It’s a whole new world out there and many people are finding that they can work from home and that means they can live anywhere they can get the internet, so they are moving. Others are spending more time at home and find that they need dedicated space for working from home as well as for teaching the kids from home, so they are moving. We see report after report that more people are moving due to the COVID Pandemic.
Moving can be tough no matter how far you are going. To keep the process as easy and manageable as possible, we’ve put together some great tips for moving a long distance in Missouri.
1) Purge Belongings:
There is no better time than now to purge your belongings for your fresh start. Even if the new house is similar in style, you are not going to want to bring it all with you. If it isn’t something you absolutely love, why pack it up in a box and store it at the new house. Now is the time to sell it or give it away.
Often times people move with all their possessions, only to find months later they are still surrounded by boxes they have never unpacked. I know we moved temporarily into a smaller rental house and boxed up some stuff. That rental house became a tiny condo and we stored that suff in a storage unit. After three and a half years of temporary we finally moved into a new home. And all that stuff that went into those boxes, as we went through it we packed it all back up and donated it to the local thrift store. If it’s not something you love or need, you probably aren’t going to miss it very much.
Also, if furniture costs more to ship than it’s worth, you might want to consider leaving it behind.
2) Pack Like a Pro:
There are many clever tricks you can utilize to pack your possessions efficiently. If it makes sense in your situation, wrap up your clothes in dresser drawers. Don’t leave any loose space in boxes.
Pack items within each other. For example, put your silverware inside your Tupperware. Wrap linens and towels up in black trash bags, and use them to pad boxes.
It might not be glamorous, but it is a great way to be efficient, and efficiency is key when preparing for a big move.
3) Take heed when hiring movers:
Always keep sentimental items and valuables, such as jewelry, with you if possible. For items of value, that you won’t be moving on your own, have the items insured in case they become lost or damaged.
Make sure to mark boxes with name and address as many big moving companies will move several families items on one big truck.
And as you pack mark the box as to where you think it should end up in the new house: garage, kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, basement . . that way as the movers bring it in they know where to put it. And if you mark the outside of the box with whats in it, you know what to unpack first.
4) If possible, drive your car:
See the county (or state) and make it an adventure. Shipping a car can be expensive and can have ambiguous dates of arrival. Many shipping companies wait until they have many cars to move, before getting your car loaded up and on the road. Being in a new city, without transportation will get very frustrating, very fast.
Being in a new city, without transportation will get very frustrating, very fast.
And as you drive to that new destination, take some things with you so your first night in the house you don’t have to go out and buy a glass to drink out of and a plate to eat off of.
5) Be prepared to buy some new things:
As with any move, there are always things you will inevitably need when moving into your new home. Think a new dish drainer, silverware organizer, paper towel holder and other similar items.
Plan ahead and stash a little cash away for these purchases. You don’t want to add any additional stress to the move by worrying about buying the little things you will need to make your house a home.
6) Be patient and give it a week or two:
When you find yourself in a new town, it is more than just physically settling into your new house. You must settle in emotionally too. It will take a couple of weeks to really feel comfortable in your new town. Or in my case, it might take a whole lot longer. I was just figuring out how to find my way around Kansas City and Gladstone without turning around a lot and we were suddenly forced to stay home. I am just now getting to venture out and figure out where things are again.
Get to know the area, and do some exploring. Be patient and you will feel right at home in no time.
Are you looking to relocate without any stress? Give kcmoHomeBuyer a call now at (816) 408-3600 or fill out this form, and we will be in touch right away!
On top of the process!
Scott was on top of the process every step of the way, making sure I was informed and knew what was going on and when we had some paperwork issues at the title company, helped me work through that as well.