3 min read
A long-distance move can be tough. Here, we help you understand some of the particular issues involved, and our top 5 tips for success.
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Moving long-distance can be a daunting task, but with careful planning and the right advice, you can make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible. Whether you’re relocating across the country or to a neighbouring county, knowing how to move long distances efficiently is crucial. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top tips for moving long distance and give you the essential things to think about when planning your next move.
Here, we provide our top five tips:
Planning a long-distance move early is crucial to avoid last-minute stress and ensure a smoother transition. Creating a detailed moving house checklist can help you to keep track of tasks and can help guide you towards a timeline to stick to.
It’s also important to consider that, if you’re going to use a house removals company they’ll probably require much more notice about a move that could end up taking a day or two than if they’d only need to spare two or three hours. You’ll want to consider booking in with a company as much as three months in advance. Even if your house purchase and/or sale falls through, it’s better to be safe than sorry – and you’re only likely to lose a small deposit if the worst does happen.
Choosing a moving company for long-distance moves requires careful research. Start by getting quotes from at least three reputable moving companies to compare prices and services. Make sure the companies are licensed and insured and check if they are members of trusted associations like the British Association of Removers (BAR) or have accreditation from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). These organisations uphold high standards and can help confirm the company’s reliability and professionalism.
When evaluating potential movers, focus on these key factors:
Experience: Look for companies with extensive experience in handling long-distance moves.
Customer Reviews: Check trusted review sites like Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and Yell for feedback from previous customers.
Transparent Pricing: Choose companies that provide clear, itemised quotes without hidden charges.
Services: Confirm that the company offers the services you need, such as packing, temporary storage, or vehicle transportation.
Get your free personalised moving quote today from our trusted partner, AnyVan:
A long-distance move is the perfect opportunity to declutter. The larger distance means more time, effort, and costs, so it's crucial to be ruthless when deciding what to keep. If you’re unsure whether an item will be useful in your new home, it’s probably best to let it go. Consider your new space and future plans—if you’re planning renovations or a new style, now might be the time to sell or donate items you no longer need.
Once you’ve sorted through your belongings, packing becomes more important than ever. Unlike local moves, you won’t have the luxury of multiple trips, so everything needs to fit securely in the van. To save space, think about:
Partially disassembling furniture (like removing legs from sofas or headboards from beds).
Using the interior space of large items for soft furnishings like duvets or pillows.
Use sturdy boxes and make sure they’re stackable to maximise space.
Before loading the van, try moving everything into one room and mark the van’s dimensions on the floor with masking tape to make sure it all fits.
If you have any concerns, consult your removals company to ensure a smooth, organised move.
When planning a long-distance move, budgeting is essential to avoid unexpected costs. Several expenses can add up quickly, so it’s important to plan ahead and account for all potential fees. Key costs include:
Moving company fees: Long-distance moves typically range from £1,000 to £5,000, depending on distance and services.
Packing supplies: Costs can range from £100 to £300. You can save by gathering free boxes or using household items for packing.
Travel expenses: Budget for fuel (£100 to £300), accommodation (£50 to £150 per night), and meals (£50 to £100).
Additional costs may include storage fees (typically £50 to £300/month), insurance (around £50 to £200), and extra services like packing or disassembling furniture, which can range from £200 to £500.
To keep your moving costs down:
Get multiple quotes: Compare at least three moving companies to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Move in the off-season: Moving mid-month or during winter may help reduce costs.
Declutter: Reducing the number of items to move can significantly lower your costs.
Plan ahead: Booking in advance can help you secure better rates and avoid last-minute surcharges.
| Expense | Estimated Cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Moving company fees | £1,500 | ||
| Packing supplies | £150 | ||
| Travel Expenses (food & fuel) | £150 | ||
| Storage (if applicable) | £100/month | ||
| Insurance | £100 | ||
| Additional services | £200 | ||
| Total estimated budget | £2,700 - £3,200 |
Staying organised during your long-distance move can make a world of difference. The logistics of a long-distance move can quickly become overwhelming, but with careful planning, you can manage the chaos. Start by creating detailed checklists for each stage of your move—packing, scheduling movers, and travel arrangements. Break tasks into smaller steps to ensure you don’t forget any important details. A timeline or calendar with deadlines can help you stay on track and reduce last-minute stress.
Another key to staying organised is keeping all your important documents in one easily accessible folder. This includes things like moving contracts, insurance paperwork, identification, medical records, and utility change-of-address forms. Keep this folder with you during the move, rather than packing it away, so you can quickly access anything you need without delay. If you're moving with pets or children, make a separate list of their essentials to ensure they’re well taken care of during the journey.
Finally, managing the logistics of a long-distance move means ensuring everything from transportation to temporary accommodation is sorted in advance. Confirm travel arrangements, such as hotel bookings or long-distance vehicle rentals, well before your departure date. If you plan to use a storage unit, reserve one ahead of time to avoid surprises.
Staying on top of these details will help the move go smoothly and allow you to focus on settling into your new home with minimal stress.
Get in touch with one of the team
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If you would like to email us, please send it to the following email address:
quotations@myhomemoveconveyancing.co.ukMonday - Friday
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