Are you planning a long-distance move? Such an event is quite difficult, especially if you are moving house with kids and pets. Even though changing home is a wonderful thing, a new beginning, and new emotions, you have to get physically and mentally prepared for it. You will have to do so many things: preparing stuff, packing it, getting rid of unwanted things, getting high-quality packing supplies to deliver your items in good condition. In this article, we would like to guide you through the family moving checklist to make your epic journey more comfortable from start to its end. Make sure you have at least one month to get ready. If so, let’s see what the preparation process includes!

Do You Move Things Yourself or Hire Professionals?

This is the first question you should start with. A lot of families prefer DIY since they can control everything and save money while a lot of other families don’t even dare to do such hard work and leave it for experienced moving companies. Have you already thought of what you are going to do? If you are going to do it yourself, then you must have a really big car, a few cars to fit more stuff or a proper truck. If not, then there is only one solution – hire professionals. Experts recommend not to save on such a service and choose a reputable company that ensures to deliver your furniture, clothes and other items undamaged. 

Before packing your stuff, you need to find boxes, but you shouldn’t buy them because there are quite a lot of places where you can get them for free. Don’t hesitate to ask for boxes in supermarkets, electronic, book or liquor stores, and recycling centers. If you have new neighbors or friends who just moved house, you can also ask them if they have spare boxes. Use cardboard boxes instead of plastic since they weigh less.

Remember never to trust a moving company your expensive items. Keep your valuable stuff such as laptops, jewelry, and documents with you. 

Get Rid Of Things You Don’t Use

One of the best tips that you can hear on moving house is getting rid of old stuff not to clutter your new home. We can’t agree more. Think twice what stuff you really need in your new home. Do you need those old vases, towels, rugs and curtains? If not, then leave them, give to someone who needs it or sell it online. Old and unnecessary stuff won’t only take space during moving, but cost money since relocation cost depend on shipment weight. 

A lot of people have plants, but moving them can be quite complicated. Think twice whether you want to worry about your plants shaking in a huge track and if not, give it to school, hospital or your friends. Cutting your moving cost can be a good idea. Just don’t try to save money on a company that will take responsibility for delivering your stuff from one city/country to another.

Start Packing in Advance

We recommend leaving at least 4 weeks for preparing to move your home. Don’t leave the packing process to the last minute. It may seem that packing clothes, shoes, kids toys, books, furniture, and electrical goods takes just a few days but once you start doing it, you will see how many things you actually have, how many boxes you need and how smartly you have to pack things to keep them safe.

Check What Items You Can’t Move Across Countries

When moving abroad, you need to make sure that everything that you are taking is acceptable to go through the border. Items that are hazardous in nature: flammable, corrosive, or explosive are forbidden for moving not only cross-countries but locally. It also depends on the moving company what things you are allowed to take. For example, some moving companies don’t accept animals or foods. Once found the moving company, request the list of forbidden items so that you can get prepared in advance. 

Label Your Moving Boxes

You would like the moving process to be as easy as possible, wouldn’t you? Label all your moving boxes listing their contents and destination rooms. For example, pack a box with all your kid’s toys and label it, so when the box arrives at your new house, you can take it straight to the kids’ room. One box will be out of your way. Labeling boxes will help you to save time and make the whole process more organized.

How to Mode Long-Distance with Pets

Moving house with pets can be difficult. At least when you know how to do it and what to expect, the task seems easier. Take your pet to the veterinary office for a thorough checkup. You can’t move long-distance without knowing that your pet is in good health and will take long-distance move okay. Also, your pet should have all the necessary documents and vaccinations if you are moving home abroad.

Prepare for Moving In

A lot of people don’t actually think of the moment when they arrive at a new house. Even a thought of a long-distance move seems so heavy that people just want to get to the aimed place. However, you need to consider preparing comfortable conditions for your life. Contact your new utility providers in a new city or country and schedule the timely activation of electricity, gas, TV, and Internet. Also, you shouldn’t forget to contact your current providers and make sure that they disconnect the services on the day when you move out. 

Don’t forget about your postal address. Change it by contacting a postal service in your country, so you don’t miss new mails. It’s best to do it a week before moving, so if you have new mail during that week, it will wait for you in your new house.

Request Medical and School Records 

When moving to a new city or state, it’s important to have medical records of all members of your family to find a physician. Also, collect your children’s school records to register them in a new school after moving. If possible, ask your child’s old school can send all the necessary documents to a new school. This will save you time.

Prepare Mentaly for a Move

Moving can be difficult, annoying and frustrating; this is why it’s very important to support each other. Talk to your children and explain to them how the process of moving will be. You should all stay on the positive side since moving to a new place is actually a great experience. Have a good rest before the moving day. It’s best to take 2-3 days off work before the moving day so you can double-check everything. Remember that it’s just a matter of time. Soon you will finally come to your new house and will be able to enjoy your new life.

Author’s Bio: 

Cheryl Hearts is a talented journalist from Boston, Massachusetts. From an early age, she was into writing so she decided to make it her career. Obtaining a Master’s Degree in Journalism has boosted her desire to grow as a journalist and currently she contributes to major media publications. Cheryl also runs her blog CherylHearts.com where she shares her opinion on topics trending in modern society.