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10 Long-Distance Moving Tips

Dusty Rhodes • August 10, 2023

Whether you’re relocating to a new house in Tacoma, WA, or an apartment in Houston, TX, moving to a new city or state can be an exciting adventure, but the process of long-distance relocation can also be overwhelming. Proper planning and organization are crucial to ensuring a smooth and successful move. In this comprehensive guide, Redfin provides you with ten valuable tips to make your long-distance move stress-free and efficient.


1. Start planning early


Long-distance moves require careful planning, so start as early as possible. Ideally, begin the process at least 8 to 12 weeks before your intended move date. Create a detailed moving checklist and timeline to keep track of important tasks. This includes researching moving companies, sorting and decluttering belongings, and scheduling necessary services such as transferring utilities. Also take into account how many moving boxes you’ll need.


2. Hire a reputable moving company


Choosing the right moving company is essential for a successful long-distance move. Research several companies and read online reviews to assess their reputation and customer satisfaction. Obtain written estimates from multiple movers and compare their services and prices. Look for companies with proper licensing, insurance, and a good track record of handling long-distance moves.


Also take into account whether the company specializes in long-distance moves. “Long-distance moving can be a challenging process for both residents and those assisting with the move,” says Dylan Figlo of Rentacrate. “Therefore, it’s essential to be cautious of companies that limit their services to small, regional areas, as this can be a red flag. When embarking on a long-distance move, it’s crucial to collaborate with partners experienced in handling city-to-city and state-to-state moves as their primary expertise, and investing in secure and organizable equipment like sturdy, stackable, rollable moving crates can make the journey to your new home smoother and more efficient for you and your movers.”


3. Purge unnecessary items


Long-distance moves can be costly based on the volume of your belongings. Take this opportunity to declutter your home thoroughly. Donate, sell, or discard items you no longer need or use. Consider hosting a garage sale or selling items online to earn some extra cash for your moving expenses. Reducing the number of items to move will not only save you money but also make the packing and unpacking process much more manageable.


“Sell or donate unwanted items,” says Eshon Howard of The Hard Body Haulers. “This will free up space in your home and reduce the amount of stuff you have to move. You can even host a garage sale or sell your items online to make some extra money.”


Latoya Wilson of Takeaway Movers notes that getitng rid of things you don’t need can save you some money. Transporting over significant distances can incur substantial expenses, particularly when moving an entire household or apartment, as charges are usually determined by the weight of your belongings.


4. Organize important documents


During a move, important documents can easily get lost or misplaced. Gather and organize essential documents such as passports, IDs, birth certificates, medical records, financial paperwork, and any contracts related to your new home. Keep them in a safe and easily accessible place, and consider carrying these documents with you personally rather than packing them in boxes.


5. Pack methodically


Packing your belongings room by room is a practical and efficient approach. Start with the items you use less frequently and work your way to daily essentials. Use high-quality packing materials to protect your belongings during transit. Invest in sturdy moving boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and quality tape. Fragile items should be wrapped individually to prevent damage.


Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will make unpacking a breeze and help movers place boxes in the correct rooms in your new home. Additionally, keep an inventory list of your packed items. Number the boxes and write down the contents in a notebook, or use a moving inventory app. Having a detailed list will help you ensure that nothing gets lost during transportation and will serve as a reference when filing insurance claims, if necessary.


Marcin Cwaliński of Ampol Moving, Inc suggests doing the packing yourself to stay organized and save money. “In order to keep costs down, we advise anyone who is moving to be as organized as possible,”he says. “Try to pack your own boxes, versus having a moving company to do it for you. If at all possible, bring as many items as possible to the garage or a main level of your house. This will speed things up, thus saving you money.“


6. Take inventory


“With a move of any size, it is prudent to have an accurate assessment of your property,” says Thomas Engelhart of 513 Movers. Create a detailed inventory of all your belongings before the move. It’s particularly crucial for long-distance moves, where your belongings may be transported with other items. Having an inventory will help you keep track of your possessions and ensure that everything arrives safely at your new home. It will also be beneficial for insurance purposes in case of any unforeseen accidents or damage during the move.


7. Plan your travel and accommodation


If you’re driving to your new location, plan the route in advance and make reservations for accommodations along the way if needed. Calculate the distance, travel time, and any potential stops you might want to make. Consider the best time to travel to avoid heavy traffic or inclement weather conditions.


If your move involves air travel, book your flights well ahead of time to secure the best prices. Arrange for transportation from the airport to your new home in advance. If you have pets, Move Central suggests that you ensure they have proper travel arrangements as well.


