If you are planning a middle-distance move, the type that that may take a moving truck two or three hours to get to your new residence, there are a few things you need to know. This type of move can be somewhat different from a move that is across town, but much different from a long-distance move, hundreds of miles from your current home. Here are three things you should keep in mind.

You need to decide if you want to pack your own items.

With a long-distance move, often a person will have their household items packed for them. And this makes sense because there is more of a chance of items breaking during a long haul. But with a shorter-distance move, you may want to pack yourself to save money. The problem is that it may be a bigger job than you think. You need to be realistic with your estimate of a completion time to pack everything. You also need to make sure you have enough packing supplies or have quick access to more if you run out.

You need to ask about what cannot be packed.

If you decide to have the packing done for you, you need to inquire about which items a moving company will not transport. The packers are often employed by the moving company, and there are certain things they will not pack. If you are not aware of these items, you may hold up the packing because there are certain items that you will need to dispose of or arrange for alternative transportation. This will delay the move. There are certain chemicals they will not pack. Food, at least perishable items, are something movers will not pack or transport. You want to be prepared when the packers come. The entire process from packing to loading everything in a moving truck can be surprisingly fast.

You need to think about what you will need after you first arrive.

Keep in mind, if you haven't moved in a while, it takes time to unpack and settle in to your new home. So if you decide to hire packers, you still need to decide what you will need the first day or two after you arrive at your new home. Clean clothes are at the top of the list, but you may want to include a few commonly used kitchen items, such as a frying pay and a spatula. You can take these items yourself, or simply pack a couple of boxes and label them clearly so you can find them after the movers unload everything.

Most importantly, do not wait to the last minute to find a moving company. It is not just about getting a good price; you will want to do some research and get a good feel for the people who will be transporting your items.