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!

Share

Two Big Reasons To Move This Summer

By Dusty Rhodes • June 29, 2026
A lot of people who want to move are telling themselves the same thing: “Maybe I’ll just wait until later this year once things calm down.” While waiting sounds like a good plan, there’s something worth knowing before you decide. Rates aren’t expected to change much, so if that’s the #1 reason you’re waiting, it may not pay off. And there may be other things you miss out on in the meantime. Historically, Summer is one of the strongest seasons of the year for both buyers and sellers. And if you delay your move until Fall or Winter, some of those opportunities may already be fading. Buyers: Fresh Inventory Is Your Real Summer Advantage One of the biggest frustrations buyers have faced over the past few years has been a lack of affordable options . Maybe you’ve run into that yourself: You find a house you like, but it’s out of your budget. You find something in your budget, but you don’t like it. Or worse, nothing interesting hits the market for weeks. Historically, Summer helps with that. Looking at data from the last few years, Summer months consistently bring more sellers into the market than later in the year. And that gives buyers a real window of fresh choices. According to Realtor.com , any given Summer month typically sees about 32% more fresh options than the average month from September-December.

Should You Pay for Your Buyer’s Closing Costs? What Sellers Need To Know.

By Dusty Rhodes • June 15, 2026
A few years ago, sellers could get away with saying “no” to just about everything. No repairs. No concessions. No negotiation. If buyers wanted the house, they pretty much had to take it on the seller’s terms. But now that inventory’s grown, negotiations are becoming a normal part of the process again. That’s why one of the most important things sellers need to understand right now is this: The goal isn’t to “win” every negotiation. Sometimes, it’s worth meeting buyers where they are to get a deal done, fast. One example? Helping with a buyer’s closing costs. Let’s break that down, so you know what to expect if it comes up in your sale. What Are Buyer Closing Costs? Closing costs are the extra expenses buyers pay on top of their down payment when they purchase a home. Freddie Mac gives some examples : Loan origination fees Appraisal and inspection costs Title and attorney fees Survey fees and more Typically, buyer closing costs range from about 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price. So, on the typical $400,000 home, that could mean anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000 out of pocket. And in today’s affordability-challenged market, that upfront cash can be a major hurdle for some buyers – even if they can comfortably afford the monthly mortgage payment itself. That’s why more people are asking sellers for help. And More Sellers Are Saying “Yes” According to the latest data from Zillow , 67% of sellers reported paying some or all of the buyer’s closing costs in 2025 ( see chart below ):

