There are many reasons people buy a home in a place far away from their current town or city. Whether it be for work, retirement or because they have started a new family and want to be closer to relatives, planning a long distance move takes a lot of time and energy to pull off. Being proactive and creating an organized plan is always a good idea because if you do not the may move become stressful and overwhelming and this is not necessary.

Once you have purchased the new home you need to spend time going over the logistics to find the best way to move forward and begin preparations. Relocating to a new city is a big endeavour however there are ways to make it easier and exciting. Penticton real estate in the Okanagan Valley has many great homes to buy and is worth the effort a long distance move entails. Be proactive and follow these tips to make it a more enjoyable process.

• Step 1 – Create Your Budget 

The first thing to do is crunch some numbers and find out how much you are able to spend on the move. If you are lucky and are relocating for work most of the costs may covered, however there will still be some associated with shifting houses from one region to another. Do not forget to factor these in. If on your own decide whether you can afford a moving company. If not price out moving vans, the price of fuel and food along the way. Add a little more for any little surprises.

• Step 2 – Figure out the Logistics 

If you are the one packing up the moving van and driving across the country spend time mapping out your route and looking into hotels to stay in along the way. Depending on the time of year you may need to also factor in weather and road conditions. If you have a personal vehicle think about the best way to get it across the country. Decide whether your partner will drive it or do you plan on caravanning. If you don’t have a partner consider asking a friend or family member.

• Step 3 – Do Your Research 

Upon deciding to use a moving company make sure to do some research so you are able to make an educated decision on which one best suits your needs and also has a reputable reputation. When talking to the different companies ask a lot of questions so there are not any extra costs or surprises after the fact. When renting a truck and piloting it yourself find out how many days the vehicle is available and what happens if there are any issues like breakdowns or flat tires.

• Step 4 – Create a Schedule 

Having a successful move often comes down to the details and creating a timetable is one detail you should not skip. Buy a moving notebook or create a spreadsheet on the computer. Try to be realistic about how long it will take to organize and pack up your home. Make a plan for each day and follow it as closely as possible. Of course there will be some deviations. That is okay but try to stay on track. You will be done before you know it. An organized move is more efficient.

• Step Five – Pack Strategically 

The bigger the moving van the higher the price so when you are packing really consider which of your personal belongings are worth taking with you. You do not want to be adding box after box of things you do not really need and that are easily and cheaply replaced on the other side of the move. If you are considering replacing old furniture it may be better to sell or donate it instead of paying to have it moved. Spend some serious time sorting and purging, toss what you don’t need.

• Step Six – Forward Your Services 

One way to make a move seamless is to be proactive and change all your utilities and other services before you head off. Decide whether you want to forward the mail or spend time on the phone with providers changing your address. Some will allow you to do it online so that works as well. It is nice to get to the new home and have cable and internet connected and the gas or electricity already in your name. Plan ahead for ease and comfort on the other side.