Long-distance moves can be a real pain, especially when you have to struggle with moving everything yourself. Preparing for an interstate move requires time, mad organization skills and tons of work — work that’s greatly reduced when you work with a trusted moving company to help keep everything on track.
From learning the right way to keep your home organized for packing to seeing what you should downsize, these great long-distance moving tips and tricks can help make your move to Oregon from California much easier and less stressful.
1. Don’t Wait to Start Planning
You know there are a million details that you need to handle for your upcoming move, and that can feel a bit overwhelming. Sometimes, the best option is simply to grab a piece of paper and start jotting down the steps that you will need to handle and an approximate time-frame.
Putting it on a physical piece of paper instead of on your phone or computer gives you something incredibly powerful that you can do— cross things off your list as they’re completed!
2. Do Your Pre-Move Research
Did you know that there are certain times of the year and even days of the week where you can save some cash during a move? High-volume times mean premium prices, but you can work with your local moving company to determine if there is a convenient space for your move that will help reduce your overall costs.
You’ll also want to check with several different moving companies to be sure you find a good match for your specific needs. Keep in mind that there’s a difference between in-home and video estimates, and be sure your moving company is able to provide you with a firm written estimate before you make your final decision.
3. Update Important Documents
Anytime you’re moving to another state, it’s crucial that you update the official documents for your family. Everything from your driver’s license to magazine subscriptions will need to be shifted to show your new Oregon address.
If you have a teenager or young adult in the house, get them busy on the phone and internet updating mailing addresses and such. That will keep them occupied and take a task off your plate— win, win!
4. Consider Moving Insurance
Part of the planning phase is determining whether you need moving insurance. Many moving companies offer moving insurance, which will help compensate you in the event of an unexpected loss during your move. This is particularly important when you’re moving large items such as pianos or heavy furniture as an unexpected jolt at the wrong time could have disastrous results.
5. Pack Room by Room— and Color Coordinate
Going to a new home, it may not be immediately obvious by the name “living room” exactly where you want particular items.
Help your moving company (and your family!) stay organized by assigning a specific color of marker or paper to each room in your current home, as well as putting that color in a visible location in your new home.
Properly labeling and organizing will take you one step closer to feeling right at home by at least getting your boxes and furniture in the correct room of your new location.
6. Don’t Forget to Downsize
Downsizing, decluttering — whatever you want to call it, this is a vital step in your long-distance moving action plan. Pull items out of your closets, some of which haven’t seen daylight in decades.
Create three piles: Keep, Toss and Donate.
Make sure you’re taking only things with you that you absolutely love. Now is the time to rigorously push yourself and your family to get rid of excess furniture that doesn’t have a selected spot in your new home as well as donating all those old, outdated or poorly-fitting clothes that have been taking up space in your drawers.
While it may take a bit of extra conversation to convince your family that this is a “good thing”, stay strong and channel your inner Marie Kondo.
7. Check Out Your New Neighborhood
There’s nothing wrong with a little light stalking, especially when it’s with the positive outcome of getting to know your new neighbors. Are there social media groups for your area? If so, this can be a great way to quickly get to know people that live near your new home.
Poke around and find the closest movie theater, grocery stores, drugstore, and hospitals. This will help you and your family be more comfortable with the area so it can start feeling like home more quickly.
Ready to get started with your California to Oregon move?
The friendly professionals at West Coast Moving and Storage are ready to help with your long-distance move!
Contact us today at 503-477-5057 for home moves and 503-234-2226 if you need to move a piano. You can always learn more about our moving services when you visit us online to request your free moving quote.
Don’t cause yourself unnecessary frustration with your long-distance move. Let our team take care of the heavy lifting so you can relax and enjoy the experience.