How to Stage Your Outdoor Space to Sell Your Home Faster

By Dusty Rhodes • June 8, 2026
When preparing to sell your home , the outside matters just as much as what’s inside. Learning how to stage your outdoor space to sell can help create a memorable first impression, boost curb appeal, and make buyers feel emotionally connected before they even walk through the front door. From refreshing landscaping to creating cozy gathering areas, thoughtful outdoor staging can help your home stand out in a competitive market. In this Redfin guide, we’ll share expert-backed tips for transforming your yard, patio, porch, or garden into a space buyers can easily picture themselves enjoying. Whether you’re preparing a bungalow in Boise, ID , or listing a modern home in Savannah, GA , these outdoor staging ideas can help sellers create inviting spaces that feel polished, functional, and move-in ready. Why outdoor staging matters when selling a home Outdoor staging helps buyers form an emotional connection with a home before they even step inside. A clean, inviting exterior can make a property feel more cared for, while thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces help buyers imagine themselves relaxing, entertaining, or spending time outside. In competitive markets especially, those details can help a listing stand out from similar homes nearby. “Staging allows buyers to see the potential of the space and aids realtors in securing high-investment buyers,” shares Julia, CEO of JP Urban Moving . “Staging is an aspect of the moving industry that customers generally don’t consider, but it’s vital and on the rise.” Outdoor staging can also help: Create a stronger first impression during showings. Highlight usable outdoor living areas like patios, porches, and backyards. Make the home feel move-in ready . Showcase the lifestyle the property offers , not just the structure itself. Help buyers remember the home after touring multiple listings. Focus on curb appeal first Curb appeal plays a major role in shaping a buyer’s first impression of a home. Before buyers notice updated interiors or spacious layouts, they’re already evaluating the condition of the yard, landscaping, and exterior maintenance. “Ensure your home is move-in ready by maximizing its curb appeal and value through thoughtful landscape design,” suggests Fel Quinn, Marketing Director at TerraVita Landscape & Gardening Inc. “Carefully consider how the trees, shrubs, and perennials add interest while keeping the space low-maintenance. Sometimes less is more – by prioritizing strategic planting and the overall health of your landscape, you can create a welcoming space that is both well-kept and inviting.” To improve curb appeal before listing your home: Trim overgrown trees and shrubs. Refresh mulch in flower beds and garden areas. Mow and edge the lawn regularly. Keep walkways, driveways, and entryways clean and clutter-free. Choose landscaping that looks attractive while remaining low-maintenance. Create outdoor spaces buyers can picture themselves using When staging an outdoor space , the goal is to help buyers imagine how they would actually live there. A cozy patio setup, welcoming front porch, or peaceful backyard can make the home feel like a retreat rather than just another property on the market. Buyers are often drawn to spaces that feel functional, relaxing, and easy to enjoy from day one. “Think about it: It’s Friday afternoon, you just got off a busy work week, you’re dreaming of how long until you escape to your home, that peaceful haven from the chaos,” says Justin Wilson of American Irrigation Repair . “When you’re selling your house, you’re not just selling just the structure, you’re selling a vision of how a buyer feels when they step on the property.” To create outdoor spaces buyers can connect with: Arrange simple seating areas on patios or decks. Add outdoor pillows or neutral decor for warmth. Incorporate planters or flowers for natural color. Keep pathways and gathering spaces open and uncluttered. Highlight features like fire pits, gardens, or dining areas. Use lighting to make the space feel inviting during evening showings. Less clutter, more function: Keep outdoor staging simple When staging outdoor areas, simplicity often has the biggest impact. Buyers want to see spaces that feel open, functional, and easy to maintain, rather than overcrowded with furniture, decorations, or excessive landscaping features. A clean and thoughtfully arranged yard allows buyers to focus on the home itself while still appreciating the outdoor lifestyle it offers. “When staging an outdoor space to sell, focus on making it feel clean, welcoming, and easy for buyers to picture themselves comfortably living in and using the space,” says Beth Wren of Copper Creek Landscaping . “The goal is to create an outdoor space that feels polished, functional, low-maintenance, and like a natural extension of the home.” To keep outdoor staging simple yet effective: Remove broken furniture , excess décor, and unused yard items. Define seating areas without overcrowding the space. Add fresh mulch and trim overgrown plants. Highlight one or two focal points , like a bird bath or statement planting. Don’t forget the emotional connection buyers feel outdoors Outdoor spaces often leave the strongest emotional impression during a home tour. Long after buyers forget square footage or listing details, they tend to remember how a home felt – especially in areas where they can imagine relaxing, gathering, or unwinding. A thoughtfully staged exterior helps turn a property into something more personal and memorable. At its core, outdoor staging is about selling a feeling as much as a space. Buyers respond to environments that feel peaceful, cared for, and inviting, where they can easily picture everyday moments unfolding. Key emotional drivers in outdoor staging include: A sense of calm and retreat from daily stress. The feeling of a “personal oasis” or private escape. Warmth and comfort created through greenery, lighting, and layout. Subtle signals that the home has been well cared for over time. Spaces that feel ready for connection , whether with family, friends, or nature. How to stage your outdoor space to sell successfully Staging your outdoor space is about more than improving curb appeal – it’s about helping buyers imagine the lifestyle your home offers. Small updates like fresh landscaping, defined seating areas, lighting, and thoughtful decor can make your property feel more welcoming, memorable, and move-in ready. By taking the time to stage your outdoor space to sell, you can create a strong first impression that helps your home stand out to potential buyers.