7 Tips and Tricks for a Successful Long-Distance Move

If the time has come to move out and you think you are ready, it’s always good to do a double-check. When we speak about a successful long-distance move, some checkpoints need to be made in order not to encounter any kind of problems.

By doing so, you are not only making sure that everything is set and ready to be moved out, but you also keep things easier under control. Indeed, any kind of moves can be challenging, but especially when you need to cover a long-distance. This article was made to give you 7 tips and tricks that you can apply for your case. Enjoy the article, and good luck with the new location you are heading to!

1. Is your mover insured?

Many people ignore this aspect most of the time. However, there is a big difference between a move that is insured and one that doesn’t offer any kind of insurance. Generally speaking, if a mover is insured, then this means that they are going to cover a specific portion of damage or loss to your stuff when they get it.

This is good to know because it can save you up some money, especially if you have a lot of valuable items when you move out. If you are wondering how do you find out this information, you can simply ask them. And if you want to see more official proof ask them for their copy of the certificate of insurance together with their licence. Usually, if you get your mover online, the site is going to show all of their credentials. Just search for the right page. 

2. Is your mover accredited (CAM and BBB)?

Another important thing that you need to consider before hiring a mover is to know if he is accredited. One of the most relevant one is The Canadian Association of Mover (CAM) that is responsible for representing all the moving companies that are based in Canada. Their mission is to help the customer get access to a database of professional movers that can help out. Use them and check the history of the mover you are considering to use. Any previous issues or complaints are going to show up for sure.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a great source as well that can help you get more information. The difference between them and CAM is that they don’t focus just on movers.  They help customers and businesses as well to have better performances.

Checking if your mover is verified by any of the above is going to help you have a better long-distance move experience ensured.

3. Is your CAA membership updated?

Even though this sounds intuitive, many people might forget about this option. As you know, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) is responsible for providing roadside assistance. If you are about to make the long-distance move, it is important to check if your adhesion is still available or maybe considering signing up.

If something were to happen during your trip in an unfamiliar area, this is comforting to know you have access to this assistance.

CAA can be a helping hand, especially if you plan to move out quite far from where you live right now. Don’t make the decision now; just consider it as a possibility on your to-do list.

4. Is your car insurance available during the trip and at your final destination?

Insurance policies can vary from an insurance carrier to another. This is why you need to be careful with your car insurance. Not all insurance providers are going to be available everywhere through Canada. This is the reason why you need to check if your car is going to be insured at the new destination that you have in mind.

Let’s not forget that you are also going to be on the road for some time. You need to make sure your insurance is up to date during your trip and will cover you if anything happens. The best way to clarify all of this is by calling your insurance carrier. Have a proper discussion and ask all the details regarding your insurance. It is better to be informed rather than finding yourself in an unpleasant situation. 

5. Book upstream if needed.

Is your long-distance move far enough that you will need to stop to sleep or eat? If your long-distance move is going to take you to a location you haven’t been before, then it would be of great help if you could plan ahead of the trip. Take advantage of online tools like Google Maps and see if you have hotels available on the road, restaurants, and what kind of traffic you should expect. Maybe there are some tips on when is the best time to leave towards your location. 

By doing so, you will be better prepared for the experience, and if any unexpected events happen, at least you have an idea of what is up ahead. 

6. Will you need storage during your move?

It’s common that move-out and move-in dates don’t line up, especially when moving to a new city or province. If you’ll need storage during your move, you’ll need to factor that in when choosing a moving company.

If you use a moving truck or a full service mover, you’ll need to find a separate storage solution in your new city, which will require additional unloading, loading, and costs.

Moving container companies, like BigSteelBox, are a great option for long distance moves because they are a moving and storage service built into one. They deliver a container to your home as far in advance of your move as needed so you can take your time packing. When you’re ready, they’ll pick it up and have it moved to your new home, or they can store it at one of their secure storage facilities until you’re ready to have your items delivered again.

7. Download a navigating app

Our last tip comes from the technology world, and we are going to talk about navigating apps. You really don’t want to get lost when you are moving ut. This is why apps like Google Maps or Waze can be your traffic saver and give you the best routes and inform you about traffic or accident on the road. Also, consider taking a look at the route before you leave so you can have an idea of what is up ahead. 

Additional note

We almost forgot to mention that music is always a must. Create your trip playlist and have it ready to make the experience even better. The advantage of having a playlist is that you don’t have to change the songs from time to time, the trip is therefore more pleasant, but most of all, it is safer to drive without changing the songs all the time. 

Conclusion!

In conclusion, these were our 7 tips and tricks for a successful long-distance move. Now that you know them, it should be easier for you to get organized and have an idea of how the experience is going to be. No worries; if you make sure you check everything of the above, you will be just fine. Don’t forget to enjoy it; you are basically going to a new place and starting something new. What could be more exciting than that? Feel free to visit from time to time this article when you plan to make another move or even recommend it to a friend. Good luck, and stay safe!

Special Mentions

Moving is often synonymous of stress, long administrative tasks and a significant waste of time and money. MovingWaldo helps you solve all these problems in just a few clicks! After some shameless self-promotion, we invite you to discover our free moving tools available to all.

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