Things You Forget to Do When You Move Across the Country

Researching Companies Can Be One of the Things You Forget to Do When You Move

One of the biggest relocation mistakes you can make (if not the biggest one) is forgetting to research the cross-country moving company. Proper research will allow you to find a team that is competent to help you move efficiently, but it is also the best way to avoid relocation scams. Note that there are a lot of scam artists in the industry. Some fly-by-night companies will give you a low quote only to inflate the price once they have your belongings. In order to avoid unnecessary relocation stress, make sure you get multiple estimates, read online reviews, and check with the Better Business Bureau.

At the same time, it is not a good idea to put off the search for trustworthy long-distance movers. The less time you have to find a company, the less time you’ll have to research it to find out if it’s a trustworthy one. Additionally, many reputable companies are booked weeks in advance. If you don’t do your research on time, you’ll be left with teams that are not as competent and skilled.

Don’t Forget to Check if Long Distance Moving Company Is Legitimate

If you are ever unsure about the legitimacy of a commercial trucking company, you can always look up their US DOT number to confirm that they are indeed a legitimate company. This is an identification number assigned to every commercial truck operating within the United States. It is used by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to track and monitor all commercial trucks that are on the road. All legitimate commercial trucking companies must have this number assigned to them.

You can also use the USDOT number on the FMCSA’s website to check on the company’s license and insurance and see if they have any outstanding violations. Additionally, know that the company’s accreditations and certifications will be pointed out on their website, so make sure to check them as well.

Collecting Documents and Paperwork Are Things to Remember to Do When Moving

Even though it may seem impossible, people frequently neglect to gather vital belongings like personal records and paperwork – especially when they’re relocating for the first time. There are some important documents that you must not miss to pack before putting your relocation to a new city into motion, like:

• Identification papers, such as ID, driver’s license, passport, birth and marriage certificates,
• Financial documentation like statements, contracts, tax returns, and so on,
• Licenses and certificates from your line of work, as well as contract and appraisal, reports from your previous employers (they are essential if you want to find a job in a new city),
• Papers regarding your personal assets, such as deeds, rental contracts, mortgage or lease paperwork, car documentation and insurance policies,
• Medical records that you’ll need once you move to a new home and transfer to another facility and doctors; if you’re relocating with pets, this involves vet records, as well,
• Transcripts from your children’s previous school, as the new one will need them.

Obtain all of these papers on time, put them in the relocation binder, and have them close to you during the trip so you can enjoy a successful and stress-free move.

Make a List So That There Are Not Many Things You Forget to Pack and Do

When they are rushing to pack, people tend to forget all about the importance of lists for good organization. The more lists you make, the fewer things you’ll forget to do and pack. Here are some useful to-do lists to have once it’s time to move.

List of Those You Need to Inform About The Move

There is not a small list of those who you need to notify about the move, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that usually, some of these subjects are left forgotten. Still, it can cause many inconveniences in the future – making a list will help you avoid them.

Aside from informing your family and friends, your landlord or property manager must also be informed of your change of address. Notifying the post office is important as well, so they can forward your mail to the new location.

Banks and other financial institutions need to update your records and account information, as well as your insurance companies, governmental institutions, and other businesses or organizations that you have an ongoing relationship with.

Note that you’ll also need to cancel your utility services, as well as any monthly subscription and membership you won’t be able to use anymore.

List of Belongings Out of Your Sight

While you’ll probably pack every item in your household that you can see, keep in mind that there may be some that are currently not in your home or are stored in a hidden place. Books you’ve lent to your friends, clothes from dry-cleaning, belongings currently in storage units, or valuables in hidden safes are some of the most common things people forget to pack.

List of Packing Supplies You Need to Get

If you plan to pack your items by yourself, gathering packing materials is a must. First of all, you’ll need plenty of boxes of various sizes for all of your belongings and tape that will help you seal them. Be sure to get sturdy boxes that won’t collapse under the weight of your items. Next, you’ll need packing paper or bubble wrap to protect your belongings from getting scratched or damaged during the move.

Padding materials, such as foam peanuts, are always good to have, as well. Additionally, don’t forget about markers that will help to label the boxes – it will make unpacking after the move much easier. Of course, you can skip this step completely if you’re getting packing services since gathering supplies will be the movers’ responsibility.

List of Items Long-Distance Movers Can’t Move

If you’re getting long-distance moving services, you must contact the company’s representatives and find out more about the items movers won’t move. Those are usually items that can endanger drivers or your belongings, such as explosives, ammunition, toxic fluids, flammables, perishable items, and so on. Failing to do so can delay your departure when the relocation day comes since you’ll need to unpack them before loading.

List of Relocation Essentials

People tend to forget that movers won’t arrive at their new home for the next couple of days, so they fail to pack the box or bag with necessities. However, not doing so can severely impact the first few days in a new home – and your wallet, since you’ll have to buy them. Therefore, set aside some basic bathroom supplies, clothes for each member of the family, chargers, and necessary kitchen utensils. Add important documents, valuables, and medication, and keep all of this stuff close by.

Take a look at the following video to get more ideas about stuff that should be a part of your relocation essentials:

There Are Final Touches Around the House You Should Not Forget

There are some additional, smaller tasks you must remember to deal with before going on with your travel. Still, keep in mind that just because something is less important doesn’t mean you won’t suffer if you ignore it. Be sure to:

Preparing for the Relocation Day

The big day is almost here, and you are getting very excited about finally relocating into your new home. However, before you can enjoy your new place, there is still a lot of work to be done in order to have a smooth and successful move.

Ensure that your kids and pets are taken care of – ask a friend to watch over them or hire a sitter. Don’t forget to secure the parking for the truck (if needed) and clear the pathway from the obstacles before cross-country movers come. Additionally, if you want to tip movers, make sure you have cash ready.

Finally, don’t forget to go through each room once again when movers are gone – make sure nothing is left behind. Only after you’re done with the final walkthrough should you lock the doors and proceed with the move.

Follow the Plan, Take a Breathe and the Move Will Go Smoothly

Interstate relocation is a huge task. It can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to get lost in the details. But if you take things one step at a time and follow your plan, the move will go smoothly. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time for each step, and don’t forget to take breaks! Most importantly, remember to breathe. When you start feeling overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that you can do this.

Of course, you can always ease the relocation experience by getting help from professional movers from Seattle to California or experienced movers from California to Seattle – depending on your final destination. When you have the best cross-country moving company on your side to assist with many relocation-related tasks, even an interstate move will become less stressful.