Early Planning (3-6 Months Before the Move)

How Far in Advance Should You Plan to Move?

The earlier you start planning, the better. Ideally, you should begin preparations 3-6 months before your moving date. This timeline gives you plenty of time to handle all the details without feeling rushed. 

Consider all of your needs as you begin planning. Will you need to rent a storage unit? Will you be moving with pets? Starting early allows you to secure better rates from moving companies, gives you time to declutter, and helps reduce the stress that comes with last-minute planning.

Research and Select a Moving Company

Choosing the right moving company is crucial for a stress-free move. Start by researching online reviews to see what past customers have to say. Look for a company that offers transparent pricing, comprehensive services, and a good track record. 

Muscular Moving Men offers competitive rates and a range of services, including packing and storage. Our professional movers are experienced in handling long-distance moves, ensuring your belongings are in good hands.

Intermediate Preparations (1-2 Months Before the Move)

Inventory and Declutter

Creating an inventory list of your belongings is an essential step in the moving process. This will help you keep track of everything and make unpacking easier. Start by categorizing your items, noting their condition, and taking photos. As you go through your things, declutter by sorting items into categories like "Keep," "Donate," "Sell," and "Trash." If you have items you no longer need, consider selling them online or hosting a garage sale. 

Gather Moving Supplies

Having the right supplies on hand makes packing much more manageable. You'll need sturdy cardboard boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap for fragile items, packing paper, markers for labeling, scissors, and moving blankets or towels to protect delicate pieces. 

Whether you’re packing a solo apartment or a family home, Muscular Moving Men offers packing supply bundles perfect for your needs. Stock up on these supplies well in advance, so you're ready when it's time to start packing. 

One Month Before the Move

Notify Necessary Parties

As your move approaches, you'll need to let relevant parties know about your upcoming change of address. Start with the post office, then update your banks, utilities, insurance providers, and other important contacts. Make sure you provide them with your new address and the date of your move to ensure a smooth transition.

One month before the move is the time to start finalizing all your arrangements. Make sure you’ve arranged for pet and vehicle transport, and are prepared for move-in day. Create a detailed timeline for the move, book your movers, and begin packing systematically. Double-check that your new home is ready, and that all relevant parties are informed of your move.

Packing for the Move

Packing Strategy

Plan to start packing room-by-room three weeks before your move. Start by packing decor, fragile items and nonessentials individually in bubble wrap. Use sturdy boxes and label them clearly with the word "Fragile." If possible, disassemble large items like furniture and wrap each piece in moving blankets or towels to protect them during transit. Label your boxes by room to make unpacking easier once you arrive at your new home.

Week of the Move

Last-Minute Packing

In the final days before your move, focus on packing any last-minute items. These might include toiletries, medications, chargers, and important documents. Prepare an "essentials" box with these items so that you have easy access to them during the move. Make sure this box is clearly labeled and kept separate from the rest of your belongings.

Confirm Details with Movers

Before moving day, confirm all the details with your moving company. Double-check the dates, times, and any special arrangements you’ve made. At Muscular Moving Men, we prioritize making this process as simple and stress-free as possible. Our team will ensure that everything is in order, so you can focus on your move without any last-minute surprises.

Moving Day

Final Walkthrough

Before you leave your old home, do a final walkthrough to make sure nothing is left behind. Check every room, including closets, cabinets, and outdoor spaces. Don’t forget to check wall outlets for any chargers or electronic devices you might have missed. It’s easy to overlook small items, so take your time to ensure everything is packed and ready to go.

Supervise Loading

As your belongings are loaded onto the truck, keep an eye on the process. Make sure that heavier items are loaded first, with lighter boxes stacked on top. This helps prevent shifting during transit. At Muscular Moving Men, our team is trained to handle your belongings with care, ensuring that everything is packed securely for the journey.

Ready to Start Planning Your Move?

Planning a long-distance move can seem daunting, but by following this guide and taking things step by step, you can make the process much smoother. If you're ready to get started, Muscular Moving Men is here to help. Our professional long-distance movers will handle all the logistics, so you can focus on settling into your new home.

Pre-travel preparation

Veterinary Check-Up

Before moving out of state with your pet, double-check that their vaccinations are up to date. It’s worth scheduling an appointment with a vet, getting a check-up and any required documentation or medication you need for your trip. When scheduling your appointment, aim for two weeks prior to your travel date to certify your pet’s clean bill of health is recent.

