For the past five years, an astonishing 40 million Americans moved house in a single year. Research also shows that of these millions of Americans, around 14 percent are making an inter-state long distance move.

Moving to a new state (and especially to a new country) is a big deal.

There might be a new climate to deal with. There’ll likely be different supermarkets, school systems, and lifestyle habits. Working out what stuff to take with you, how to pack it all, and the best way to move long distance can be stressful.

Are you one of those people packing up your bags and heading to greener pastures? If yes, read on for indispensable advice to make your impending relocation easy.

1. Get All Your Stuff in Order

Whether you’re moving for a new job or found a steal-of-a-deal home through Craigslist, a long-distance move requires forethought.

Plan ahead. Think about what items will go where in your new home. That way, you can sell, donate, or gift any items you don’t need instead of taking them with you. You can also get self storage unit too especially if you won’t be able to transport your goods in one go.

Once you know what you’re keeping, make an inventory of those items, so you don’t lose anything on the way–whether you’re moving with a company or DIY-ing it.

Suppose you’re packing up an entire household for a relocation. In that case, you might be wondering how to move furniture long distance. With flat-pack furniture, it’s best to put it back in the boxes it came in. Include any screws, tools, and manuals you need for quick reassembly on the other side. 

2. Long Distance Move With Pets

Are you curious about how to move long distance with pets? If they’re traveling with you, be sure to pack their essentials in a separate, easy-grab bag.

Think water and food bowls, motion sickness medication, toys, spare leads, and clothing. You don’t want to be on the road with a bored pup or hangry cat!

A month or so before your scheduled move date, take your pet to the vet for a check-up. Ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date (especially those required by your destination state or county), and check their microchip is working.

3. Hire a Reputable Moving Company

Companies like Muscleman Moving offer customizable moving plans, packing and unpacking, storage solutions, furniture building, and online quotations. In short, they can do as much or as little of the moving process as you want to pay for.

When hiring a mover, get quotations from companies with experience in both your current location and the area (or even country) to which you’re moving. They’ll get the job done fast because they know the roads. They’re also familiar with any state-to-state or international regulations.

4. Moving for College? Pack Light

When it comes to small moves, long-distance relocations for college are one of the most common scenarios. If you’re moving into college dorms or a rental in a university town, you’re likely only staying there for a few years.

In this case, it’s a good idea to pack light.

You’ll save you money (which you can put into your college fees or use to pay down your student loan). You won’t have to haul huge boxes from one place to another when you finish college. Plus, a minimalist dorm room will give you the space to focus on your studies, not your decor.

Advice to Last a Lifetime

Whether it’s a short or long distance move, Americans relocate an average of 11.7 times in their lifetime. Advice like the above–packing light, cataloging your property, working with movers, insuring your trip, and more–is guaranteed to hold you in good stead for the many moves still to come.

Browse the other articles on our blog for more handy home-life help.