5 Tips for Facilitating Your Long Distance Move

Long distance move can be as exhilarating as it can be nerve-racking. In addition to all the formalities that come with moving to a different location, you also have to make sure that everything you own gets there in one piece if it even gets there at all. However, with a few pointers, anyone can make their long distance move a success. Here are a few tips that will allow you to facilitate the whole process.

Plan Accordingly

Planning should play an essential part when it comes to any move, let alone moving to a whole new city or country. You should start contacting long distance moving companies at least three months before the move. And this is especially true if you’re thinking of making the move during the summertime since this is when most movers tend to see the most work; so, you won’t have to think about finding someone at the last minute.

Make Sure You Get an In-Home Estimate First

In-home estimates are when a rep from the company will come to your home, make a visual inventory of what needs to be moved, and will then give you an estimate of what you can expect to pay. This will not only allow you to set your budget, but will also help you pick the best service for you as well.

If for any reason a company refuses to do any kind of in-house survey, beware. You might be working with a broker instead of an actual moving company. These types of companies will usually gather leads through a variety of methods and contact movers in your area. So, you never get to know who will be handling your move and can’t base yourself on the reputation of the broker either. It’s better to work with an actual company then leave things to the whim of a broker.

Do Your Research on Moving Companies

You should gather a couple of movers’ numbers in your area and start doing your own due diligence on them. Start looking at what people had to say about them online. Check their ratings on Google. Yelp, Angie’s list, and the BBB are also great places to look. While not all businesses are registered with the BBB, it’s always wise to check if they have any outstanding complaints that haven’t been dealt with. You should also be able to see whether they’re registered with the BBB when looking at their website. An example if you’re in the Toronto area and looking for a long distance moving company can be seen with Phillips Long Distance Moving Company who have a BBB accredited business badge in the footer of their website. Philips is one of the most established long-distance movers in Toronto and has a reputation for outstanding customer service and quality. This would be a great place to start if you’re looking for a reliable mover with years of experience and who’s in good standing with the community.

Consider Downsizing

When it comes to long distance moves, the total cost you will be charged will be correlated with the weight of the items you’ll be moving. So, this isn’t the time to get sentimental and get attached to things you may not actually need, but can’t let go of.

Try to go through your belongings and see if there are things you can get rid of, donate, or sell through a garage sale for instance. You could also consider storage in some cases as well. Also consider if you’ll actually need some of the items you were thinking of moving where you’ll be staying as well. If you’re moving from Toronto to San Jose, that snowblower might need to go. So, make sure you make an inventory of everything you have and only bring what will be absolutely necessary if you want to cut costs.

Know that Your Moving Costs Could be Tax Deductible

Did you know that you could write off some of your moving expenses? Yes, under certain conditions, you might get a tax deduction for your moving costs. However, you have to know whether you’re eligible in the first place.

Moving expenses are usually deductible if you’re making the move for professional reasons or for school. If you’re moving for work related purposes, you’ll have to disclose whether your employer has given you a moving expense reimbursement first, however. Know that this is available for people who are self employed as well.

You will also be eligible if you’re relocating for college, university, or any type of postsecondary education full time. But in order to be eligible, you also have to switch your primary residential address, which means you won’t be able to keep your current residence while moving away temporarily and get the tax deduction.

Conclusion

As you can see, long distance moves don’t have to be difficult. Just make sure that you work with a trustworthy mover who will assist you every step of the way and that you know the rules and regulations of the area you’re thinking of relocating to.