Preparing for the Big Move
Preparing for a big move, especially one to a new state, can be terrifying. That’s why you want to do everything possible before the move to help you have a smooth transition. There’s nothing worse than being frazzled and overwhelmed on the day you’re supposed to leave. If you follow these rules, enlist the help of others, and take time to prep, then you will be just fine. Here are six tips for surviving a long-distance move to Atlanta.
1. Decide on How You’ll Make the Trek
The first step is deciding on how you’ll make the trek to Atlanta. To do this, take inventory of your things. If you only have to move clothes, small appliances, and dishes, then you’ll be fine just using your car. If you need to transport larger items, you’ve got a decision to make. You can choose a moving truck or trailer depending on your location and budget.
2. What to Keep and What to Toss Dilemma
When it’s time to move, you need to make crucial decisions on what to keep and what to toss. It’s a great time to throw away or donate anything that you haven’t used in the past year. If you have broken things lying around that you said you’d get to but never did, it’s time to eliminate them. Only take the items with you that you need. It will make the transition that much smoother.
3. Neatly Label Everything
When packing up boxes, especially those that are opaque, it’s crucial to label everything. There’s nothing worse than getting to your final destination and not being able to find what you need immediately. Instead of tearing through boxes and making a mess, label everything. That way, you also know which needs to stay in your home and which one should go into storage.
4. Packing Away the Essentials
It would be best if you packed in such a way that you keep the essentials close to you. Large items and things you don’t need right away when you arrive at your new home can be packed up and sent separately. They can also go into storage. If you’re driving, remember to keep those things you’ll need with you, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, and any medicine.
5. Is it Easier to Move or Replace?
If you’re traveling a far distance, it might just be more convenient to replace than move your things. If you have older furniture, outdated appliances, or something that isn’t needed, then consider tossing them away and replacing them when necessary. Things like food and items that are left opened can be junked instead of taking up space in the moving truck. If you need to replace large items like a bed frame or a couch, check out garage sales and social media to find good deals on cheap furniture.
6. Utilize the Help of Movers, Friends, and Family
Finally, you’ll need help to make your cross country move a smooth one. Ask your family and friends to help you pack up and put away to have things go by quicker. If you’re driving a long distance, it might be a better idea to put your items in the hands of trusted movers. They’ll make sure your belongings get there quickly and safely, which gives you more time to focus on other things related to moving.