The Best Strategies for Moving Long Distances

Creating a backyard renovation on a budget can be tricky. Here’s how much you can expect to spend and where you can find storage along the way.

A long distance move. It’s exhausting to think about, isn’t it? From packing to driving to unpacking again and everything in between. It can feel like a lot.

Trust us, we get it. We at Storage King USA have been through the process more than our fair share of times. That’s why we feel confident providing our battle plan for moving long-distances and self storage. We’ve got a strategy that works, no matter the size of your home and home-to-be.

Packing

The first step to any successful move is getting organized. Make a list of everything you need to pack and sort it by room. This will help you keep track of your progress and ensure that nothing gets left behind.

Pack ahead of time. Don’t wait until the last minute to start packing—this will only make the process more stressful. Start packing up non-essentials a few weeks before the move, and then tackle the essentials in the week leading up to the big day. If certain items need special packing care, such as packing peanuts or bubble wrap, make sure you employ those things appropriately.

Consider a Moving Company

There are many benefits to hiring a moving company when traveling long distances. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that it saves you time and energy. Packing up an entire home or office and driving cross-country can be incredibly daunting and time-consuming, but a professional moving company will pack things into the vehicle and perform the driving for you so that you can focus on other important things. It’s worth noting that most of these companies will still need you to put all your belongings into boxes for them. They’ll just move the boxes once they’re ready.

Another benefit of using a moving company is that it can potentially save you money in ways you might not expect. If you try to do everything yourself, you may end up damaging your belongings or paying for gas and lodging along the way. A professional moving company will have the proper equipment and experience to get your belongings from point A to point B without any damage or additional expenses.

Here at Storage King USA, we’ve partnered with our friends at Bellhop to provide moving services wherever you can find one of our storage facilities. Those moving services include labor only moving, local moving, and even long distance moving—so check out what they have to offer.

Renting a Truck

Renting a truck is a great option for those who are moving cross country. Here are a few things to keep in mind when renting a truck:

Check the rental company’s policies and fees. Some companies charge by the mile, some by the time, and others have a flat rate. Be sure to ask about any hidden fees so you know what to expect.
Make sure you’re familiar with the truck before hitting the road. Take some time to get used to the size and handling of the truck in anticipation of driving long distances. Be aware that when the truck is full, it’s going to be heavier and move around differently compared to when it’s empty. The most important thing to master before the trip is its spatial feeling, so learn its angles and depth, especially during turns.
Pack carefully and use straps or nets to secure your belongings. This will help prevent damage during transit, which could ruin certain items.
Allow extra time for rest stops and overnight stays. Driving cross country can be tiring, so make sure you’re taking breaks and getting plenty of sleep and water.

How to Drive Long Distance

If you’re planning on embarking on the long haul by vehicle, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make the trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Plan your route in advance and take into account any potential stops you might need to make for gas, food, or rest. It’s important to be aware of the weather conditions along your route and adjust accordingly, as you may find your expectations changing with the whims of the skies and roads.

Remember to take breaks every few hours to stretch your legs and give yourself a break from driving. Also, give yourself permission to check out any intriguing locations you happen upon along the way!

The Arrival

As you pull up to your new home, you may feel a mix of nerves and excitement. You are about to start a new chapter in your life! As you unpack boxes and begin to appreciate your new home, keep the following tips in mind:

First, take a deep breath and relax. This is your home now and there is no rush to get everything unpacked immediately. Take some time to explore your new space and imagine how you will want to arrange your furniture.

Second, if you rented a truck to move your belongings, be sure to return it on time. You don’t want any extra stressors as you settle into your new place.

Third, reach out to your neighbors. Get to know the people who live around you. They can be a great resource as you adjust to living in a new area.

An Exceptional Storage Strategy

If you’ve made it from your old home to the new: congratulations! You did it. The hard part is over. But if during your unpacking process it’s starting to dawn on you that you might not have as much space as you first believed, let Storage King USA weigh in.

We can provide a little extra space for any spare or seasonal belongings you may not immediately need, and our storage solutions can even let you move into temporary lodging before you move into your new, permanent home. Our self storage facilities are clean, secure and offered in a variety of sizes to suit whatever demand comes our way. Plus, you can buy any moving and packing supplies you missed while you’re at it.

Find a storage facility near you and rent today!