Moving days have a notorious reputation for being stressful, exhausting, and overwhelming. This doesn’t have…
Are you preparing for a long move? Moving from one place to another presents unique challenges to your family, especially when the move is a far one. However, there are several things you can do to make moving over long distances easier and more enjoyable.
Tips for Turning Your Move into a Road Trip
Moving to a different place in the same city is already a pain, even though it’s just several miles away – imagine moving over a long distance! Moving across the state takes a lot longer, the thought of which may give you a headache. However, you can make a long distance move more enjoyable by turning it into a family road trip.
Just because you’re moving a long distance doesn’t mean it has to be a difficult task. There are a lot of things you can do to help make the entire experience easier for you and your entire family. Discover some of the top tips to keep in mind when moving to a different city or state with this road trip planner.
Make Space in Your Vehicle for Valuables
A moving company handles all of your belongings during a big move. However, some important papers and valuables you want to keep close. Put some of the most valuable items you own in your personal vehicle just in case anything happens during the moving process. Always place your tax documents, passports and other paperwork in your own vehicle.
Try to Fit In “Non-Allowables” with You If Possible
Moving services will not transport some items because it’s forbidden by state or federal laws. These non-allowable items should stay in your personal vehicle at all times, no matter what. If you have firearms (with proper documentation), certain household chemicals or perishable medications, make an effort to find space in your vehicle so you can bring them with you.
Pack Snacks
Since you’re going to be on the road for a while, bring enough snacks and drinks to keep your children and yourself happy along the way. Take the time before you head out to pack some favorite snacks to keep everybody full and happy during your road trip. Bottled waters and pre-packaged goodies are great for moving day. Keeping hungry stomachs full helps make traveling easier in between stops.
Plan a Sightseeing Tour
On your road trip to your new home, chances are good that you will pass at least one, if not several, sightseeing attractions. Do your best to locate these on a map and stop at them whenever possible. Even a brief stop for an hour gives everyone an opportunity to take a break and have some fun. Take plenty of photos for this once-in-a-lifetime trip and create some great memories!
Include Activities that Your Whole Family Will Enjoy
Plan for activities that everyone in your family enjoys. While in the car, make sure each person has something with them that they enjoy doing. Even better, see if you can find something that you can all do together that everyone likes. When everyone is having fun, you make moving easier.
Additional Tips for Preparing For A Long Move
Plan Weeks in Advance
Planning and preparation for a long road trip are just as essential as for a short move. The only difference is the scope. For a long move, you must prepare and plan further ahead of time than for a short one. Create a moving schedule, and plan your road trip weeks or even months in advance. Traveling over long distances you will have to factor in lodging, meal breaks every few hours and, of course, don’t forget to take time for stretching breaks.
Make Packing a Fun Activity
Aside from the actual move, packing everything up ahead of the big moving day is a daunting task, so do everything you can to make packing fun for everyone. Play some music, make some food and invite a couple of your friends to help you out! If you have kids, make it interesting by playing some games. Make it a fun race to see who packs the most boxes over a short period of time. Don’t forget to take breaks, too.
Use Your Move as Chance to Declutter Your House
As you go through your packing routine, you might notice that your house is more cluttered than you realize. Despite your already-busy schedule, moving time is a great opportunity to declutter your house! If you don’t need something, get rid of it. Before you move, host a yard sale to have some extra cash to bring with you on your move.
Find the Right Moving Company
The right moving company is incredibly important because those people are responsible for hauling your valuables. Find a moving company you trust as part of your road trip planner. In the Seattle area, On The Go Moving & Storage is a reliable and dependable mover. We help make moving easier, whether you move around the block or across the country.
Conclusion
Moving is one of the more stressful situations your family may face, but it doesn’t always have to be that way! Follow some of our tips and tricks to make moving easier as you plan a road trip and have a successful moving experience.
Do you have a move coming up in the near future? Be sure to contact On The Go Moving & Storage. We can help you with all of your moving needs to ensure a simple and easy experience.