Okay, a move of any type is a major project, and one that can easily become stressful if not properly coordinated and executed. But a long-distance move from the bright lights of New York City to the balmy West Coast of Los Angeles can be even more so. It becomes important to not only know how to plan your move, but when.
There are a number of factors that go into a coast to coast move of any sort, with numerous variables that need to be taken into consideration. You should consider the costs, the coordination, and the timing of the move. Through careful preparation, though, your coast-to-coast move can be an exciting and enjoyable project.
For starters, coast to coast moves are rarely DYI options. The level of packaging and the logistics of a coast-to-coast move are simply more than even the handiest among us would want to take care of. When you consider the distance involves, the unusual terrain such as mountains, valleys, possible snow and ice and other factors that have to be navigated, it becomes of the utmost prudence to hire a qualified, experienced long distance moving provider, one who can take the reins from the get-go and see the project through to its conclusion. Professional movers can handle all aspects of your moving project with efficiency because they are well trained and have done this a time or two.
Professional movers also provide insurance coverage for the items they transport, which means peace of mind, and it is infinitely more affordable than hiring a rental truck and trying to oversee all of the organization yourself. And by affordable, we not only mean monetarily, but also the peace of mind in knowing everything will be done correctly, the first time.
While there is no hard and fast rule for exactly when you should start packing for a Los Angeles move, the conventional wisdom would suggest that you begin, to some degree, once you know for sure that this is a move you are going to be making. We recommend making out a checklist divided by the weeks and days available to you ahead of the move, and then sticking to that schedule as best you can. Starting with small rooms first, then moving on to the bigger things, by the time your moving day arrives, you should have everything packed up and ready to go. If you want a fixed answer, we suggest allowing a minimum of two months to have everything done. Such a time frame will prevent any exasperation and stress in the final days leading up to the move.
Allowing plenty of time for your west coast move also allows you to research and hire the best moving company, as well as looking for any deals that may be out there for packing supplies, en route lodging, meals, and other expenses that you are going to incur along the way. You might also want to consider the time of year in which to move, as some companies offer discounted rates in what they consider their “off season.”
It goes without saying that you need to have an end goal in mind. Are you moving to a new house? An apartment? A condominium? Finding the perfect home tops the list of things to do when planning your west coast move. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of options and costs when considering a move to LA.
You should also calculate a moving budget. Moving long distance often means long hours on the road, hotel stays, a lot of eating in roadside restaurants. Have an idea what those few days en route are going to cost you and provide for that as a part of your moving budget.
Pack ‘Em Up!
Take the time leading up to the move to properly downsize. You are not going to bring everything with you to your new location, nor should you. Downsizing, eliminating all of those non-essential items, means you ultimately spend less time and money transporting those things that you will most likely never use again. Lose the clothes you have not worn in more than a year, or the books you no longer read. If your kitchen appliances are older than ten years, they probably are not worth moving. Just replace them when you get where you are going.
Again, taking the proper time to get everything packed means that you can do so carefully and methodically, as opposed to quickly and recklessly. Pack fragile items on their own, away from less fragile items, and use enough packing paper or bubble wrap to protect them over the course of the move. These items should be packed firmly, but gently.
You can also use old sheets and towels to protect furniture and larger items from damage, chips, or dings. Make sur everything stays dry, as climates tend to change drastically from coast to coast, because it does not take a lot of time for mold to set in, and that is the last thing you want to find as you arrive at your LA destination. You can carry a dehumidifier with you and turn it on once you arrive.
Move ‘Em Out!
As you can see, there is much to do, so the time to start planning for your move from New York to Los Angeles is now! The more you can do to prepare, and the earlier you can do it, only serves to create fewer problems when the moving day arrives. At California/New York Express Movers, we have the skills and experience needed to make your Los Angeles move an amazing experience. We will manage all aspect of your move from the first box packed to the last one in the door of your new home. We are licensed, bonded, and insured, and we are here to answer any questions you may have. Contact our office today to get your Los Angeles move underway.
