Audrey
Statistics show that the net move-outs in Houston increased by 41% year-on-year in 2020. About 312,000 people moved out. The prime cause behind this exodus was the pandemic. But even when the dust settled on that, the digits stayed high.
Maybe Houston’s hot and humid weather has gotten the best of people. Whatever the reason may be, people often move out.
But it’s not a cakewalk when you move from one state to another, let alone across the country. You can’t just grab your phone and say, “Okay, time for me to move to San Francisco.” There is a lot of planning that goes into it.
And we are here to help you with that.
Hire Professional Movers for a Smooth Start
It doesn’t matter how big or small your move is. You can’t do it all on your own. There’s so much to take care of. From packing and storing safely to loading and unloading without damage, you’ll need help.
Professional movers can take the heavy lifting and stress out of your transition like no one else. They know the best ways to shift your belongings and make sure everything arrives safely at its destination. Plus, they take all the responsibility if there is any damage or delay. There are many long distance moving companies in Houston that offer a free written estimate of moving costs. Make sure you pick the best company before scheduling your move to avoid any inconveniences later. Go through online reviews and ask people for feedback to help you decide.
Research and Plan Ahead
Moving to a new city is like starting anew. You don’t know the roads, neighborhoods, or local laws. And it’s never a good idea to go unprepared. So, before you load everything in the truck, start researching your new home. Double-check the rental laws, insurance policies, and neighborhood safety before moving in.
If you’re moving with your family, you’ll also want to know about nearby schools and parks. It will give you an idea of what to expect when you arrive. If you can visit the city for a day or two, it’s even better. You can connect with your immediate neighbor on this short trip. That way, you might have someone to welcome you when you arrive. Finally, you will want to figure out whether you are going to drive your car to your new home or you will have the vehicle shipped.
Declutter and Downsize
Cross-country moving is expensive. You must pay for transportation, packing materials, and the labor charge. It means if you cut down on your belongings, it will save some money. The lesser, the better.
Plus, you won’t have to keep track of each item. And trust us; this is a tried-and-true stress-buster.
So, hold a massive decluttering session before you start packing. You don’t need to keep items you haven’t used in years but are holding for sentimental value. Your new home might not have enough storage space to accommodate them. And, of course, it’ll add some extra dollars to your moving budget.
How about you hold a garage sale and make some quick buck? It can be your last-minute effort to finance the move.
Organize and Label Everything
Moving is a chaotic process. Your home looks like a game of Tetris. Everywhere you look, there are boxes. And if you aren’t careful enough, chaos can follow you to the new place. Don’t do that to yourself. Take some time and label everything.
Label each box with a description of the items inside and their final destination. This way, you’ll know where to put each box when you start unloading everything at once. You won’t have to keep running around different rooms to find the exact spot for each item.
And it’s effortless. You can hand some tape and markers to your kids and ask them to help you. It’s a productive way of involving them in the move as well.
Make Arrangements for Yourself
Before boarding the plane, ensure you have a place to crash in your new city. If you have distant relatives or friends, let them know about your arrival. They might be willing to host you until your new house is ready. If that’s not possible, you can always rent a room in a hotel or Airbnb for the interim. The closer it is to your new abode, the better. You’ll be able to check out the progress of your house without traveling long distances.
Also, pack a box of essentials beforehand. Stock it with all the items you might need on the day of your arrival. It can include basic medicines, toiletries, bedsheets, and small electronics. That way, you won’t need to run around in a new city searching for them.
Hire a Cleaning Company
A “new” house should also feel new. But it won’t be the same if there’s a huge pile of contractor mess in every corner. So, as soon as you get your keys, hire a professional cleaning company. Ask them to thoroughly clean and prepare the house for you and your family.
Some areas that might need special attention are the bathrooms and kitchen. Also, have them dust off all the vents and fans to ensure your loved ones can breathe fresh air inside.
Also, note that it might take a few days for the service providers to get to your house. So, if you’re moving in on short notice, look for a same-day cleaning service instead.
Transfer Utilities Well in Advance
No one likes the idea of moving into a dark and cold house. And if you don’t make arrangements for utilities in advance, that’s exactly how your new home will be.
So, start making the necessary calls as early as you can. When you move in, ask them to switch on essential services like electricity, water, and gas.
Of course, you’ll need an internet connection to stay connected with your family and friends. So, check if the area has coverage from your current service provider before leaving. You can also ask your neighbors for some references.
Final Thoughts
Cross-country moves can be intimidating. But if you plan and utilize the tips discussed in this blog post, you can ensure everything goes smoothly.
Also, make sure you have the financials in place and are emotionally ready for the move. And if things get out of hand, don’t forget to take a break and relax. After all, it’s not easy, and you’ll need a calm mind to make things work your way. Never hesitate to ask for help from friends and family members you trust.
Good luck!
