Tips For Moving From The East Coast To The Midlands

The US East Coast is home to some of the most popular states and cities people flock to in search of employment opportunities and better prospects. However, now that perspectives are largely changing, people are moving from states like Florida, South Carolina, Virginia, and Pennsylvania to Midland regions that include Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Although these places don’t offer the same fascinating possibilities, they are relatively less crowded, offer a high quality of education and security, which are prime concerns for most Americans.

Still, regardless of whether you are moving within the city, to a different area in the same state, or going a long distance from the East Coast to the Midlands, you need to plan properly. 

Are you planning a long-distance move soon, particularly from a city like Tampa or West Palm Beach, Florida, to a more central state? Here are the things that you’ll need to bear in mind and prepare for:

Do’s and don’ts of packing for a long-distance move

There are several basic packing guidelines you will need to follow, especially when you are locking everything up to travel a long distance by road. You should make your relocation easier and look up cost effective West Palm Beach cross country movers for a smooth move. Professional movers are reliable and experienced in not just packing but loading, unloading, and storage, which takes all the burden off your shoulders. 

Still, here are some do’s and don’ts that you need to be aware of anyway:

Do’s

1. Plan extensively

Moving long distances is no easy feat. You will encounter challenges from the time you contemplate the relocation. This is why you should spend a lot of time planning thoroughly for the move. Experts recommend starting at least eight weeks before the actual moving date. 

Research, shortlist, and sort out accommodations in the new city, read up about the place, wrap up everything in your current city, etc. These steps help you streamline the process considerably. 

2. Stock up on packing supplies

If you plan to pack and move everything yourself, make sure that you start stocking up on packing and moving materials beforehand. It is extremely inconvenient to be in the middle of packing and run out of cartons, packing paper, filling materials like styrofoam or newspapers, and tape. 

So, rather than running the risk of such a thing happening and then running about trying to arrange essential items, it is better to play safe than sorry and stock up early. 

3. Make larger items smaller and more manageable

If you shop at IKEA, a lot of your furniture would be the type that can be disassembled. This is great because it makes packing easier. Besides furniture, any larger items that can be made more manageable by taking them apart must be packed in their disassembled forms. This way, they take up less space and can be packed more carefully, especially for long-distance travel. 

4. Wrap delicate items properly

Always remember that you are not in control of outside factors when moving. All you do have authority over is how well you pack your belongings. Use bubble wrap to cover delicate things like glass, chinaware, ceramic, vases, photo frames, and other fragile items. You can also use soft clothes like towels, sweatshirts, blankets, and socks to wrap these items in. 

Be wary that the items will jiggle inside the vehicle carrying them, irrespective of whether you are moving by yourself or using the services of a relocation company. You don’t want any of the items breaking, so you must be extra careful. 

5. Shun the conventional moving box

What could be better than a reliable moving box? A robust plastic container. Even the toughest cardboard boxes cannot compare to the strength of a plastic bin or tub. Packing your belongings, or at least a portion of them, within plastic containers can make a huge difference. They’re simple to pile up, you can see what’s within (assuming the container is transparent), and you may open and close them as many times as you need to. They are a neat method to store items at your new home and are also reusable.

Don’ts

1. Rush the moving process

It is human nature to procrastinate. Only a few of us are organized individuals. However, you can’t make the mistake of putting away the planning and preparation for a move until the 11th hour because that is something you will regret deeply. Making efforts to save on time will end up costing you even more of it while also incurring costs in terms of damages. Also, rushing will only result in irritation, frustration, and roadblocks which isn’t a great thing to experience while moving because the process is quite stressful. 

2. Assume that you can do it all on your own

Moving an entire house over a long distance is no easy feat. The logistical nightmares you face along the way take a toll on your physical and mental well-being. If you have someone around you who has taken the leap before you, talk to them so you can learn more about the process. Moreover, don’t shy away from asking for help from family and friends or from a professional moving company that has the expertise to get the job done effectively. 

3. Underestimate insurance

During a move, numerous items are at risk of damage. Your furniture can get massive chips, a glass may arrive shattered, or your couch may have a long gash in the upholstery. And what can you possibly do about it? If you are preemptive and get relocation insurance, you can make a claim that can cover the repair costs of the item appropriately. Most people don’t give any weightage to this insurance, but once again, it is better to play safe than sorry. 

Conclusion

Moving long distances, especially from the US East Coast to the Midlands, can be a hectic journey, particularly because you need to carry all your belongings after spending weeks packing them. It is best to save yourself the trouble and hire a professional moving company to handle all the work for you. Be mindful of the do’s and don’ts mentioned above to ensure a smooth move.