School’s out.

The weather’s getting warmer. 

It’s time to sit out by the pool and relax… unless you’re moving, that is! 

Moving over the summer can cause your stress levels to climb like the temperature. But a summer move doesn’t have to be a headache. Here are some tips to plan (and have!) a successful moving experience.

Summer’s the time for long-distance moving

Summer is the busiest time of the year to move — for good reason!

• The weather is nice.
• The kids have finished their school year and can start fresh in a new location in the fall.
• Moving companies and real estate agents are ready with availability for the busy season.
• Commercial leases are often signed in the fall, so businesses might want to take advantage of lower rates (with less demand) during the summer.

But moving long-distance comes with its own set of challenges. 

• Because it’s the busiest time, it’s also the most expensive. 
• Moving companies often need extra lead time to schedule during the peak season. 
• Transit times (time frames for goods to arrive at the destination) can vary based on distance, weather, and mode of transportation.
• Delivery spreads (the range of dates when the moving company anticipates delivery to the final destination) need to be factored into moving plans to accommodate delivery arrangements and temporary storage needs.

What’s considered long-distance moving?

“Long-distance” doesn’t necessarily mean across the country. It might be across the state — or even across town!

Any distance outside of your current zip code is considered long-distance moving.

Whether you’re moving your family or your business, relocating can be a huge undertaking. Having a plan can streamline the experience and make it less stressful.

How do I minimize downtime during my move?

When you’re relocating, the last thing you want is EXTRA downtime. Here are some tips for minimizing the time that you’re unable to fully access your home or business space while packing, moving, unpacking, and re-organizing.

1. Have a plan

You know that saying “When you fail to plan, you plan to fail?” A moving plan can save you a world of stress!

A plan helps you stay organized and on track with your time AND your budget! You can allocate time to tasks as needed, prioritize expenses and cut costs where necessary, and reduce the risk of loss or damage to your items. 

2. Get a move consultant

Is the process of long-distance moving overwhelming? Consult an expert!

A move consultant can provide guidance and advice every step of the way, from packing the first box to setting up in your new location. A moving expert can take care of details, paperwork, and logistics — saving you time and helping you avoid costly mistakes.

3. Mind the gaps

In order to have a smooth transition, it’s important to understand your needs and anticipate potential challenges. With long-distance moving, there are gaps in timing and logistics that must be addressed.

• Closing dates

What happens if the closing on your new or old house falls through?

Or what if you’ve sold your home and there’s a gap between your move and the closing date on your new residence? This could cause a gap in timing with your moving company, and you might need temporary storage services.

• Lease gaps

Will the lease on your rental property end before the move-in date at your new residence? Awareness of your timeline can help you plan ahead and avoid complications.

• Logistical gaps

What happens if shipment is ready to deliver and you’re not there to receive it? 

Or what if you discover you need a bigger moving truck (or have other unforeseen circumstances) while long-distance moving?

Van line moving companies (like Appleton) offer guaranteed rates at a fixed price, protecting you against unexpected surprises (like needing temporary storage) and costs during your move. And if your move dates are flexible (and you wouldn’t mind combining your shipment with others in a larger truck), you can get a discounted preferred rate for your move.

With a DIY or non-van line move, you could be left to figure out storage and delivery logistics on your own.

When you move, the logistical details might seem endless: canceling internet and utilities, getting utilities and internet set up in your new location…

An experienced moving company (like Appleton) can help you take care of details and create priorities. We know the questions to ask to make sure you tie up loose ends — and are ready to go at your new location.

4. Consider a full-service move (rather than partial or DIY)

Moving can be (very) stressful. 

Hiring a full-service mover can be a way to buy back your time, avoid stress, and make for a better moving experience. 

With expert movers, your move can be faster, safer, and just… better!

Before you dismiss the idea of a full-service move because it’s too expensive, get a quote! It might not be as costly as you think!

How do I prepare my family (or business) for long-distance moving?

Being prepared is key to having a stress-free move. Here are some tips to prep successfully

Communication

Often, someone will be looking for a specific item to pack — and someone else put it in another room. Clear communication can make your move much easier.

Preorganization

When you’re preparing to move, put items in the room they will go in — and then pack the room. 

Plan for changing arrangements

If family members are changing from a shared bedroom to individual rooms, pack to prep for the new situation! The same goes for a home office — it’s easier to unpack and set up when items aren’t spread across boxes from multiple rooms.

Plan packing based on the availability of different family members

Pack rooms and move items to accommodate the different schedules of family members. For instance, If both of you work from home, pack one home office on one day, then move the second the next.

Keep sensitive and confidential materials safe

When you’re moving, keep track of your sensitive or confidential materials.

• birth certificates
• medical documents
• deeds, trusts, wills
• prescription medications 

These are items that you DON’T want to put in the moving van! 

How do I prepare my business for long-distance moving?

Many of the tips for residential moves also apply to moving offices. But 

Cable removal

With all of the packing and cleaning of your office space, it’s easy to forget about cable abatement. Cable removal is a condition of many rental lease agreements. But removing old, low-voltage cabling can be a confusing, time-consuming, tangled mess! Appleton’s cable removal services ensure that the right cables are removed and disposed of properly.

Full-service moving and packing services

Does the thought of packing your office (or home), cleaning your old space, and setting up in your new location fill you with dread? Appleton’s team can handle the entire process! From packing the first box to the finishing set-up touches at your new office, Appleton can take stress out of the equation.

Refiguring your office space

Does your old office equipment fit into your new office space? Will you need to reconfigure your furniture or get new furniture delivered? The moving experts at Appleton can help you restructure your modular equipment to fit your new space — and even receive any newly ordered furniture at our warehouse, store it until needed, and deliver and assemble it at your new site.

Long-distance moving… the successful way!

The process of moving your home or business can feel even longer than the miles you’re traveling. At Appleton, we understand that moving can be a daunting task — but we can help you ensure the loose ends are tied before you get to your new location. 

Our moving experts can save you time, energy, and stress — leaving you with the peace of mind that your long-distance move is in great hands.

Could Appleton be the solution to the stress of your long-distance move? Contact us today for a free quote.