Most airlines require pet health certificates that serve as a vet’s OK for your pet to travel. However, requirements vary by airline, so check your airline’s pet travel policy at least two weeks before your travel date. You can also use a tool like this one, from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), to better understand domestic travel documentation for pets and other animals.

Choosing the Right Carrier

Choosing the right carrier is one of the most important steps of moving with a pet. After all, you’ll be responsible for transporting it, and your pet has to feel comfortable inside. Nothing is worse than choosing a cramped carrier that’s difficult to move. A good rule of thumb when choosing the appropriate carrier size is to make sure your pet can comfortably stand, turn around, and lie down while inside. The carrier should be sturdy, meet travel standards for size and ventilation, and have secure closures.

Transportation Options

Air vs. Ground Transport

There are several options for moving long-distance with pets. Traveling by plane is faster, however, airlines have strict rules for traveling with pets. Plus, you may be separated for the duration of your trip depending on your pet’s size. Small pets can fly in main cabins if they remain in their carrier, while larger pets will likely be stowed with checked luggage below the main cabin. 

Ground transport, on the other hand, is more flexible and cost-effective for shorter distances, but may subject your pet to longer travel times with varying conditions. Long-distance moves by car can involve overnight lodging. If you will be making overnight stops, plan to book lodging at a hotel that allows and accommodates pets. Never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle overnight while traveling— it’s uncomfortable and can potentially be dangerous. 

Some owners aren’t comfortable being away from their pets during travel, and vice versa. Consider your pet’s stress tolerance skills— if they don’t do well in a high stress environment, it may be better to choose a form of travel where you can easily see to their physical and emotional needs. There’s no wrong answer when moving long-distance with pets— choose what’s right for you! Hiring professional long-distance movers, however, makes the process seamless for all family members, including pets.

Packing for Pets

Essential Supplies

It’s a good idea to make a supply checklist before moving with a pet. Essential supplies include pet food and water, a comfortable travel crate or carrier, medications, as well as tagged collars, leashes and harnesses if needed. Don’t forget your pet’s travel documentation, hygiene and grooming products, comfort items and enrichment toys.

Consider whether you will supervise your pet for the entirety of the trip. If you will be apart for a period of time (like during a flight) prepare for accidents by lining your pet’s carrier with hygiene pads and take them for a bathroom break right before travel. Invest in collapsible bowls and a water bottle for convenient, mess-free feeding on the go. 

Travel Kit for Each Pet

Ensure your pet’s comfort and security while traveling by putting together a checklist that pairs their needs with corresponding items. We recommend dividing the items into the following categories:

1. Things your pet needs to have access to at all times
2. Things you, their owner, need to have access to at all times
3. Pet items you don’t always need at all times but should be within reach

Keep your pet safe with a tagged collar and a leash. Make sure your pet has access to water whenever they might need it during travel. Consider providing your pet with an enrichment toy to keep them occupied during the trip. Always keep safety equipment and emergency supplies on your person when moving with a pet.

On the Road

Acclimating Pets to Travel

Practice short trips with your pet to familiarize them with a travel environment before the trip. If your pet doesn’t normally wear a collar or travel in a carrier, introduce these elements earlier to minimize stress and anxiety. If your pet has a low stress tolerance, talk to your vet about calming treats or anti-anxiety medication for pets.

To help your pet get accustomed to a carrier, place the carrier in a high-traffic area in your current living space a few weeks before travel. Encourage and reward your pet when they rest in and around the carrier with treats, physical touch and praise. For stubborn or anxious pets, try putting a well-loved toy or a fabric item that smells like you into the carrier, like an old t-shirt or blanket.

Maintaining Routine

When traveling with pets, maintain regular feeding times, especially in cars. Before traveling, offer a light meal and a bathroom break to avoid digestive issues. Ensure water is always available and plan for potty breaks. Bring familiar toys and a scented blanket for comfort. Use a secure crate or carrier, and plan for pet exercise. Choose pet-friendly accommodations wisely. These steps will help ensure a smooth and comfortable journey for your pets.