8. Notify important parties


One of the critical steps in a long-distance move is notifying relevant parties of your upcoming relocation. Inform your current and new utility providers about your move-out and move-in dates to ensure a seamless transfer of services. Also, notify your banks, insurance companies, credit card providers, and any other institutions you have accounts with about your change of address.


Don’t forget to update your address with relevant government agencies such as the postal service, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Additionally, inform subscriptions, friends, family, and other contacts of your new address to continue receiving mail and packages without interruptions.


9. Pack an essentials box


Packing an essentials box is a simple yet incredibly useful step that can save you time and stress during and after your move. Pack a box with items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home. This may include toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, basic kitchen supplies, essential tools, and any items that will help you settle in comfortably during the first few days.


Keep this essentials box with you during the move, rather than having it transported with the rest of your belongings. That way, you can easily access these important items without rummaging through packed boxes when you first arrive at your new residence.


10. Stay positive and stay flexible


Lastly, remember that moving, especially long-distance, can be challenging and unpredictable. Unexpected issues may arise, but maintaining a positive attitude and staying flexible can make the process more manageable. Embrace the adventure and the new opportunities that await you in your new location.




Source: Redfin

Dusty Rhodes Properties is the Best Realtor in Myrtle Beach! We do everything in our power to help you find the home of your dreams. With experience, expertise, and passion, we are the perfect partner for you in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We love what we do and it shows. With more than 22 years of experience in the field, we know our industry like the back of our hands. There’s no challenge too big or too small, and we dedicate our utmost energy to every project we take on. We search thousands of the active and new listings from Aynor, Carolina Forest, Conway, Garden City Beach, Longs, Loris, Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, and Surfside Beach real estate listings to find the hottest deals just for you!

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Myrtle Beach OKs extension for halting new long-term rentals near ocean

By Dusty Rhodes • November 18, 2024
Myrtle Beach City Council on Tuesday approved first reading to extend the temporary moratorium established in the spring that halted converting short-term rentals into long-term ones. The original ordinance passed first reading on April 9 and second reading on May 14. It imposed a 270-day halt on “acceptance, review and approval of applications to convert multi-family short-term rental properties to multi-family long-term rental properties within an area spanning from the east or seaward side of Ocean Boulevard to Kings Highway, and from Grand Dunes Boulevard to the point where Ocean Boulevard and Kings Highway intersect near the south city limits,” the ordinance reads. The 270-day halt was set to expire in January, according to the ordinance. The extension adds another 60 days to the moratorium. The council also approved a motion to declare certain vehicles abandoned or derelict in an effort to improve the appearance of both commercial and residential neighborhoods. “This report includes vehicles staff tagged as abandoned or derelict. Council’s approval allows these vehicles to be towed from their private property locations to a tow yard where they may be reclaimed by the current owner upon payment of the applicable towing and storage fees,” the motion reads. “If the vehicles are not claimed by the owner within 30 days of the required notice, then the tow company may sell the vehicle and keep the proceeds as compensation.” All four items on the consent agenda passed, including three grants of $110,262, $84,825 and $300,000. The $110,262 grant comes from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety and is for continuation of Myrtle Beach police’s Project Safe Neighborhoods program. According to the motion, the funds will be used “to support the full-time NIBIN detective dedicated to the acquisition, correlation, analysis, investigation, and prosecution of gun and gun-related crimes.” The $84,825 grant comes from the South Carolina Attorney General for the Violence Against Women Act. Those funds will be used “to support the hiring of a Police Victim Advocate dedicated to immediately responding to the safety needs of victims of violent crime. This position will allow Myrtle Beach police to provide, enhance, and expand its direct services to primary and secondary victims.” The $300,000 grant comes from the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services and will allow Myrtle Beach police to establish a Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program. “LEAD is a pre-booking diversion program that allows law enforcement that allows law enforcement to redirect low-level offenders to community services, including mental health services and drug rehabilitation,” the motion reads. “MBPD will use this funding for two Health Outreach Coordinators and scholarships for participants.” Before the meeting, proclamations were also made recognizing former Horry County Police Chief Joe Hill, who retired last month, as well as Horry County Administrator Steve Gosnell, who will retire in December. Gosnell was awarded the Order of the Palmetto in September.

