This week we are talking about moving long distances. How to create a strategic plan and considering the often overlooked aspects of such moves. From legal and regulatory issues to the logistics of packing and handling, we cover topics you might not have thought of. So, if you're looking for expert advice on tackling a long-distance move, this episode is a must-listen!
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In this episode we talk about:
- What to prepare before a long distance move
- How to adjusting your organizing steps based on the end goal
- Packing Techniques and Strategy
- How short distance moving differs from long distance moving
Mentioned in this Episode:
Episode 66: 5 Things to Consider When Moving Locally
https://theorganizedflamingo.com/66-5-things-to-consider-when-moving-locally/
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The Organized & Productive podcast is brought to you by The Organized Flamingo and hosted by Stephanie Y. Deininger! For those of you who love the thought of organizing & being more productive, but don’t know where to start or constantly up against hurdles that don’t let you advance the way you want to, this podcast is for you!
Review full show notes and resources at https://theorganizedflamingo.com/podcast
Join our weekly email newsletter for all-things organizing & productivity delivered right to your inbox https://theorganizedflamingo.com/quicklinks
Review the Transcript:
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:00:00]:
Hello, my beautiful friends, community, and listeners. Welcome to our episode here at Organized and Productive, the podcast with me, Stephanie. I'm your host. Today, we're talking about moving long distances. We had an episode all about moving short distances a couple of months ago, but this one's all about moving longer distances. Because during the summer, it is known that many people have to move have or want to move right before the school year starts and or the holidays. You want to be nice and comfortable before any of that chaos comes into play and you just kinda wanna find your home or where you're going before the fall, really. So that is why I thought this was the perfect time to air this episode.
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:00:42]:
But, of course, this episode can be applied for any time during the year when you are moving long distances, and what we will talk about is more about finding a strategy that could work for you when you are moving long distances and the things to think about that you might not be thinking about when you are moving into those, international or longer by mileage type of spaces versus if you're just moving kinda locally or within just a couple of miles from your other residence. Okay? So that's what we're talking about today. So let's get to the tips.
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:01:18]:
Welcome to the organized and productive podcast with the organized flamingo. I am your host, Stephanie, a professional organizer and productivity expert. Ready to explore the right organizing and productivity solutions for you? Yeah? Well, then let's go. If you're an avid listener of
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:01:36]:
our podcast, I think you
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:01:37]:
know what I'm going to start off with, And that is
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:01:40]:
to say that we, here at The Organized Flamingo, have a framework called the 7 steps of organizing almost anything. So if you're new and unfamiliar, I do want you almost anything. So if you're new and unfamiliar, I do want you to at least listen to the main episode about this, and then each each step does have its own episode. So you can certainly go and dig deep into each one where I give you more details about each step. But But if anything, listen to the first episode, which is semi quick because that is where we explain our process and the and just our thinking about why these steps work, which is what I'm talking about today in today's context. So for step number 1 in your, organizing when you're moving long distances, I want you to, of course, have a a goal, which is our step number 1, and that's assess and or AKA also known as a goal. Have a plan, prepare for it. Like, think about what it is that your end goal is.
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:02:38]:
And in order to make a goal, you do need to have a reason as to why you're doing all this. The most simple reason, of course, here when you're moving is, well, I bought a house. I have to move. My job relocated me. My kids are starting a school, and I need to move. Whatever. You know, whatever your reason is, That's, like, that's your personal reason. I'm talking about about the actual move.
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:03:02]:
What is the goal that you if there is just one thing out of all this, out of this entire process about the packing, about the actual move itself that would make you really proud and it would make you the happiest, what would that be? I'll give you some examples. So some for some people, it's really important to that. They pack and nothing breaks. That's their number one goal. They don't care at the end of the day what ends up happening. They just don't want things to get broken and or lost. For some people, it'll be, I want to be able to find what I need when I need it during this move. The most frustrating thing for them is when you when they're either in transit or when the stuff arrives in the new place or in the middle in between that you can't find what you need and that's frustrating.
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:03:50]:
For some of you, it'll be, I just want to do this as quickly as possible and as inexpensive as possible because moving is really it can be expensive if you hire a company and also time consuming for yourself. So you just wanna do it as fast as possible. And then for some of you, it's time. You know, I I have to do this as quickly as possible. No matter what, I I I am willing to hire an entire team because I need to do this by next week. Okay? So for you, it'll be time. And I want you to have and think about that and have that goal and that end goal in mind because that will then dictate the rest of the the steps and how you do things. So in our 7 steps of organizing almost anything,
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:04:32]:
we talk about that, like, have
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:04:33]:
a goal. And then your middle steps, steps 2, 3, 4, and 5 will differ in the order depending on what your end goal is. So one of our second our most popular second step is most people will then sort and or declutter. That's usually the go to. But if you're under a time crunch and you need to move and pack because the movers are coming in 7 days, then sorting and decluttering is not going to be a good option for you. It's going to take time unless you you pay someone to do it, unless, of course, you are ready mentally to do it. It requires you to be there a little bit. Right? Unless you're willing to give someone else the full reigns over the decision making.
