Long Distance Moving: The Complete Guide

Moving to a new home, and moving over a long distance especially, can be both exciting and daunting. The idea of a new beginning in an entirely different place is definitely one of excitement, but all the logistics involved to get there are not so inviting. Paramount Van Lines understands the challenge that long-distance moving presents and would like to make the process as seamless as possible. Whether it’s relocating to the other end of the country or across state lines, this comprehensive guide will help you maneuver your way through the move without any hassle.

1. Get off to a Good Start: Plan Ahead

Long-distance moves are a recipe for planning. The earlier you get started, the better. First, establish a moving date and then create a timeline of what needs to be done before the big day. It may include things from booking a reputable moving company like Paramount Van Lines to actually packing and informing utility companies that you are on the move.
Pro Tip: Create a checklist for home-moving, which will help ensure you do not miss any important steps. Break down the tasks week by week to stay on track.

2. Declutter Before You Pack
Relocation always brings with it a chance to get rid of things in the house that you no longer require. Go through each room, item by item, and decide whether you need it: keep, donate, or throw away. The fewer things you’ll be moving, the easier and cheaper it will be to move. Consider the thought of disposing of some of that valuable stuff you don’t need; it might just help you cut down costs while moving.
Pro Tip: Have a garage sale or use online marketplaces for items that are no longer needed; donate items in good condition to local charities.

3. Choose the Right Moving Company
Not every moving company is up to this, especially if you’re moving a long distance. It’s of the essence to choose a firm with a great reputation for trustworthiness and customer service. Paramount Van Lines offers nationwide professional moving services to get your goods safely and on time.
Pro Tip: Get quotes from several moving companies and compare services. Find those that have insurance coverage for your assets during the move.

4. Pack Smart: Label and Organize
Packing for long-distance moves is actually a form of strategy. Gather strong boxes, good packing tape, bubble wrap, and marking pens for easier packing. Mark each box with the content and room it is to be placed in your new home. Unpacking will be significantly easier.
Pro Moving Tip: Pack an essentials box with the things that you will need right away, like toiletries, a change of clothes, important papers, and basic kitchen supplies. Keep this box with you during the move.

5. Take Care of Important Documents
It is extremely essential to carry along important documents when moving over long distances. Have with you all the necessary papers: personal identification, passports, medical records, and financial or storage in a safe and easily accessible place.
Pro Tip: Make digital copies of important documents and store them in a safe place on the cloud. That way, you’re assured of backups in the event anything is lost or damaged during the move.

6. Be Prepared for the Journey
Long-distance moves often require traveling by car, plane, or sometimes different modes of travel. Make your travel arrangements well in advance. If you are driving, ensure that the vehicle is in good condition for the long journey. If flying, book tickets early and plan how to move pets, plants, and other special items.
Pro Tip: Have a bag of essentials ready with snacks, water, medications, and entertainment to be used during the trip. Ensure your pets are comfortable and secure for the journey.

7. Be in Communication with Your Movers
Moving is stressful. If, however, this move is long distance or interstate, then it becomes even more stressful. Communication is the single most important key during long-distance moving. Keep in constant touch with your moving company to ensure everything is on track. Paramount Van Lines gives updates through the moving process so you are aware of where your belongings are and the time they will arrive.
Pro Tip: Keep an extra copy of your moving contract and the contact information of the company so that any concerns, questions, or issues you may have are quickly addressed.

8. Method Unpack
In the house, you will only have the urge to start to unpack all boxes simultaneously. But in actual sense, it is going to be easier if you unpack in an organized manner. Start by first unpacking the essentials and proceed room by room—prioritize those items that will be needed immediately.
Pro Tip: Set up your bedroom and bathroom first. Being able to sleep in and freshen up with ease can make a brand new apartment feel like home.

9. Get Settled In and Explore Your New Surroundings
Relocating often involves long distances to be covered, which means adapting to a new environment. Take the chance to get out in your new neighborhood, meet your neighbors, and discover local amenities. This way, you will feel more at home in your new location.
Pro Tip: Create a list of your local services, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and healthcare providers. This will make it easy to settle in and find what you need.


Moving from one part of the state to the other can be a stressful affair, unless you have the best planning and moving company to bring you through such transitions. At Paramount Van Lines, we’re with you all the way; we work with you from your first call to the time you are all set in your new space. Contact us today to get more information on how we will be able to help with our out-of-state moving services, in making your move a success.

Wishing you a smooth move!

author avatar
Tyler McGrath