Moving Far? You Don’t Have to Do It Alone.
A long-distance move is more than just a change of scenery it’s a full-scale lifestyle shift. You’re not just relocating furniture; you’re adjusting to a new city, new routines, and perhaps even a new job or social circle. Whether you’re moving from Los Angeles to San Francisco, Seattle, or Miami, the journey starts long before moving day.
At Muraway Moving, we’ve helped thousands of individuals, families, and businesses successfully relocate from LA to destinations across the country. From pre-move planning to unloading the last box, we know what it takes to make a long-distance move smooth and stress-free.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step to ensure you’re fully prepared from creating a moving timeline to getting settled in your new home.
1. Create a Personalized Moving Timeline (8–10 Weeks Out)
Planning ahead is the secret to any successful move. For long-distance moves, we recommend starting your prep at least 2 to 2.5 months in advance.
Why so early?
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You’ll need time to gather quotes, compare services, and finalize logistics.
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Some moving companies book up fast—especially during peak moving season (May–September).
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Giving yourself time helps prevent costly mistakes and last-minute panic.
Pro Tip: Use a calendar or moving checklist app to set weekly goals and stay on track. Don’t just aim to “be packed by moving day”—set deadlines for booking your mover, decluttering, organizing supplies, and updating paperwork.
2. Set a Realistic Budget (and Pad It for Surprises)
Budgeting for a long-distance move requires more than just estimating truck fees. It’s important to consider every cost you may encounter, including:
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Professional moving services (truck, labor, packing)
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Travel and lodging expenses (gas, airfare, hotel stays)
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Temporary storage (if needed)
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Packing supplies (boxes, tape, protective padding)
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Utility deposits and setup fees at your new home
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Meals, cleaning services, pet care, or vehicle shipping
Muraway Moving offers free, flat-rate quotes to help you plan confidently—no hidden fees, no surprises.
Extra Advice: Add at least 10–15% to your budget as a buffer for unexpected costs. It’s always better to be over-prepared than caught off guard.
3. Choose a Licensed Long-Distance Moving Company
Long-distance moves involve more complex logistics, including federal and state regulations, insurance coverage, and timeline coordination. You want a company that has experience managing moves across state lines.
Here’s what to look for:
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USDOT license (required for interstate movers)
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State license (such as California’s CPUC)
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Liability and cargo insurance
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Transparent contracts and written estimates
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Proven reputation with online reviews and testimonials
Muraway Moving is fully licensed, insured, and trusted by hundreds of families across Los Angeles. Our long-distance services include everything from packing to delivery scheduling and GPS tracking of your shipment.
4. Declutter Before You Pack – Save Time, Money & Energy
Long-distance moves are typically priced based on weight and distance. So every item you bring adds to your cost. That’s why decluttering is a must.
Start with a goal: Reduce your total belongings by 20–30%.
How?
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Sort by category (clothing, kitchen, electronics, etc.)
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Create clear “Keep,” “Donate,” “Sell,” and “Trash” piles
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List items online or host a yard sale to recoup costs
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Donate usable items to local LA charities like Goodwill or Out of the Closet
Decluttering isn’t just about money—it makes packing easier and your new home less cluttered.
5. Take a Room-by-Room Inventory
With a cross-country move, your belongings may take days or weeks to arrive. An inventory ensures nothing gets lost and makes unpacking easier.
Ways to do this:
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Use a spreadsheet with box numbers, descriptions, and room destination
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Use a moving inventory app like Sortly or Moving App Pro
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Take photos or videos of valuable items for insurance documentation
At Muraway, we offer optional inventory tracking for large or multi-room moves.
6. Label Boxes Like a Pro
You’ll thank yourself later for taking time to label each box accurately—especially after a long trip when you’re exhausted and living out of suitcases.
Labeling Tips:
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Include room name + brief contents (e.g., “Kitchen – Pots & Pans”)
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Mark FRAGILE items clearly
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Use color-coded tape to represent rooms (e.g., blue for bedroom)
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Number boxes and track them on your inventory list
Ask us about our color-coded moving kits if you want a head start!
7. Pack for Long-Distance Travel Conditions
Cross-country moves expose your belongings to more risk: longer travel, rough roads, shifting weather, and multiple handlers.
Smart packing strategies:
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Use double-walled boxes for durability
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Wrap breakables in bubble wrap AND cushioning paper
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Tape boxes securely on all sides
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Avoid leaving gaps inside boxes—use padding to fill empty space
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Protect furniture with moving blankets and shrink wrap
Consider professional packing help to ensure your most valuable items arrive safely.
8. Keep Important Items With You
Not everything should go on the moving truck. Always transport essential documents, valuables, and irreplaceables personally.
Keep in your travel bag:
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Legal documents, ID, passports, and titles
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Laptops, phones, and chargers
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Medications, prescriptions, first-aid kit
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Daily clothing, toiletries, snacks, and pet supplies
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A printed copy of your contract and mover’s contact info
If you’re flying, pack these in your carry-on, not checked luggage.
9. Notify Everyone and Update Your Address
You’ll need to officially “move” on paper as well. Start this process 2–3 weeks before moving.
Places to update:
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Banks and financial institutions
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Insurance providers (home, auto, renters)
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Medical providers and pharmacies
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DMV (especially for vehicle registration in your new state)
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School districts and child care
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Subscriptions and streaming services
Muraway’s team can help you compile a checklist of contacts so nothing falls through the cracks.
10. Coordinate Your Travel Plans
For long-distance moves, you may be arriving at your new home before or after your moving truck. That means careful coordination is key.
Plan for:
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Lodging or Airbnb if your home isn’t move-in ready
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Flights, rental cars, or driving routes (with rest stops)
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Pet transport and accommodations
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Moving truck arrival windows and offloading arrangements
When you book with Muraway, we’ll provide a customized delivery estimate based on your route and timeline, so you can plan confidently.
11. Prepare for Move-In Day at the New Location
Once you arrive at your new home, you’ll need to hit the ground running.
Checklist for arrival:
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Confirm parking or unloading zones for the truck
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Ensure utilities (water, gas, electricity, internet) are active
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Have floorplans ready to guide movers where to place furniture
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Unpack essentials first—kitchen, clothes, bedding
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Inspect your items as you unpack for any issues
Pro tip: Keep cleaning supplies handy so you can wipe down surfaces before unpacking fully.
Conclusion: The Journey Is Just Beginning
Moving long-distance is a big deal but it doesn’t have to be chaotic. With the right preparation, tools, and team, you can make it a smooth, successful transition into the next exciting chapter of your life.
At Muraway Moving, our mission is to help you feel confident, supported, and stress-free every step of the way. We don’t just move boxes we move people, stories, and futures.
From providing accurate estimates and careful packing to GPS-tracked trucks and courteous crews, we make long-distance moves simple and secure.