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:05:16]:
But for the most part, for most of you, you want to be part of the process when it comes to decluttering especially. Maybe not the sorting, but the decluttering. So that requires time. Do you have the ability to do that within 7 days? If not, then that step will come towards the end. It's that it doesn't go away. It just it's not the most important. So if time is the most important, you probably will start with contain, getting you know, you're going to get the moving truck, get some quotes, and figure that out first. And then they'll tell you, okay.
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:05:50]:
You, you know, you will have a 28 foot truck or a 42, whatever the, you know, the foot truck or the, trailer or you if you're doing it yourself, how many trucks are available to you or cards that will help you move. So that for you is a contained. The contained step will come first. Find out what your boundaries are, how much space, and how many boxes are are available to you, and then we will work from there. For some of you, you do have time. You know you have 6 months or however much time, then for you, maybe sorting and decluttering will come first and and so on and so forth. Okay? So those are that is why it will vary on your end goal and why it's so important for you to have an end goal. The other one of the other steps, I mentioned 3, and then the other one is find a home.
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:06:39]:
So a home for everything. This is, a step this step will come first if for you being able to find something is important at all times. Like, you need to be able to find something the items at all times. This comes into play when you have a a middle space, like a middle ground before you end up in your end in your in your final destination. So I know that's cryptic, but for for many of you, you are either renting a home or having a temporary space in between or staying with somebody before you get to your end space. International travels are very predominant to this space this, step of being their most important when we do it for clients because they might have a middle, like a hotel, or they may be staying somewhere in between before they close or the before they can take possession of their house wherever they will be, or they're taking a trip in between, before they move to their final destination, especially internationally. So that is when though that step will become first. Like, you need to have a home.
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:07:42]:
You need to know where everything is at all times because you don't know where or how it will look in the end or it'll be a very long time. So you need to make sure you know where everything is since it will be in transit for a very long time. So pick a pick a goal. Pick a goal and an end goal, and let's work through the rest of the tips. For the next two tips, it's all about picking your own style of packing. So the folding type of packing, and then what what you kind of need or what you have at your disposal. Here's what I mean. Packing techniques and strategy.
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:08:24]:
1st, it's going to be all about figuring out your temperature control. For instance, if you are going to a different country and it and or it will be in a bin or truck for a long period of time. Your packing strategy has a lot to do with making sure your stuff does not get damaged in transit with the temperature, temperature changes, any leaks, any of that. So for you, in your head, the the focus as you're packing, as you're folding, as you're closing will be, okay, can this will this item leak? Can it easily get damaged with different temperatures and or weather patterns? If it's a yes, then make sure you have a strategy for that and you find the right packing solution or box or bag or wrap that will protect the item from that. If you have a company that you're hiring for this, this does not mean you ignore all this. It just means that you want to make sure you note that and you talk about that with the moving company and or you're insured for that. Okay? So doesn't mean it it goes away because somebody else does it for you. It just means I want you to think about the temperature and or damages around the stuff that you're packing.
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:09:43]:
And this goes through all this goes to all of your rooms. So think about that. And if you you feel like that that's just too much, like, that's too overwhelming, it doesn't mean that you have to think about every single thing. Think about it maybe even as a like room by room or box by box. So break down that question so that it doesn't feel so overwhelming. There might be rooms where this doesn't even matter. So if you need to break it down, go ahead and do that because there's rooms for instance. There might be, your guest bedroom where, of course, you want all your stuff to get there in one piece, but at the end of the day, if it gets damaged, it's not the end of the world.
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:10:21]:
If you're hiring a company for it, of course, make sure that they are held accountable for them packing it and or delivering it to you in 1 piece, But, emotionally, will you be okay if it gets damaged versus maybe your office, maybe the space that has your grandmother's clock, you know, that that can't be irreplaceable, that that is irreplaceable, that has a different emotional significance. So if that is the case, then make sure we protect that item more closely. So just think about temperature, think about what rooms, what boxes you would be okay. You will be okay at the end of the day if it gets damaged, something happens to it versus the ones that don't. Okay. So those are some of the tips I want you to think about when it comes to packing. I know we didn't talk about specific, like, how to fold or any of that. For those types of tips, I I either tend to give those on 1 on 1 calls.