Arriving at Your New Home

Adjusting to a New Environment

To help pets adjust to a new home, create a safe space with familiar items. It may help to gradually introduce them to their new living space; settle them with their belongings in a small room or bathroom, and allow them to get accustomed while maintaining consistent routines. Put familiar items around your living space to help them get acclimated and reward positive behavior. Finally, be patient and understanding with your pet. Moving is stressful for all parties involved— they can’t do it without your support!

Local Vet and Emergency Services

After moving, locate a new veterinarian and emergency pet care facilities. Check online reviews, visit facilities in person, and ask for recommendations. Confirm services offered, including identifying emergency services, and schedule an introductory visit. Don’t forget to bring all current medications and health documents to your first appointment.

Ready to Make Your Long Distance Move?

Being proactive is the key to moving cross-country with pets. When moving out of state with pets, plan your trip in advance and consider your pet’s needs. Create a checklist, anticipate accidents and be patient with your pet. Consider a professional moving company to streamline the process and allow you to focus on settling into your new home with your animal friends. Get a quote for your move today!

Any trip, especially driving cross country, needs to be well planned. No need to add additional stress to driving cross country by just winging it.

Planning Your Cross Country Road Trip Route

First and foremost, plan the cross-country route you want to take. Depending on the season, could the weather come into play on the route you're looking at? Determine the stops you want to make, the drive times involved for each day and even highways or big traffic metros that you want to avoid or use the by-pass loop of the freeway. Go ahead and secure your hotel reservations if needed and even gas stops or restaurants you want to check out.

Your Cross Country Road Trip Budget

Of course, your cross-country drive won't be free, so you'll need to lay out a budget. There are a number of expenses you'll incur along the way. Food, gas, hotels, etc. List these and any others that you can think of, so you'll have a good idea of how much money you'll need for your road trip.

Getting Your Vehicle Ready To Go

When was the last time your vehicle was serviced? If you'll be driving cross country, make sure you have a full service performed on your vehicle, not just a quick oil change. All fluid levels, filters, tires, alignment, brakes, and battery.

Drinks And Snacks

Somewhere in the vehicle, make room for a cooler that is easily accessible. Having snacks and drinks in the cooler will not only save you some time by not stopping as frequently but will also save you money. Drinks and snacks at the travel stops along the highways aren't always budget-friendly. Topping off your cooler with ice is inexpensive and easy to do. Also, keep a couple of trash bags handy in your vehicle so you don't end up with trash rolling around on the floor or otherwise smooshed somewhere in your vehicle. And take along a roll of paper towels to have handy as well.

Your Cross Country Road Trip Tunes

No cross-country road trip is really ready to go unless you've put together a playlist or two of your favorite driving songs. Good music makes any road trip go faster. The passengers should also prep their downloads with their favorite entertaining podcasts and movies.

Overnight Stays

As mentioned earlier, as a part of your preparation, you should get your hotel(s) booked in advance. There's no reason to find yourself having to drive through the night trying to find somewhere… anywhere to stay. Your brain and your body will thank you for doing so.

Time Your Drive Time

A cross-country road trip requires some timing to your driving. Take a look at your ETA's as they pertain to big cities. If possible, try to get around the large metro areas during non-rush hour times of the day. Even if you have to push a little further before you take a break or even stop short and enjoy a bit to eat or a couple of attractions, most of us don't want to spend our time in bumper-to-bumper traffic trying to get around or through a big city.

Maximize Your Packing And Organization

Your vehicle is going to have limited space available in it. So, take time to maximize your packing and organization. Make that anything you may need to get at isn't buried at the bottom somewhere. For example, make sure your overnight items and toiletries are easy to get at, so you don't have to unpack half the vehicle just to get them into the hotel.

Double Check Your Documents

Make sure you have any type of documentation that you may need. Licenses, proof of insurance, registration, roadside assistance numbers, etc… just in case.

Moving is stressful enough as it is. So, if part of your move is you driving cross country, take the time to plan your road trip well and use the time to enjoy your trip as much as possible. If the delivery window quoted by your moving company gives you a little extra time before you have to meet them at your new location, then take advantage of this time and stop at some places you might not have seen before. If you happen to have some friends that you swing by along the way, then do so and take advantage of these tips for driving cross country.

Places Young People Are Moving

Young adults are still much more likely to move to urban areas than older adults, who tend to live in more suburban and rural areas. In the first dozen years of the new millennium, young adults flocked to mid-sized cities, such as Baltimore, Portland, Nashville, Pittsburgh, San Diego and Salt Lake City. The city that has experienced the biggest influx in young adult population is Houston.

