Moving is a major life event, and a long distance move is even more momentous. To make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible, you need to have a plan and stay on top of it. Here are our tips to help you feel confident, calm, and prepared.

Plan ahead

Yes, this tip is pretty obvious, but the more you plan out and in greater detail the better. Start as early as possible. Many people doing a long distance move to or from Minneapolis have every intention of following a move plan — until time gets away from them and it's too late. To get started:

• Make a folder (physical and/or digital) for your move and keep all your lists, receipts, quotes, and other paperwork there.
• Create a list (or use our moving checklist and add on to it!) of all the things you need to do for your move and when they should be completed by.
• Keep all pertinent contact information in your move folder, such as your moving company, your realtor, etc.
• Make decisions about what you will handle yourself and what you will use a professional service provider for.

Research moving companies

Unless it is absolutely not in your budget, hiring professional movers is your best bet when moving — especially long distance. You will be handling so many details that anything you can get off your plate should be delegated elsewhere.

Professional movers are highly trained and experienced, and they can move your possessions much more efficiently and safely than you can, even if you have moved often.

It is important to make sure you find a reputable moving company with experience doing long distance moves and get estimates. Here are 5 questions to ask a moving company you are considering using.

Downsize

You don't want to spend time and money moving things that you don't need or want across the state or the country. Moving is a great time to go through your possessions and sell, donate, gift, recycle, or throw away items that no longer serve a purpose. Carefully consider what items should make the move with you. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• Am I moving to a different climate where I may not need some seasonal items such as a snowblower or winter coat?
• Are there items I've been holding on to "just in case" I one day need them or can make use of them again?
• Are there things in storage that I haven't even looked at in a year or more (let alone used)?

You can find more great tips for downsizing in our previous blog!

Pack like a pro

We probably all remember at least one moving experience that was, to put it lightly, less than organized. Maybe it was from a college dorm to your first apartment or to a new apartment after a roommate abruptly backed out. The memory of grabbing whatever was nearby and shoving it unwrapped into any bag or box before cramming it all into a friend's pickup is one most of us would prefer not to relive.

To move your items properly, safely, and without the chaos, you need to be a little more prepared:

• Consider creating an inventory of your items (you may have already done so when you got your move estimate).
• Make sure you have plenty of sturdy boxes and make use of moving boxes designed for specific items, such as wardrobe and mattress boxes.
• Tackle one area at a time starting with less used areas like storage and working your way to often used spaces like the kitchen.
• Designate an area to start putting your packed boxes — perhaps empty a room like the dining room and then use it as the home base.
• ALWAYS label your boxes — develop a system that works for you to find things once you are in your new space, and don't forget to label things that are fragile.

Pro mover tip: It's common for long distance moves to have boxes from more than one family on one moving truck. Clearly label each box with your name to help make sure they all make it to the correct destination.

Get more great packing tips from our previous blogs, "8 Tips to Pack Like a Pro" and "How to Keep Valuables Safe During a Move"!

Move in the offseason

This tip is often overlooked, but if you can make it work within your schedule, moving during a less busy time can save you some money. Long distance moves are already more expensive than local moves, and movers (along with all other vendors) often charge higher prices during busy seasons when they are trying to keep up with high demand. Moving costs can add up quickly, so anywhere you can save a little money without putting too much burden on yourself is a plus.

Get to know your new area

Whether you're moving to a metropolis like Minneapolis or a suburb like Edina, you may feel a bit out of place or even anxious until you get to know your new home well. Get out and explore to help become familiar with your area and start getting settled in.

Our tips for getting to know your new city will have you feeling like a local in no time.

Get help from the moving pros

AAA Moving has been Minnesota's number one mover for over 50 years. We have experience with thousands of moves, both local and long distance. If you're planning a move, give us a call. We'll give you a free quote and can help you every step of the way in your move.