Relocation trends in 2024 have shifted significantly due to several factors, including the rise of remote work, fluctuating housing prices, and changing buyer priorities. A recent Coldwell Banker survey found that 39% of home sellers intend to move to another city, nearly double the number from 2022.
On top of that 24% of sellers are planning interstate moves, largely driven by affordability concerns and the flexibility provided by work-from-home options. In contrast, location has become a secondary consideration for many buyers, with price being the most critical factor. The survey also highlighted that remote work has expanded the distance between homes and workplaces, with workers now living an average of 27 miles from their offices, compared to 10 miles in 2019.
Photo by Erda Estremera on Unsplash
Data from iProperty Management shows that over 27 million people in the U.S. relocate annually, with younger adults and families with young children being the most likely to move. As buyers and sellers navigate these changing dynamics, understanding the latest trends can help them make more informed decisions during the relocation process.
How To Plan Your Relocation
Planning a relocation, especially a long-distance one, requires careful attention to details and a well-structured approach.
If you’re moving for a new job, seeking better opportunities, or simply want a change of scenery, a successful move hinges on early preparation and organization. Here are five key steps to help you manage the complexities of your move with ease, covering everything from finding reliable tips to managing logistics and handling special considerations.
Finding Tips Online
One of the first things to do when planning a move is to seek out reliable resources that offer expert advice on long-distance relocations. Websites like Your At Home Team provide a variety of long-distance moving tips that can be extremely helpful in organizing your relocation from start to finish. These tips cover necessary steps, such as how to pack efficiently, work with movers, and handle important logistical details.
- Start Early: The earlier you begin your preparations, the more time you’ll have to sort through potential challenges, like finding movers and coordinating timelines.
- Use Checklists: A detailed moving checklist can help you stay on track and ensure no detail is overlooked, when it comes toit’s transferring utilities, updating your address, or preparing your belongings for transport.
- Declutter: Moving is an opportunity to reduce clutter by donating or selling items you no longer need, which not only simplifies packing but can also save on moving costs.
By leveraging online resources, you can access a wealth of expert advice to ensure your relocation process is smooth and efficient.
Creating a Moving Timeline
Once you’ve gathered initial tips, creating a moving timeline is one of the most important aspects of a well-planned relocation. A structured schedule allows you to manage tasks effectively without being overwhelmed by last-minute surprises.
Set a moving date: Begin by identifying a firm moving date and working backward to determine when key milestones should be completed.
If it’s securing movers or packing up your home, having these dates in mind will reduce stress as the move approaches.
- Stagger your tasks: Some tasks, such as canceling utilities and scheduling new services in your destination city, can be handled well in advance. Others, like packing personal items, may need to wait until closer to the moving day.
- Don’t forget your pets: If you have pets, make sure to factor in transportation logistics for them. If you decide to bring them along in your vehicle or use a specialized service, making arrangements early ensures a smooth process for everyone involved​.
By sticking to a clear timeline, you can pace your tasks and avoid the stress of last-minute rushes.
Managing Your Belongings
When moving long distances, managing your possessions efficiently can make a huge difference in how smoothly the process goes. This is the time to organize and decide what’s worth taking with you.
- Decluttering: As you start packing, assess which items you really need in your new home. Consider selling or donating anything that no longer serves a purpose. For larger items, a garage sale or online marketplace can help you get rid of them while earning some extra cash.
- Labeling And Sorting: Categorize your belongings into easily manageable groups. Labeling boxes according to their contents and which room they belong to can make the unpacking process much simpler at your new destination​.
- Pack Carefully: For fragile items, use protective materials like bubble wrap and label the boxes as “Fragile” to avoid damage. Keep valuable items like jewelry and documents with you instead of packing them with the movers​
By taking a systematic approach to packing, you can ensure your belongings are safely transported and easy to organize upon arrival.
Hiring Professional Movers
Deciding to hire professional movers is a critical part of planning a successful relocation. Professional movers come with experience and tools that can save you time and effort, but you’ll need to make sure you choose the right company.
- Research thoroughly: Start by looking for movers who specialize in long-distance relocations and have solid customer reviews. Many companies offer free quotes, allowing you to compare services and prices.
- Get insurance: Moving involves a lot of risks, especially over long distances. Be sure to ask about insurance options to cover any damages that might occur during transit. Some companies also allow you to take pictures of your belongings as proof in case of damage claims.
- Book early: Especially during peak moving seasons, it’s important to lock in your moving date as early as possible to avoid availability issues​
Hiring professionals can help take the heavy lifting (both literally and figuratively) out of your move, ensuring a smoother experience.
Addressing Special Considerations
Relocating often involves additional concerns beyond simply transporting your belongings. If it’s managing paperwork, dealing with pets, or handling fragile items, these special considerations need attention to ensure nothing is overlooked.
- Paperwork And Address Changes: Well before your move, update your address with the USPS and other important institutions such as your bank, insurance provider, and employer. Don’t forget to transfer medical records and school enrollment details if needed.
- Pet Transportation: Moving with pets can be stressful. Make sure to prepare a travel kit for them that includes food, water, and familiar items like toys or bedding to help reduce anxiety. Some owners may also choose to hire specialized pet transport services if the move involves significant travel​.
- Fragile Or Unique Items: Plants and delicate valuables often require special handling. Consider packing plants in lightweight containers and using protective materials for any fragile items to minimize the risk of damage during the journey​.
By addressing these extra considerations in advance, you can minimize the chances of things going wrong and make the process more manageable.
Photo by Alicia Christin Gerald on Unsplash
Wrapping Up
Relocation can be a fresh start, but it’s also an opportunity to save money and rethink your living expenses. Beyond the logistics of moving, consider reviewing your utility providers, car insurance, and other household expenses to see if your new location offers better rates.
Some states or cities may offer tax incentives for new residents or relocation assistance programs, so it’s worth exploring these opportunities before you move. By staying proactive and informed, you can turn the relocation process into a financial win while ensuring a smooth transition into your new home.