While mid-sized cities have seen a boom in their population of young adults over the better part of the last decade, it's the big cities that are still drawing the most young adults. Cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, Washington D.C. and San Francisco are attracting scores of young adults due to the number of job opportunities that are available there. Each city has a prominent place in the cultural imagination, drawing young people for practical and romantic reasons.

It's also worth noting that almost 30 percent of young adults move back home to live with their parents once they've graduated from college. This is because it's more difficult to find employment immediately after graduation and because the cost of living can be quite high, especially in urban areas. That same cost of living issue is what drives migration to mid-sized, less famous cities.

If you are planning to move or are in need of packing or temporary storage services, then be sure to contact us at Muscular Moving Men today.

Plan, Plan, Plan!

A long distance move is a huge life event. Therefore, it must be planned accordingly, much like other major life events. Contact your local mover as far in advance as possible - especially if you plan to move in the summertime as this is a moving company's busiest period. 3 to 6 months in advance should secure you an excellent moving company such as Muscular Moving Men.

The next step is to create checklists and ensure you stick to them throughout the process. If you have planned processes in place, then your move should be fool proof.

Get Rid of the Clutter

When it comes to a long distance move, the cost is based on the weight of the items that you choose to take with you. This means that if you're hanging onto lots of old heavy furniture, it can end up costing you a bomb. Therefore, take the opportunity of a long distance move to get rid of old bits and pieces that you no longer want. This will also mean that you can buy nice new items for your new pad.

Label Your Boxes

Labeling your boxes will ensure you can find all your belongings once you reach your destination. If you would like to find out more or require assistance for your up and coming long distance move, call us today at 602-923-6400.

First and most importantly, give our guys a call to get a free moving quote.  At Muscular Moving Men, we offer a packing/unpacking and a loading/unloading service to help take the sting from your long distance move.  Thinking about carrying that antique armoire down your flight of stairs?  No way, let our guys do the heavy lifting for you.  All you have to do is pick up the phone and call us at 602-923-6400.

Since we're talking long distance here, you are probably about to move everything you own at least a couple hundred miles… probably more. No matter how you intend on accomplishing all this it is going to require some planning. Even if you're a go with the flow kinda person some sort of game plan and schedule is going to be necessary.

A Quickie Long Distance Moving Tips Cheat Sheet To Get You Started:

• Get Your Quotes - get at least three onsite moving quotes from reputable long distance moving companies at least 6-8 weeks out depending upon the season
• Notify Banks and Insurance Companies - 6 weeks out
• Declutter & Purge - packing and moving things costs time and money so don't move what you don't use. Declutter 4 weeks out.
• Donate - Sell - Give Away - 3 weeks out
• Notify doctors, dentists, neighbors about 4 weeks out.
• Set up disconnects of utilities 4 weeks out.
• Start Packing - 3 weeks out.

A lot can happen to your stuff on its journey so making sure you properly pack each box is priority #2, after calling our guys of course! Don’t leave all the organizing for your move in.  You will thank yourself later for taking the extra time to organize your items before packing.  The extra time organizing now, will give you just enough time later to pop open a beer when you get there.  Don’t forget to mark each box of its contents and the room it belongs to.  The Sharpie is your best friend!

Properly Insure Your Belongings

Over the course of all your stuff traveling in the back of a truck or trailer for several hundred miles a lot can happen. Moving your stuff that far across multiple types of road conditions puts your belongings at risk no matter how carefully you or the movers packed them. Be prepared for this possibility and get the proper coverage for the value of your belongings. Take the time to have your moving company explain the differences between the types of coverage and the deductible options involved. Your long distance move will be expensive enough without having turn into a financial disaster should something catastrophic happen along the way.

Since you've been working on your long distance moving plan, you need to stay on schedule with things. Make sure you get your utilities, CATV, mail forwarded, and any other important documents that need to be updated scheduled and added to your calendar so you aren't scrambling around trying to remember everything at the last minute. At the very least you'll want to:

• Have A Checklist - whether it's a handwritten list or a detailed spreadsheet you must have some sort of checklist to manage your time and tasks. Feel free to use our Ultimate Moving Checklist.
• Use A Calendar - These days digital calendars and emails can be accessed from everywhere, especially your phone. Using your personal calendar with your checklist is an invaluable combination to have for peace of mind and stress reducing.
• Prioritize Your Tasks - Using your checklist and your calendar, make sure you set priorities to your tasks. Something as simple as High, Normal, Low will help keep you on track and focused on what needs to get done and when.

