Planning Your Long-Distance Move.

Long-distance moving can be a challenge even on its best day. The difference between moving stressfully or worry-free is in the preparation— follow this guide for planning your long-distance move.

Early Planning (3-6 Months Before the Move)

How Far in Advance Should You Plan to Move?

The earlier you start planning, the better. Ideally, you should begin preparations 3-6 months before your moving date. This timeline gives you plenty of time to handle all the details without feeling rushed. 

Consider all of your needs as you begin planning. Will you need to rent a storage unit? Will you be moving with pets? Starting early allows you to secure better rates from moving companies, gives you time to declutter, and helps reduce the stress that comes with last-minute planning.

Research and Select a Moving Company

Choosing the right moving company is crucial for a stress-free move. Start by researching online reviews to see what past customers have to say. Look for a company that offers transparent pricing, comprehensive services, and a good track record. 

Muscular Moving Men offers competitive rates and a range of services, including packing and storage. Our professional movers are experienced in handling long-distance moves, ensuring your belongings are in good hands.

Intermediate Preparations (1-2 Months Before the Move)

Inventory and Declutter

Creating an inventory list of your belongings is an essential step in the moving process. This will help you keep track of everything and make unpacking easier. Start by categorizing your items, noting their condition, and taking photos. As you go through your things, declutter by sorting items into categories like “Keep,” “Donate,” “Sell,” and “Trash.” If you have items you no longer need, consider selling them online or hosting a garage sale. 

Gather Moving Supplies

Having the right supplies on hand makes packing much more manageable. You’ll need sturdy cardboard boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap for fragile items, packing paper, markers for labeling, scissors, and moving blankets or towels to protect delicate pieces. 

Whether you’re packing a solo apartment or a family home, Muscular Moving Men offers packing supply bundles perfect for your needs. Stock up on these supplies well in advance, so you’re ready when it’s time to start packing. 

One Month Before the Move

Notify Necessary Parties

As your move approaches, you’ll need to let relevant parties know about your upcoming change of address. Start with the post office, then update your banks, utilities, insurance providers, and other important contacts. Make sure you provide them with your new address and the date of your move to ensure a smooth transition.

One month before the move is the time to start finalizing all your arrangements. Make sure you’ve arranged for pet and vehicle transport, and are prepared for move-in day. Create a detailed timeline for the move, book your movers, and begin packing systematically. Double-check that your new home is ready, and that all relevant parties are informed of your move.

Packing for the Move

Packing Strategy

Plan to start packing room-by-room three weeks before your move. Start by packing decor, fragile items and nonessentials individually in bubble wrap. Use sturdy boxes and label them clearly with the word “Fragile.” If possible, disassemble large items like furniture and wrap each piece in moving blankets or towels to protect them during transit. Label your boxes by room to make unpacking easier once you arrive at your new home.

Week of the Move

Last-Minute Packing

In the final days before your move, focus on packing any last-minute items. These might include toiletries, medications, chargers, and important documents. Prepare an “essentials” box with these items so that you have easy access to them during the move. Make sure this box is clearly labeled and kept separate from the rest of your belongings.

Confirm Details with Movers

Before moving day, confirm all the details with your moving company. Double-check the dates, times, and any special arrangements you’ve made. At Muscular Moving Men, we prioritize making this process as simple and stress-free as possible. Our team will ensure that everything is in order, so you can focus on your move without any last-minute surprises.

Moving Day

Final Walkthrough

Before you leave your old home, do a final walkthrough to make sure nothing is left behind. Check every room, including closets, cabinets, and outdoor spaces. Don’t forget to check wall outlets for any chargers or electronic devices you might have missed. It’s easy to overlook small items, so take your time to ensure everything is packed and ready to go.

Supervise Loading

As your belongings are loaded onto the truck, keep an eye on the process. Make sure that heavier items are loaded first, with lighter boxes stacked on top. This helps prevent shifting during transit. At Muscular Moving Men, our team is trained to handle your belongings with care, ensuring that everything is packed securely for the journey.

Ready to Start Planning Your Move?

Planning a long-distance move can seem daunting, but by following this guide and taking things step by step, you can make the process much smoother. If you’re ready to get started, Muscular Moving Men is here to help. Our professional long-distance movers will handle all the logistics, so you can focus on settling into your new home.