitchen utensils in one box, sleeping items in one box, so on and so forth. Always label your boxes that contain fragile items like plates, cups, saucers drinking glass to avoid breakage. The rest your things can be organized by room they belong in. And most importantly, you have to mark the boxes properly.

Delivery windows

Delivery companies have target windows with their deliveries. It involves a number of deliveries at the same time. There are different destinations that it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact time for your delivery to arrive. Most companies can’t tell you the exact time of arrival of your packages. They will provide you with delivery window. Read your contract carefully. The usual delivery window for most companies is 20 days at most. Take at least 3 weeks worth of clothes and toiletries because you will probably need it.

Take you move-in situation into consideration

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Determine all the necessary things from the moment the delivery guys moved your belongings until it arrives in your home. Long-distance moving companies usually use big trucks to transport your things. If the road going to your place is not accessible for big trucks, you have to ask for a shuttle service company to help you move your things. Shuttles are much smaller, so if you have a lot of boxes, it will cost you more, since it will take more trips. Also look for the nearest parking space near your home beforehand.

Know the stipulations of your new building

Most apartment buildings or condominiums have requirements regarding movers. To avoid conflict between building management and movers, you have to make sure to know all the stipulations before moving. The most common requirement in most building owners implement is the time they allow moving companies into the building. Always get clearance or permission from the proper authorities. Clear everything with the management beforehand to avoid confrontation. They might give you some tips how to move into the building smoothly.