How to Help a Long-Distance Move Go Smoothly

Any moving day is challenging, even if you’re only planning to relocate a few streets away, but when you add long distances into the mix, suddenly the task can seem much more daunting. However, it doesn’t have to be; there are plenty of steps you can take to reduce stress and help your long-distance move go smoothly.

Here at Simon Long Removals, we’ve compiled some of our top tips below to help you.

Declutter (and be ruthless!)

There’s nothing like packing up all your worldly belongings to make you realise how many unnecessary items you’ve accumulated over the years. Moving house presents the perfect opportunity to declutter so that you only take the essentials to your new home – there’s no point in wasting money to transport things that you won’t actually use.

If you’re indecisive and struggling to part ways with certain items, you might want to implement the one-year rule to help you be a bit more ruthless; if you haven’t used or thought about the item in a year, do you actually need it?

Also, consider the environment that you’re moving to and how a change in climate might impact the way that you pack. For instance, if you’re moving from the Highlands of Scotland to a beach house in sunny Spain, you probably won’t have much use for skis, thermals and any other winter gear.

Create an inventory

Moving can get incredibly fraught and it’s easy to lose track of what you’ve actually packed, so there’s nothing like a list to help you stay organised. Pack up your home room by room and create an inventory detailing exactly what is inside each box before labelling the outside. Not only will this help the unpacking process to go much more smoothly, but it’ll also ensure nothing gets left behind or lost.

Familiarise yourself with the new area

If you’re moving a long distance, chances are you probably don’t know your new area too well. To reduce stress and anxiety surrounding your move, why not arrange a weekend away in your new neighbourhood? This will give you the opportunity to really familiarise yourself with the area and get to know where all the shops and amenities are so you’re not left feeling lost on moving day.

Pack an essentials box

After a long day of moving and unpacking, you’ll probably want a quick shower, a cup of tea and to jump straight into bed. To ensure you don’t lose track of certain items, it’s a good idea to pack an essentials box full of anything you’ll need right away in your new home: bed sheets, pyjamas, a kettle, toiletries and any medication for example.

Prepare any documentation well in advance

This doesn’t apply as much for domestic moves, but if you’re moving overseas then it’s vital you have all the necessary documentation prepared well in advance, such as your passport, birth certificate, visa, bank statements, international driving permits and more. Be sure to keep these in a separate folder to prevent them from getting lost or accidentally packed.

Do you need temporary storage?

Sometimes, when you’re moving a long distance, it’s not possible or practical to move all your belongings at once. Perhaps you’re emigrating on a temporary work visa or maybe you’re just trialling living in a new location before committing to a more permanent move. Whatever your circumstances, temporary self-storage can provide a simple solution to this problem, providing peace of mind that all your possessions are being kept safe and secure until you’re ready for them.

Choose a reliable removal company

When you’re planning a long-distance move, whether that’s across international borders or simply to a different city, a reliable removal company makes all the difference and can save you time and stress. Research local removal businesses, check reviews and accreditations, and ensure that the company you choose has the capacity to handle a significant move.

Are you planning a long-distance move that requires the help of an expert? Whether you’re moving to Europe, internationally or to the other end of the country, the BAR-accredited experts at Simon Long Removals can support you through the entire process to ensure your relocation goes as smoothly as possible.

To obtain a free quote or to find out more about our services, get in touch with our friendly team today.