The Ultimate Moving Checklist: What to Do Before – Long Distance Movers
Long Distance Movers Checklist – What to Do Before, During & After Your MoveMoving is a wild ride, right? One minute you’re excited, the next you’re knee-deep in cardboard boxes, wondering why you own three blenders and a mystery box labelled “misc.” Honestly, moving can feel like chaos unleashed, but if you plan it out (just a little), it’s way less of a nightmare. So, here’s what most commercial movers suggest — a real-deal checklist that’s messy, honest, and totally doable.
Prior to Moving: Get Your Stuff Together
If you think you can just throw everything in boxes the night before, well… good luck with that. Trust me, prep is king.
Purge Like You’re Marie Kondo’s Apprentice
– Go through your stuff—every room. Be ruthless. If you haven’t used it in the past year, why is it still here?
– Less junk = fewer boxes = less work (and maybe cheaper Long Distance movers).
Stalk Moving Companies
– Don’t just book the first mover you find on Google. Check at least three. Read the reviews, like, actually read them.
– Make sure they’re legit. No shady cash-only deals, please.
– Lock in your date—these folks book up, especially in the summer.
Hoard Packing Supplies
– Get all the boxes (seriously, you’ll need more than you think), tape, bubble wrap, sharpies, labels—the works.
– Special boxes for fragile stuff? Worth it. Don’t risk your grandma’s China.
Start Packing ASAP
– Pack up stuff you don’t use daily—decor, winter coats, that weird kitchen gadget.
– Label every box like your sanity depends on it. “Kitchen – Pots/Pans” beats “Stuff #4.”
– Make a list of what’s in each box. It often sounds extra with the long distance movers, but future-you will thank you.
Utility Stuff & Address Changes
– Schedule shut-off and set-up for electricity, internet, water—don’t get stuck in the dark.
– Update your address everywhere: banks, Amazon, whatever subscriptions you’ve got.
Moving Day: Game Face On
Here we go—the main event. Try not to lose your mind.
Pack an Essentials Bag
– Toiletries, snacks, meds, chargers, one clean outfit. Basically, your “I can survive one night without unpacking” kit.
– If you’ve got kids or pets, their stuff goes in here too.
Watch the Long Distance Movers (but Don’t Hover)
– Be around. Answer questions. Make sure nothing precious gets tossed around.
– Before you bounce, do a quick walk-through. Check every self storage unit, drawer, nook—stuff hides.
Don’t Trash the Place
– Lay down blankets or those big plastic sheets if you care about floors.
– Snap pics of your stuff—just in case. Most office movers are great, but accidents happen.
Expect Chaos
– Something will go off-script. Traffic, rain, alien invasion. Stay chill and roll with it.
After the Move: Survive and Thrive
You made it! Well, almost. Now comes the “where the heck is my toothbrush” phase.
Inspect Everything
– Make sure the water runs, the lights work, smoke detectors beep. Change the locks if you’re paranoid (honestly, not a bad move).
– Spot any damage? Get it on record ASAP.
Unpack the Smart Way
– Start with the kitchen, bathroom, and bed. You can live without your wall art for a week.
– One room at a time. Otherwise, it’s pure chaos.
Get Comfy and Safe
– Curtains, rugs, shower curtain—get those up.
– Got kids or pets? Baby gates, cabinet locks, the whole nine yards.
Update Your Details
– DMV, insurance, local government—all that boring but necessary stuff.
– Find your new doctor, pharmacy, school—don’t wait till you’re sick.
Meet the Neighbors (or Don’t, If You’re Shy)
– At least figure out where the grocery store and late-night pizza are located.
No move is totally painless, but breaking it down into steps keeps the meltdown level low. Trust this checklist if it is in line with your Packing and Unpacking Service, and you’ll land in your new place feeling (mostly) human. And hey, don’t forget—it’s not just about dragging boxes around. It’s about making this weird new spot actually feel like home.