Every year, around 10% of Americans move house. Some of them move long distances, whether that’s across the country or even immigration!
When making a long distance move, there can be a lot to consider. Some of those things may slip your mind in the chaos.
These are the things that are often overlooked, and you should always remember.
- Pets
Don’t leave planning for your pets until the last minute. You can’t exactly load them on the removal van and see them at the destination!
If you’re traveling by car, you’ll have to set up a spot for them, like a crate or travel carrier. Plan rest stops for dogs so they can do their business and drink some water.
If you’re traveling by plane, you’ll have to make all of the appropriate arrangements with the airline.
- Important Documents
When moving long distance, the last thing you want to do is lose any important documents. Don’t load them onto a van.
Instead, keep a folder, and make sure you have everything you need in it. Birth certificates, marriage certificates, medical records, and more are all essential at your new place.
- Cars
You may only have one family car, and it may be as simple as driving it to your destination.
However, your car transport might require a little more if you can’t drive or have more than one car. If this is the case, you might have to look into car transport. Make sure you consider this in advance!
- Accounting For Delays
Account for delays by having everything you need with you. Moving trucks can get delayed, luggage can get lost on planes.
Pack a kit that will at least last for a few days, including:
- Change of clothes
- Medication
- Food
- Water bottle
- Batteries (unless flying on a plane, as these aren’t allowed in hand luggage)
- Documents
By keeping this with you, you’ll be prepared for anything that might go wrong.
- Doctors
Finding a family doctor at your new location is important and should be done as soon as possible.
For this reason, you should start looking around early. Look at reviews and ask for recommendations before you even get there.
It’s wise to do this for dentists and veterinarians too.
- Adjustment Time
Never underestimate the adjustment time needed, especially if you have kids and pets! Don’t plan anything for the first few days after the move if possible.
Give everyone time to settle in before you go exploring or send the kids to school.
Think About Your Long Distance Move Carefully
A long distance move can be very stressful. You make it less so by considering everything you need to in advance, and making sure nothing important is overlooked.
If you do everything right and prepare for any possibility, you’ll feel a lot more comfortable going into the situation, and everything will be taken care of.
For more tips and advice about various things in life, check out the rest of our site!