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:11:13]:
So let me know so that I can give you more specific goals and or over on Instagram because I can show you, or I can visualize. So it's a little bit, obviously, harder to do it on a podcast, but I think those types of tips are so specific that if I give you general tips on if trifold works better than file or file fold to trifold works better than burrito bowl, then at or, roll, as you can tell, I'm a little hungry, then I I I it just would go into a rabbit hole of super specific topics here. So I'm going to put those aside and show you those over on more of the visual type of, platforms. And here on the podcast, I'm just talking about things for you to consider. So now that we talked about the packing, let's talk about the logistics and other things I want you to think about that are a little different or big difference, sis, between short distance moves and long distance moves. I want you to go ahead and either think about them or cross them off your list so you know that you at least acknowledged it and that it didn't apply to you so you moved on. So the first is the logistics and planning. Long distance is just more complex by deep by by so many default because one, you're going across either state or country lines.
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:12:27]:
In each state and each country is has their own rules. So go ahead and ask your friends, your moving company, your some locals, if you've already visited that space, over tips on that. You can also go to good old Internet and the this is where, large language models are great like AI. You can ask them, say, hey. This state when I am moving to this state or this country, what are some things that I need to consider? And it should give you some starting tips. Don't rely on AI and the large language models completely. It's, in my opinion, up until right now, asking people that have gone through it or working with a company that has actually done this before will be a safe bet, but cover your bases. Ask AI.
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:13:17]:
Ask the Internet. Ask local groups, and then in person and or companies have done this so that you know or at least have a better idea of what to think about when you're moving and you're and you're moving yourself, like, as a person, but your stuff. I'm gonna give you an example. I worked for a company where we did, quite a bit of moves, and we organized, people all around the world. And they were going from the US to Canada, and they brought a pet that they didn't think twice. They thought, like, it was okay. It's not an exotic pet to us here in the US. Oh, but Canada did think it was an exotic pet.
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:13:53]:
So they were stopped, and it was very complicated to move that pet. But here so that might be semi obvious to some of us, maybe. I don't know. But that's something for you
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:14:02]:
to think about. But let
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:14:04]:
me tell you the not so obvious part that we all missed. The stuff that came with that pet was in the moving truck. Like, the moving company was going to meet them there. It was 2 different transact right? Like, 2 trips. They were moving their own family, and they took their own car and trip with their personal very personal belongings and and things, and then the moving truck was moving their stuff, and we were, arranging both separately. Well, the moving truck also had the stuff for this animal in the truck in the moving truck. So their stuff got stuck in customs for months, not weeks, months by the because they needed to go through all this stuff. They had everything from the food for that animal, like, all this stuff that we did not think would be a problem because it's not exotic to us, but it is exotic to them.
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:14:53]:
And so it is considered an exotic item that needed to have preapproval. So they held all their stuff for months, and it just because all the boxes were all in bins in one, so they couldn't just isolate the the boxes that had a couple of things. They just isolated everything. So I want you to think about those things as you're moving. Okay. So with that, that just, of course, if you can prepare the earliest, the better. If you don't have that option, then I would definitely, hire somebody or or at least ask or hire them for their expertise that so you can take quicker notes, and you don't have to go do other research yourself. The second is I want you to think about the quotes and estimates.
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:15:34]:
Moving companies, of course, compare, you know, the pricing and everything. But with moving companies, something to think about is that they do a lot of transfers of drivers and of the bed of the trucks, which means if you're go especially if you're moving where an airplane is involved or a ferry or boats, if your stuff is going across the pond, you know, to the others other continents, other spaces, then you need to think about the logistics of the stuff having to be moved to different companies and logistic companies. So you might one of the questions I want you to ask is to say how many touch points, how many different moves or companies will be handling my stuff. Usually, the number one tip is the least amount of companies or least amount of people that will be touching your stuff, the better. Companies or groups. Right? So if you can have one company that will not outsource to other companies moving your stuff, that is really ideal. Even if it costs you a little bit more because you will only be dealing with 1 company, less mistakes for the most part. Okay? So this is, of course, assuming that the company has a good reputation.
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:16:50]:
So if you can avoid as many touch points as possible with your stuff, I would suggest that. The next one is all about time. Right? Find out what the delivery windows will be, how long the stuff will take to get there, and if there's what is what happens if they don't meet those those deliverables in that timeline? What are well, how are you protected? Who will protect you? And the part about time is if it does not get delivered, will it will it affect your livelihood, your health? And if it will, then take it with you, of course, you know, with you in you like, in the plane, in the car with you. Don't rely on the moving company if there's anything that you needed timely. This goes with those of you who maybe have a life change. I can, you might be having a new baby on on the way. You just got married or any life changes where you will need, like, your wedding dress or, you know, you're like, oh, well, my wedding is not for another 6 months. Well, if the stuff gets hold held in transit for any reason, will you be very upset that the stuff inside gets lost because you needed it by a certain amount of time? My go to is if you need it within a year, take it with you.
