When you move to a new place, you have a laundry list of items to complete. However, moving long-distance increases the burden of tasks, particularly when you move to an island. If you want to organize your hectic life and feel a sense of your move’s scope, read about the stages of a long-distance move in order.
Decluttering and Organizing
The first step in the moving process is to go through all your belongings one by one—especially the boxes in the back of your closet. Moving long-distance is a costly affair, and every additional box adds up. Decluttering and organizing before a move will save you time and money.
When you organize, have your destination in mind. If you’re moving to a Caribbean island, you’ll likely have a different lifestyle than you currently do. You may want to sell your winter coat and boots to avoid lugging unnecessary items across the ocean.
At this point, you should also plan your moving services and decide what storage options you may need. Traveling will require time to organize, so coordinate with professional movers sooner rather than later.
Sorting and Packing
Once you’ve combed through your home, it’s time to sort everything by category and pack it into boxes. At this point, you’ll need to acquire moving supplies so you can quickly box and tape everything. It may help to number each box and create a central list of everything inside.
The more sorted and organized your packing is on the front end, the easier your unpacking will be. The last thing you will want upon arriving at your Caribbean paradise is to keep asking yourself where your essential items are tucked away.
Loading and Transporting
Moving day is finally upon you. It’s time to tape up the last boxes, stack them in a corner, and prepare for the movers to arrive. The next step is to load all the boxes onto the moving truck or shipping container and send them to your new home.
After all your belongings are out of the house, you should go around cleaning every corner. While this deep clean will take time, it’s vital to remember before leaving. The last thing you want is a landlord to bill you for cleanup or have problems completing the sale of your home.
Unpacking and Decorating
The final part of your move is unpacking and decorating. The movers transported your boxes from the port to your home, and everything is waiting to be opened and welcomed into your new life. Now comes the fun part of decorating your new house and settling into paradise.
Knowing the stages of a long-distance move in order can help you keep calm. While moving is a stressful endeavor, it does have a beginning and an end. Remember the sunny beaches and crisp air awaiting you on the other side.
