Moving abroad is an exciting task and burdensome as well. Implementing a long-distance move needs a systematic bent of mind. Hence, the change of address needs a bit of careful planning and packing of things.
How does one stay sane when there are kids, grandparents, costly belongings, and pets to be shifted to cross country destinations? Worry is the last thing that should be on the mind when you’re moving abroad – planning and prudence should be the area of focus. And that is not tough to achieve. Prioritize things, and check them off when done.
Here are 7 Tips for Moving Abroad That Will Save Your Sanity
1. Lighten your luggage weight
Luggage can be a big load on you when moving to a new destination. The packing and crating of luggage to cross-country destinations is a challenging job.
The cost of hiring a moving company does not come at a bargained price. The weight of your belongings is a crucial factor in the total you pay and may cost you several dollars in thousands.
Saving money during inter-state travel becomes the top focus. To lighten the cargo expenses, you may consider donating a few items to the Habitat of Humanity, Salvation Army, etc. The other option is to sell items at an online marketplace or consignment store.
2. Divide the responsibility of packing goods
Family matters the most when it comes to a cross country move. Having more helping hands will make the task easier and give you less headache. Get your spouse and kids to share the duty of packing the goods.
Teach them the proper ways before they start the process of packing. School-going children should take on the responsibility of packing their rooms. Non-essential items like seasonal wear, music and books should be packed first followed by essential ones.
3. Organize your travel arrangements in advance
Timely booking of flights is a wise move when shifting cross country. Make sure that the aeroplane tickets and hotel reservations have been organised in advance to avoid last-minute chaos.
Do your online research on budget flights and check out cross country moving company reviews before finalising everything. Pricing and offerings vary from one moving company to another. Compare quotes from three moving companies before arriving at a decision. These small tips will help you make the cross-country shift work out smoothly.
4. Check the license of the moving company
Safety of the moving company is the foremost thing to be taken into account when planning a cross country shift. Make sure the license and insurance papers of the moving companies are valid.
Find out the license factor of the interstate mover by looking up the USDOT number in the database of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Better to be safe than sorry when you’re moving abroad.
5. Get the Contact Number of The Driver
Cross country travel can take a week for your things to arrive. So, keep yourself updated on the arrival schedule of your moving truck and on-road movement. Make sure the driver is experienced and aware of the road signs. Buying affordable SABS approved safety signs online has never been easier.
When you have the moving driver’s phone number, you can always contact him to track his movement. In case the driver is inaccessible due to network problems, then talk to the representative of your moving company to keep yourself informed about his location.
6. Carry Important Papers And Valuables with You
Valuable items such as jewelry and heirlooms are priceless treasures and should remain with you when you’re moving abroad. Avoid shipping them in a moving container. Pack these precious items in a separate bag. Similarly, keep some vital documents like a birth certificate or a marriage license in your custody for enhanced safety.
7. Take Photos or Videos of The Items in Transit
Keeping documentation of your belongings at the time of packing is essential before moving abroad. Click photos or videos so that you have a record of all the items in transit and their condition. If there is damage to any item in transit, then the pictures of mishandled items can help you get the compensation once you file a claim. The proof never fails to convince!
Conclusion
If you feel the movers have done a decent job and all the goods have reached the destination safely without any physical damage, then don’t forget to tip the driver. Maintaining the security of your belongings on the road is a hefty task. If done well, then paying a cash tip is good to thank the driver for his manual labour and time.
Meeting the new neighbours in a cross-country location should be given preference. Step outside of your new home and exchange pleasantries. They might help you in the unpacking of your goods and share a few laughs.
So, if you’re moving abroad, you know the checklists and precautions you need to follow. Always book a reputed, reliable, licensed and insured mover so that your goods travel in safe hands.
Watch this space for updates in the Hacks category on Running Wolf’s Rant.
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