Moving is always a bit of a challenge. It requires work and organization whether you’re relocating down the street or across the country. However, long distance moving takes some extra planning and effort that short distance moves don’t require.

You might be worrying over how to make your long distance move go smoothly, but there’s no need to stress. There are steps you can take to make the move easier and go according to plan.

Don’t Procrastinate

This is probably the hardest part of a long distance move. If you can tackle this hurdle then you are probably more than halfway there. No matter how far you’re moving it’s best to start ahead of time. Putting plans together and starting to pack up non-essentials weeks before the big move will help you to tackle things in steps rather than doing it all at once. Making a list of all the things you need to do and putting them in order of priority is a good place to start, but don’t hesitate to get started on that list right away.

Start Searching for Moving Companies

The sooner you decide on a long distance mover, the better. Doing your research on local movers ahead of time will give you the opportunity to narrow down your options and pick the one that is right for you. It’s good to look for companies that offer loading and unloading services as well. Some will even help you pack if you want them to. Figure out your moving budget and what services matter to you, then make an educated decision on a moving company.

Create a Loose Schedule

Getting an idea of when you want certain events in your long distance move to take place can be a great help. Figure out when you want to start packing and the date that you hope to have everything moved in to your new home. Having a schedule to follow can help you organize, but it’s important to keep it a loose schedule. You don’t want to hold yourself to strictly to certain dates or you will just end up stressing yourself out if things don’t go according to plan. Leave some room for flexibility.

Focus on the Good

Through all of these steps and all of the planning, it’s good to keep your mind on the final result. Your new home is an exciting thing, so when things get stressful just remember why you’re doing all of it. With the help of a good moving company and an organized plan, you will be enjoying your new home in no time!