Create An Inventory List

Maybe not quite as important for a short local move, but a definite must for long distance moving. During a long distance move your belongings can get spread around so it's imperative that you create an inventory of your items. These days there are even convenient apps that you can download that will assist and make this easier. An inventory list won't just be helpful for keeping track, but it can help make sure you get the most accurate price estimate for you long distance move. Your inventory list will allow you to stay on top of what has been checked out and what has been checked back in.

Request In-Home Long Distance Moving Quotes

Be diligent and get multiple quotes from multiple moving companies. Especially for long distance moving, request that the moving company send a consultant by to do an onsite estimate. Don't go with any company that just wants to give you a quote over the phone or by email. Make sure that you show the moving people all the items that you'll be moving (or not moving) and get an accurate binding estimate of the move in writing. Remember that although price point is important to your decision making it doesn't mean that cheapest is the best option. Make sure you check references and reviews of any moving company and that they are experience managing long distance moving.

Purge Before You Pack

The math of long distance moving is pretty basic… the more items you move the more it's going to cost you. Especially with a long distance move the time to purge and declutter is now so get rid of any items you've not used, clothes you haven't worn in the past year, tools and appliances you've not touched. Seriously, if you don't use it, love it, or need it to survive, get rid of it. The options for donating, selling, and recycling are everywhere so make those ruthless decisions. Also, take a serious look at any cheap bulky furniture items. Often times these items will actually cost you more to move than they are worth. So, consider donating or having them hauled off.

Pack Boxes With Long Distance Moving In Mind

Over the course of a long distance move your belongings are going to get handled more than once not to mention they'll be riding across a lot of miles for a long period of time. This is why how your items are packed becomes super important. The end goal for packing for long distance moving is that your boxes are packed to the top, cushioned on the bottom, and any blank spaces are filled so that nothing is loose. Once a box is packed you should be able to shake the box and not hear or feel anything moving or shifting around in the box. And although finding cheap boxes to use may save you a few bucks up front, for long distance moving buying quality boxes and packing materials will ultimately save your money.

As You Pack - Organize It

This works to be a great time and stress saver on the destination side of your move. Once you begin packing set aside and label the boxes that you want to unpack right away at your new home. Usually this would include your "everyday items" such as what you'll need in the kitchen, clothes, some basic tools, and anything you know you'll need right away. Also, group together any specialty items, or items that are related to one another, and group together your fragile items. Group boxes together however you see fit that will speed up both the move and the unpacking. Make sure that you label your boxes on the sides as well as the top. Labeling on sides allows you to see what the box is even if it is a part of a stack of boxes. Also, if your boxes are going to be sharing a truck with another family, make sure you add your name as a part of the label.

Keep Your Survival Gear And Essentials

Put together, store, or pack your essentials that you going to keep with you and are not to be loaded on the truck. Depending upon the delivery window the moving company has set up for your long distance move, you'll want to take the appropriate amount of clothes, bedding, and toiletries. Also, keep in your possession any important documents, licenses, passports, social security cards, bank statements, tax documents, etc. And have each family member do the same for their essentials box.

Know Your Moving In Logistics

You'll need to a few things about the location of your new place. Since this has been about long distance moving, your belongings are probably going to be transported via a tractor trailer. These big trucks can't get or aren't allowed down all access roads and streets. If this is the case, the moving company will have to use a smaller vehicle to shuttle your items between the trailer and your door. This will have you incurring additional fees for this service. Also, find out if there is parking available near your new home and whether a temporary permit is required for the truck while your stuff is being moved and/or shuttled. Be sure to note how busy your street is during certain times so you can do your best not getting stuck in the middle of a jam trying to move in.

No matter what your final destination is, let the Muscular Moving Men take you there.  Before you go, make sure you enjoy one last Arizona sunset, one last margarita from your favorite Mexican restaurant, and one last dive in the pool on a summer day.  We sure will miss you.  Call our guys today to get a free quote.