Whether it’s an incredible job opportunity or just relocating for the next chapter of your life, a long-distance move can be a stressful time for anyone. From getting all of your items in order to tying off any loose ends before relocation, there’s a lot that can run through your mind. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to make sure that you and your loved ones are making all the right moves before the big move.

Hire the right moving crew for the job.

Packing up your household for a move to a new city can be stressful, but hiring the right movers can simplify the process. Google something like “Houston long distance movers” to find a team that is equipped for the move from packing up to unloading in a new city. You’ll be able to have help in properly boxing up your items, wrapping fragile items so that they are not impacted by the trek to helping with labeling and there’s an idea of where to place boxes and containers.

Be sure to get a free quote from a moving company to get an estimate on your moving budget. In the event that your new place isn’t quite ready just yet, you may want to work with your crew to locate everything into a nearby storage unit so that you can access certain items when the time is right to get into that new house or apartment.

Be sure to make necessities available.

Packing up an entire house full of belongings can take a lot of boxes and, after a lengthy drive or flight, the last thing some new homeowners want to do is unpack. That’s why it’s important to pack necessities for the long-distance move. Having a suitcase filled with your toiletries and changes of clothes will help you take a little time before having to unbox everything. Mid rise bootcut jeans, flats, and your personal goods will help you whether you’re in that new home or spending time in a temporary location like a hotel.

The best movers will encourage you to have these personal kits to avoid any surprises during your relocation to a new city. The moving process can wear people out, so it’s important to have proper labeling on the boxes and containers. That way, when you do unpack, you know exactly where everything goes.

Take an assessment of your possessions.

Professional packers are a tremendous asset. But whether you’re gearing for a long-distance move in-state, out of state, or an international move, it’s a good time to evaluate your valuable belongings. If there are items in your household that you don’t necessarily need, you may want to consider donating those items to charity. You can schedule pickup for those items before movers come in and clear out the space. You could also gift those belongings to a friend or family member, or even resell those valuables for a little extra profit towards the move to a new city.

Opt for insurance.

Whether you’re packing for a one-bedroom apartment or a sterling new model home, your belongings are important to you, and the right crew will treat those items as so for the entire move. However, accidents happen. Investing in insurance for the moving crew and your personal items never hurts. In the event that some of your valuables are lost or damaged, it could spare you the hassle of having to replace those items by filing a claim for the cost of the replacement.

While it’s very important to be on top of things through your entire move, it’s important to do whatever you can to feel confident in the whole process until you settle into your new spot.