If you are planning a move across the country, chances are you are worried about whether all your possessions will arrive in one piece. After years of moves, we know that the greater the distance, the higher the risk of damage.
Fortunately, there are ways to reduce this risk (like working with a professional mover), and we’ve gathered all our best tips for packing and loading to help you protect your belongings for a long-distance move.
Packing Tips for Long-Distance Moves
Before you start packing for your move, take note of these tips from our team at Florida’s Best Moving so everything arrives safe and sound!
#1. Stock Up on Packing Supplies
Before you start packing up your belongings, make sure you have plenty of packing supplies at the ready. You don’t want to be in the packing zone and suddenly run out of boxes or tape!
Running out of supplies can cause you to take shortcuts, possibly making things harder for future you. Will you remember what you packed in that unmarked box? That will slow down getting settled in!
#2. Break Down Large Items
It is easier to pack large entertainment centers and bookcases when they are deconstructed. Same with your bed frame, dining table, and other large furniture. Plus, when they are broken down, they take up less room in the moving truck. It’s a win-win!
A caveat: Make sure you remember how to put these items back together! We recommend keeping all the nuts and bolts in a marked bag taped to the item, so it is easy to find when it’s time to put it back together.
Hiring a pro moving company helps with this so you only take apart what’s needed. Then, we’ll carefully wrap it, move it, and place it back together for you in your new home.
#3. Don’t Rush It
Rushing a packing job has never paid off. You don’t want to cut corners and then end up with items that you need to replace when all you want is to feel settled in.
Take your time. Ensure that every item is packed with care. You’ll be happy you did later!
#4. Wrap It
Use everything you have at your disposal to protect your fragile items, including:
- Newspaper
- Packing paper
- Bubble wrap
- Blankets
- Towels
- etc.
Remember, your items are going to be in a moving truck for hundreds of miles; that’s a lot of bumps along the way! When in doubt, wrap it. This will help ensure that everything arrives in one piece.
#5. Pack Light
Avoid “heavy packing” your boxes. Break up heavy items such as books across several boxes. Think about it: a big box full of books is not only hard to carry, but it can cause significant damage if it comes crashing down somewhere along the way to your new home!
#6. Make Use of Plastic Bins
What is better than a sturdy high-quality moving box? A heavy-duty plastic bin of course! Packing some of your items inside plastic bins gives them more security than even the strongest cardboard box ever could.
As a bonus, they are easy to stack, and if the bin is clear, you can easily see the contents inside. They are also reusable and a way to store seasonal items at your new place or if you need to put something in storage.
Pro Tip: If you use cardboard boxes, get the strongest boxes that you can find. Secondhand or cheap boxes are often too flimsy to hold up to the physical stress of a long-distance move. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
#7. Give Items a Snug Fit
This is where all those years of playing Tetris will come in handy! When packing, avoid leaving space around your items. They will shift around if you don’t pack each box tightly.
When packing, fill every inch of empty space with packing paper, linens, or clothing.
#8. Hire Professional Movers
When it comes to moving, the more help that you have, the better! Hiring a professional moving company like Florida’s Best Moving can help alleviate the stress of moving day, especially when you are gearing up for a long-distance move.
You can trust us to transport your belongings safely from your old home to the new, without incident. But if something does happen, we are fully licensed and insured to help protect against the worst.
For the Best Move > Reasons to Hire Professional Movers Every Time
#9. Purchase Moving Insurance
Whether you have many valuable items or not, it is important to make sure that you know what your insurance does and does not cover in the event of damage or loss. Ask your agent what your home and auto insurance covers for long-distance moves.
Though we offer insurance on all your belongings, you might have greater peace of mind if you purchase a more comprehensive plan to cover your valuables during the move.
#10. Take Your Car to the Shop… Even Better: Ship It
While you might be planning to drive cross country to your new home, you might want to consider hiring a car shipping company. But if you do decide to drive your car, make sure that it is ready. A few weeks before your move, make sure that your car is up to the drive:
- Change the oil
- Rotate the tires
- Check all the fluids and lights
Doing so will give you peace of mind that you and your family (pets too) will be safe while making your big move!
Go Long-Distance
If you are planning on making a long-distance move, you need a reliable moving company to help you make the transition! Our friendly team at Florida’s Best Moving is here to make your move seamless and stress-free so you can focus on what is truly important: your family.
Ready to move? We’re always ready to go the (long) distance for you. Call for a FREE quote at 813-485-6580 or fill out the quote form below. We can’t wait to help you with your best move ever!