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:18:08]:
I know that sounds very extreme, but I have done 100, hundreds of moves internationally and I'm just giving you a warning. I would absolutely keep anything that is of high value and or have it highly insured. Or if you need it, like, you have to have it within a year. This is, especially true, like I said, if if it's any, like, special occasion type of item that can't be replicated. So if you need that one thing that's in that box, take it with you within a year. If you need it within a year, that's kind of usually my my time frame because they can hold it from I've seen stuff being held for months, and I think I've never read you I've never recorded it, but I think the most amount amount amount of time where it took something to get delivered to the other place was 8 months. So, you know, so that's why I always say, like, just just within a year, if you or if you're going to need it, then take it with you. And but if you can replace it easily, definitely do that.
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:19:10]:
So okay. Alright. Our next tip here is all about the packing piece and packing and handling. Items do need to be packed more securely to withstand the longer transit. So that's another difference. You know, sometimes we're used to the cardboard boxes, quick tape, tada, all go all good. That could work if you have just I would just get the heavier duty of the box or tape or wrap that you would have for a local move. Just like the little bit of that step up if you can or just pat it a little bit more because it might be moving, not just moving down the road, actual just moving in the car or in the plane or the boat.
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:19:52]:
But if you will have multiple touch points where they need to move it and check in, with customs or immigration, or anything like that, then those are also unpacked enough. They will be opening your boxes and closing the boxes. I would just secure it a little bit more, assuming that there will be many touch points around the materials of the bin or the box. Within packing and handling inventory here is going to be so important. I've had episodes about taking inventory of your stuff, so listen to that if you need some quick tips or some good tips on that quick and good tips on that. Some of you like having exactly what is you know, I documented exactly what is in each box. Good for you. I if you can, if you're able if you have the time and the resources, absolutely do that.
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:20:44]:
It will help you with any insurance claims that you may need to do and also give you peace of mind. And as a bonus, when you're unpacking, that might be a really good time to decide if you would keep those items or not. Because if you have if you know, before you even open it and you, you know, if you have a QR code, barcode outside of the box, or you see what's inside it, and you're like, I I haven't needed this stuff for 6 months. That might be a really good decision point where you can just let go of the stuff. I I see that all the time, especially if time was not on your side and you were not able to declutter before you packed. This is a really good opportunity for you to declutter when you're unpacking. So and and to make quick decisions without having to go through every single thing in the box, you just open it. You either scan the QR code for the box or wherever you kept your inventory, see what's inside, and then you're and if you realize that you haven't used it, needed it, thought about it, that could just be a really good opportunity for you to say, like, this box, let's donate it.
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:21:46]:
This box, let's sell it. Okay? So as a bonus, taking inventory is going to help you with that. If if anything else if nothing else is resonating, that might be a good reason for you to do it. Okay. So that is our episode for today. We talked about the differences between long distance and why it's different between that and a local move. We'd, so we talked about the logistics and planning, which includes the legal and regulatory issues. Right? We talked about the cost, what to consider, the pros and cons of sometimes it might be worth paying that little bit of extra if it means ensuring something will happen.
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:22:27]:
Nothing is certain in the world as we know, but if you can, ensure your the comfort that you need, then it might be worth it. That includes material. That includes paying a moving company with the least amount of touch points. I'm not saying it's the solution, but it might give you some relief, with that. And then and then others were things to consider were, like, time and making sure that you're thinking about that sometimes it may take a much longer time than you were quoted or you thought to get and get your stuff delivered because of unexpected issues that you may not have thought of. When you're talking about packing and handling, that's going to look a little different because of the touch points, because there are so many climate changes between where you're probably going, you are, and you're going, plus many more hands will be moving and changing and ruffling and rattling your stuff. So the packing and handling just needs to be a little bit more secure than if you would have been moving just kinda locally. That was our episode for today, all about moving.
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:23:33]:
If you're moving, best of luck. Happy moving. Wishing you the very best and that everything gets there safe and sound. Sending good vibes on that.
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:23:42]:
If you have questions, you know where to reach us.
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:23:45]:
Happy organizing.
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:23:47]:
Thank you for listening to the organized and productive podcast with The Organized Flamingo. If you enjoyed today's episode, I would love it if you'd leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast player. It helps with letting people know that we're here. For full show notes and resources, head on over to the organized flamingo.com/podcast.
Stephanie Y. Deininger [00:24:05]:
Happy organizing.