Ways to Thank Service Members and Veterans

By Dusty Rhodes • November 11, 2024
While any time is a good time to thank military members for their service, some military-related holidays and observances are an especially great time to recognize those who took the oath to serve and protect our country. Looking to show your appreciation for service members and veterans beyond just words? Here are a few ideas. Acts of Service Buy a meal. If you see a service member in uniform or recognize someone is a veteran while dining out, picking up the tab for their meal is a nice gesture – and an even better surprise. Lend a hand. Are you good at carpentry, plumbing, or landscaping? Do you enjoy sewing, cooking, or cleaning? Offer your skills to help a military family in need, especially if a service member is deployed. Using these skills to show your support could ] brighten someone’s day and make life a little easier for military families juggling responsibilities. Volunteer at a VA hospital or veterans’ shelter. Not every veteran has someone checking up on them, so seeing a friendly face, especially during times of struggle, could mean more than you know. VA medical facilities depend on volunteers to help with various services, including visiting patients, running errands, or helping facilitate recreational activities. In addition, serving meals at a veterans’ shelter or donating goods to food pantries and shelters that serve veterans helps ensure basic needs are being cared for. Connect With Veteran Networks Participate in parades and other veteran events. Many cities hold parades and celebration events during military-related holidays, like Memorial Day and Veterans Day. By attending the events, you can show your gratitude in person. Consider joining wreath-laying ceremonies for Memorial Day to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, or take your family to one of the many Veterans Day events across the country to show your support. Check-in with military families. If you know someone or have neighbors with a service member in the family who is stationed away from their loved ones, take time to check in and let them know you’re there to help if needed. The simple gesture will help the family know they have support and give the service member more peace of mind, knowing there is someone nearby to look in on their family members . Listen to veterans’ stories. If you meet a veteran, take time to connect and learn more about their time in service. You’ll likely be amazed and inspired by their stories. If you’re a company or organization seeking a veteran speaker for an event or fundraiser, programs like Wounded Warrior Project’s Warriors Speak® give warriors and military caregivers a platform to share their stories and raise awareness of the needs of injured veterans. Donate to a veterans’ charity. One of the easiest and most impactful ways to honor service members and veterans is to donate to a veterans service organization (VSO). Wounded Warrior Project is dedicated to serving veterans and their families by providing a holistic approach to care, including mental wellness , physical health and wellness , peer support , financial education , and much more. Supporting VSOs is a meaningful way to empower veterans to thrive and live their lives to the fullest. Send a Military Care Package Another way to thank active-duty service members is to send a military care package. Even during peacetime, there are things service members stationed in the U.S. and abroad can use and enjoy. It also doesn’t hurt to get an unexpected gift and reminder of home when you’re away from family. Here are some ideas on what to send in a military care package: Toiletries: Items like deodorant, soap, shampoo, and razors are always needed and appreciated. Costs for these little things can add up, and they are necessary, whether in the field, deployed overseas, or even at home. Deck of cards, puzzles, books. Even with all our modern technology, a deck of playing cards is a classic care package item. Books, puzzles, and games can also be a fun way to pass the time on deployment, in the field (if allowed), or at the barracks. Feminine-hygiene products. Women are the fastest-growing demographic of veterans, and more and more are serving in the Armed Forces. Sending items specifically to women warriors shows them they’re being seen for their service and helps provide much-needed supplies that are often an extra expense for servicewomen. Snacks. Consider portable snacks like beef jerky, trail mix, or energy bars for warriors in combat zones. For those in basic training or stationed away from home, send local treats or popular snacks that are easy to share. Add comfort items like soup cups, instant coffee, flavored drink mixes, or cookies. A card or letter. It’s always nice to hear that what you’re doing is appreciated. When sending a note or card in a military care package, include how important the service member’s sacrifice is to you why it matters. Reading these words of support and appreciation can go a long way in brightening someone’s day. Regardless of how you decide to show your appreciation to service members and veterans, we must never forget the sacrifice members of the U.S. Armed Forces are willing to make for us. Find out other ways you can help wounded veterans. Contact: — Paris Moulden, Public Relations, pmoulden@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.570.7910 About Wounded Warrior Project Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more . 

Why Home Sales Historically Bounce Back After Presidential Elections

By Dusty Rhodes • October 28, 2024
With the 2024 Presidential election fast approaching, you might be wondering what impact, if any, it’s having on the housing market. Let’s break it down. Election Years Bring a Temporary Slowdown In any given year, home sales slow down slightly in the fall. It’s a typical, seasonal trend. However, according to data from BTIG , in election years there’s usually a slightly larger dip in home sales in the month leading up to Election Day ( see graph below ): 
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