When is the best time to start packing for your long-distance move?

Packing your entire household is a huge task. A task that many wishes to avoid. However, you cannot skip packing for your move. It is an essential part of your relocation. Many are wondering when they should start packing for their move? That depends on several factors. Those would include the type of your move, the number of items you plan to relocate, and your free time. In this article, you can find out when the best time to start packing for your long-distance move is. Let’s break it down week by week before interstate moving companies Miami come to pick up your items. 

General packing tips 

First, read about some general but important packing tips. You should leave your valuables with your movers. These can include jewelry, cash, checkbooks, documents, expensive gadgets, etc. It is best to move these items on your own. In addition to this, many moving companies Hallandale Beach will not move valuable items because of liability. If something happens, they will have to pay large insurance. Next, pack an essential box. This box should contain medications, a change of clothes, toiletries, airline tickets, etc. If you need more than one essential box, feel free to pack it. Just put them separately so movers will not take them to the moving truck. Lastly, give yourself enough time. Usually, people need three to four months to organize a long-distance move. Therefore, two months would be the best time to start packing for your long-distance move. 

The best time to start packing for your long-distance move – 6 to 8 weeks 

Approximately two months before your moving day, do a brief clean of your house. You should also declutter your home during your first cleaning. This means you should go through each room and decide what items you should bring and what toss/sell/donate. If you move fewer items, your move will be cheaper. In addition to this, it is unnecessary to move all the items, especially those you are no longer using. For this reason, now it is time to separate the items into three piles. The first pile for items you want to move. The second pile you want to sell or donate as they are still in good condition. The last pile for items that are in bad condition, you should toss away.  

Find a moving company 

How to find a reliable moving company? Here is a step by step guide. 

• Places to find movers – ask your friends and family for recommendations. Research your options online. Check your local newspapers. 
• Get 3 to 5 moving quotes – call a few companies to ask about their services and quotes. You can also ask for an estimate so you can compare their quotes. 
• Moving reviews – you should read several moving reviews to see what other people think about their moving services.  
• Check licenses – all reputable moving companies should have a proper license. For interstate companies, they should have a license by the FMSCA. Local companies should have licenses required by their state.  
• Ask questions – ask questions about the move, claiming insurance, moving insurance, what happens if they are late for delivery, if they damage or lose your items, etc.

The best time to start packing for your long-distance move – 5 weeks  

After you separate your items, it is time to say goodbye to them. As mentioned, you can sell your items. You have several options. First, you can organize a garage sale. When you are organizing a garage sale, it is important not to overprice your items. Remember, this is not a way to earn money, but to add some additional coins to your moving budget. If you want to skip garage sale, you can list your items at Craigslist or similar websites. In addition to this, you can donate some of your items. You can contact your local charities. Also, large charities, such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army US, offer a free pickup. This is good for saving money on gas. After donation, ask for a receipt so you can add it when you file for taxes. 

2 to 3 weeks before the moving day 

Since you sold or donated your items, now it is time to pack your remaining items. First, you should gather packing supplies. These include moving boxes, protective material, such as bubble wrapping and packing peanuts, tape, straps, etc. Then make a packing plan. You should pack non-essential items first. These include items in your closet, garage, and storage rooms. Then, it is time for your rooms. Start with the living room then bedrooms, while the kitchen and bathroom should be last. Pack one room at the time. This way, you will not lose or misplace any item. Make sure not to overstuff your boxes and seal them with tape. After this, you should label your boxes as well. This is especially important if you place fragile items inside. In any case, you will have an easier time unpacking if you label your boxes.  

The best time to start packing for your long-distance move – one week 

The last week of your move should be dedicated to packing your kitchen. See what you will do with food, especially since you are moving long-distance. Again, make a packing plan just for your kitchen. If you plan to move your appliances and all the cabinets, then you need to disassemble those pieces. Make sure you have proper tools and skills for the task. In addition to this, as your moving day approaches, start packing your clothes and bedding. On a moving day, make sure you are wearing comfortable clothes. Eat breakfast. Drink water, especially if you are moving on a hot day. Let movers do the heavy lifting and carrying. You should offer help, but do not be in the way. If you packed your items properly, you will not have any problems.