10+8 Tips For Making A Long Distance Move (Sustainably) Easy

Moving long distances can be a challenging task, but with careful planning and consideration for sustainability, you can make your move more eco-friendly. 

Moving to a new place can be daunting, especially when moving long distances. There are innumerable things to do, from finding a new place to packing bags and unpacking once you move there. All of it requires effort, time, and money. 

You may need weeks of planning to pull off a successful long-distance move. Things can be harder if you’re moving a long distance from a city like Fort Lauderdale on the East Coast East to restart life elsewhere in a more affordable city. The cost of living in Fort Lauderdale, FL, is 22% higher than the national average and the place is not a stranger to devastating storms. 

Moving long distances can be a challenging task, but with careful planning and consideration for sustainability, you can make your move more eco-friendly. Here are some tips for a sustainable long-distance move:

1. Declutter and donate: Before packing, go through your belongings and declutter. Donate or sell items that you no longer need or use. This not only reduces the amount of stuff you need to move but also prevents unnecessary waste.
2. Choose eco-friendly packing materials: Instead of using traditional cardboard boxes, opt for reusable plastic bins or rent eco-friendly moving boxes. You can also use suitcases, duffel bags, and laundry baskets to pack your belongings. Avoid using excessive amounts of packing materials and try to use eco-friendly alternatives like biodegradable bubble wrap or recycled packing paper.
3. Use green moving companies: Research moving companies that prioritize sustainability. Look for those that use biodiesel-powered trucks or have a strong commitment to reducing their environmental impact. Some moving companies may also offer carbon offset programs to compensate for the emissions produced during the move.
4. Optimize your moving route: Plan your route carefully to minimize the distance traveled and reduce fuel consumption. Consider the most direct and efficient route, avoiding congested areas and heavy traffic. Mapping apps or GPS devices can help you find the most fuel-efficient route.
5. Consolidate shipments: If you have friends, family, or neighbors who are also moving long distances, consider consolidating your shipments. Sharing a moving truck reduces the number of vehicles on the road and decreases carbon emissions.
6. Use sustainable transportation: If feasible, consider using public transportation or trains instead of driving a personal vehicle. Trains generally have a lower carbon footprint compared to cars or airplanes. If you must use a personal vehicle, choose the most fuel-efficient option available or consider renting a hybrid or electric vehicle.
7. Choose a green living arrangement: When selecting your new home, consider factors such as proximity to public transportation, walkability, and access to amenities. Choosing a location that promotes sustainable living can reduce your reliance on personal vehicles and encourage eco-friendly practices.
8. Offset your carbon footprint: Consider purchasing carbon offsets to compensate for the emissions produced during your move. Carbon offsets support environmental projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as renewable energy or reforestation initiatives.
9. Unpack sustainably: Once you arrive at your new home, make sustainable choices while unpacking. Recycle packing materials, reuse boxes, and properly dispose of any waste generated during the unpacking process.
10. Set up a green home: Take the opportunity to make your new home environmentally friendly. Install energy-efficient appliances, use LED light bulbs, implement water-saving fixtures, and consider renewable energy options like solar panels.

By incorporating these sustainable practices into your long-distance move, you can reduce your environmental impact and contribute to a greener future.

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However, you do not need to stress yourself out! With better planning, your long distance house move can also become more budget-friendly. Here are a few helpful tips for a smooth move: 

Planning & Prepping

Now packing up and moving to a new place has never been successful without a foolproof plan. You need weeks of planning, calculating costs, and removing the clutter you can’t take with you. However, the process can be made easier by simply creating an inventory list of everything you are packing for the move. As you pack, remember to check off as you go along.

Before you decide to move your five-piece furniture set across cities, you must figure out if the old furniture will fit into your new home. You do not want to ship your belongings to a new house only to realize the space is smaller than you thought. Even if you plan to take some of the furniture with you, hire reliable and trustworthy professionals for the job. Shouldering all of the responsibility on yourself doesn’t ensure your things reach in one piece. You can ask people you know for recommendations for Fort Lauderdale long distance moving companies and make quick work of packing and transporting your stuff.

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Downsizing – the key to an efficient transit 

It is time to let go of the clothes you have never worn, the books you do not plan on reading, and that sandwich maker you have not used for ages. There is absolutely no use in packing everything when you know that you will simply hang those clothes and never touch them again. Hence, you need to downsize and eliminate clutter before moving out.

 You can either donate to a charity or hold a garage sale! A garage sale is also an amazing way to earn a few extra dollars if you run low on cash. Not only will downsizing save you time with packing and unpacking, but it will also reduce transportation costs.

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Wrap things up

Although this tip is mostly common sense, just so anything is not missed out on, keep reading! Rushing through the packing process means negligence, which may go unnoticed at the time and may cost later. For instance, not wrapping fragile decoration pieces you adore may get damaged during loading and transportation. Wrapping them up properly is the key to avoiding any loss or damage.

If you run out of bubble wrap mid-packing, use newspapers, socks, and blankets to protect stuff from colliding and breaking.

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Organize your belongings

As tedious as packing can be, disorganized packing can make the unpacking process far messier than it should have been. If you start randomly throwing everything in a box without marking the boxes, you might also damage stuff. Hence, make sure that you mark and label your boxed and add your name and phone number, just in case.

Also, when loading the boxes, take extra care and ensure that the heavier items are on the bottom while the lighter ones are on top. You do not want the uneven weight distribution to damage your precious belongings. A sharp turn can cause your belongings to turn upside down if not packed properly.

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Deconstruct the furniture

Although you can carry and load your furniture into the mover, it is easier if it can be broken down. Deconstructing your furniture before loading is important if you have limited space and more furniture that you want to move. Remember to keep all the bolts and nuts safely packed in a zip bag so that assembling the furniture again is not stressful and daunting.

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Update your license and other documents 

Moving to a new place means changing addresses which need to be updated on your documents before you settle in as a resident. That includes anything from your driver’s license to the bank and credit card company you use. Remember to notify your postal services so your letters do not arrive at your old address and bug the new tenants.

Purchase moving insurance

Now you might assume that your insurance covers all valuable things. That, however, is only partially true some of the time. Although your insurance may cover some of the valuables, it may not cover all. Hence, you must sit with your agent and determine if you need an extensive insurance plan to cover everything.

Most long distance moving companies in Fort Lauderdale, FL, might also provide insurance coverage as part of the agreement. Discuss this with the service provider you choose to work with

Schedule utilities for your new abode

Scheduling utilities for your new place beforehand is important if you want to avoid living without electricity for a few days. Schedule it so you have electricity and water running when you reach your new home. 

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Conclusion 

Moving long distances can be stressful for most people, but it does not have to be if you follow the tips above. Not only will you be organized and on schedule, but you can also ensure you enjoy the smooth transition process.