Perhaps you have moved a few times in your life and feel experienced enough to successfully handle a long-distance move in Texas. But make no mistake, moving to a new home just down the road or locally to a new neighborhood is a lot different than moving across the state to another city. And even if it weren't different, no amount of experience can substitute proper planning. This is especially true if you are moving to Texas from another state. For starters, the change of climate is a point to consider, especially for those used to having cold winters and white Christmases.
Regardless of the distance, preparation is crucial for a successful relocation. Therefore, we have prepared some valuable tips to help you ensure a smooth and stress-free long-distance move to Texas. In this article, you will learn how to:
- Create a checklist
- Decide what to relocate with you
- Pack for the move
- Estimate your moving costs
- Hire a reliable moving company
- Handle the paperwork
1. Planning for a Long-Distance Move in Texas Begins with a Checklist
Say you are moving from Harlingen to El Paso. That will be quite a drive. Getting organized is paramount when your entire household has such a long distance to travel. If you try to go with the flow and react as things happen, you will not have a great time moving.
The moment you know you will move, you have to start planning. If you know the exact date of the move, that will be even better. You will know the precise amount of time you have so you can manage it properly. When it comes to long-distance moves, you will hardly have the luxury of letting a single day go to waste. So, the best way to ensure you have everything under control is to create a moving checklist. While you can't predict everything, and some unexpected events may mess up your plan, a checklist will ensure you don't forget anything critical.
Moreover, you will love a feeling of accomplishment every time you cross something off.
2. Declutter, Downsize and Let Go of the Emotional Burden
Moving to a new home is a perfect opportunity to purge your belongings and have a truly fresh start. We tend to accumulate stuff when we live in a particular place for a while without even noticing it.
So, before you start packing, decide which items you want to bring with you. If anything is damaged, dated, or you don't love it anymore, get rid of it. But even if you love something, consider if it's time to part ways with it. Your floral sofa might have been with you for decades, but are the stains dating back to the age of dinosaurs and a tear here and there worthy of your new home? Plus, it may be more expensive to transport some furniture pieces than to buy new ones later.
Also, if you are moving to Texas from a colder climate, you may not need as many winter clothes and shoes. Of course, you will travel, so don't throw out your ski equipment and such - that's why storage units exist. But three winter coats and several pairs of snow boots are really not necessary in Texas. Therefore, you can make a few extra bucks by selling them. Or you can feed your soul and donate such items to the less fortunate.
Decluttering and downsizing your household will also help with your moving expenses - fewer items to transport means lower costs. Since long-distance moves tend to be on the costlier side, it will undoubtedly be a welcome reduction.
3. Pack Wisely
Now that you have eliminated all the excess stuff and decided what goes with you to your new Texas home, the time has come to pack. Packing in a smart way will be more time-consuming, but it will save you a lot of time once you begin unpacking. Here is what you should do:
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Get adequate packing supplies - you need boxes, packing peanuts, packing tape, blankets, etc.
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Research packing techniques - packing fragile items is not the same as packing clothes.
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Separate your belongings into categories - it will make unpacking a lot easier.
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Label the boxes - your movers will know where to place each box, and you will know where everything is.
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Make an inventory - you will be sure that everything you packed has arrived safely.
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Pack an essentials bag - you will need some basic items (spare set of clothes, sheets for the first night, document, hygienic products, etc.) for the first day or two in the new home.
4. Estimate How Much the Move Will Cost
Knowing how much your long-distance move will cost you is an important part of your planning process. Every relocation comes with expenses, and they are not always small. So, setting a moving budget is necessary.
The first step is getting several quotes. You can do this online for free. While it probably won't be an accurate figure, you will get an approximate idea of what to expect. If you do this early, it will give you enough time to find some alternatives if you need to cut costs or if you need to move on a budget.
Also, getting a free estimate will allow you to see if you can afford any additional services such as professional packing. If you need any specialized services, such as moving fine art, you will know how to organize your budget and prioritize what's necessary.
5. Hire Reliable Movers
Getting estimates and finding moves go hand in hand. It would be best to first find several reputable moving companies. You can do that by browsing online databases and reading online reviews. Of course, make sure to focus on companies from Texas or the city you are moving to. These professionals are familiar will the area and will give you the best possible service. Also, you have to look for companies experienced with long-distance moves.
After you have narrowed down the options, arranging in-house visits to get a more accurate moving estimate would be wise. Note that choosing the lowest price is not necessarily the most cost-effective option. You have to see what services each company offers and what the cost covers, and then you can pick the best option.
6. Deal with the Paperwork and Necessary Documents
The final tip for planning a long-distance move in Texas concerns the dullest aspect of any relocation - paperwork. Texas has become an attractive destination for people looking for a change of scenery and better career options. Huston, in particular, has become a popular city among young professionals, especially those in the tech world. Since many people choose Houston, it won't be hard to find information regarding documents you need to move there. You can find local social media groups and ask people for help.
You also have to deal with utility transfers before you move into your new home. It won't be fun to arrive at your place after hours of travel and realize there is no running water or electricity. Cable and the internet may not be essential, but it would still be nice to have these luxuries so you can relax after a long trip.
Now It's Time to Settle in Emotionally
Planning a long-distance move to Texas may have been a bit time-consuming. The move itself, no matter how well-planned, was surely demanding. The physically challenging time is behind you. Now it's time to settle in emotionally. Make sure to give yourself enough time to get used to the new environment and start feeling at home. Don't rush with unpacking but allow yourself to get to know the new space and find the right place for everything. Also, go out every day at least for a bit, and explore the area. And don't forget to give your neighbors a friendly smile and a wave as you walk by.
Meta: Read about the 6 tips for planning a long-distance move in Texas and make this experience smooth and stress-free.