Last Updated on December 29, 2025 by Kari-Ann Ryan
Moving to a remote location isn’t just a change of address. It is a lifestyle change. The scenery may be breathtaking and the idea of peace and quiet can feel inspiring, but living far from busy cities comes with realities that are important to understand before you commit.
As a moving company that has helped countless families relocate to remote towns, islands, and overseas destinations, we have seen what goes well and what creates stress. The goal is not to scare anyone away. The goal is to help you feel prepared, confident, and ready for your new beginning.
Here is what truly matters when planning a remote move.
1. Do Your Research
While the Caribbean beaches are relaxing, warm, and beautiful, they’re not for everyone. Depending on your needs and priorities, it’s important to choose a location that will support your dream lifestyle. After you’ve narrowed down your choices, compare the pros and cons of each and what you would be willing to accept. If you are moving with your spouse, it must also be a place in which they can be happy as well.
Indeed these lifestyle changes will take some time to fully adjust, you shouldn’t weigh all of your decision-making on research. Looking up pictures and learning about a place is not the same as experiencing it yourself. But you do want to be open to these new experiences as you will have to adapt in order to live like the locals in your new location.
2. Know the Living Costs
One of the most common surprises people experience is the cost of daily life in a remote location. Housing may seem manageable, but other expenses can increase quickly.
Shipping, freight, groceries, fuel, utilities, and replacement items may cost more than you are used to. Some items take longer to arrive. Some things are not readily available. Planning realistically makes a huge difference. When you know what to expect, you are better prepared and far less stressed.
3. Choose Your Belongings Wisely
As you may already be aware, moving to a remote location will be expensive. The cost, efficiency, and duration of a move will highly depend on the amount and weight of your belongings. This is why it is highly recommended to sell or donate the majority of your items and re-buy everything at your new location. Doing this sounds expensive but it will be a much better financial choice compared to the latter option.
But if you will only be living in this remote location for a short period of time, looking into some storage options would be the better choice. This is a popular choice many homeowners make because it’s a cost-effective solution that allows you to keep all of your belongings without having to pay for having them shipped.
4. Keep in Mind Prohibited Items
There’s not much full-service moving companies can’t do. But for specific reasons, mainly safety, there are items that are prohibited from being handled by our movers. They include the following:
- Potted plants
- Chilled food
- Harmful materials (anything poisonous, toxic, or corrosive)
- Live animals
As much as you may want to bring your hamster, fish, or snake, they’re not something you will want to take with you. In fact, traveling with dogs and cats can also be dangerous for them as many air craft cabins do not offer sufficient breathing air. While this is a hard decision to make, it would be best not to take any pet with you if you are planning to move to a remote location.
5. Work With Movers Who Understand Remote Relocation
Long distance moving is difficult and will require a lot more planning than if you were moving to the next town over. Factors such as flying there, how far your belongings will be traveling, or even having to take a boat can quickly complicate the situation.
But when working with professional movers like Mid-West Moving & Storage, our professionals can take this stress off your shoulders, providing everything from planning, packing, storage, furniture assembly, and even transporting your car! With years of experience, our moving experts can provide a customized solution to meet all of your needs so you can really look forward to what you will be doing once you get there.
Just keep in mind that when moving long distance, your belongings will be kept on the truck for a longer period of time compared to a local move, so our experts will make sure that everything is packed carefully.
If you are moving internationally, Mid-West Moving & Storage will not only provide you with a free estimate, but provide the requirements for the documentation you need to move your belongings to another country.
Common Mistakes People Make When Moving to a Remote Location
After helping many families relocate to remote areas, we’ve noticed the same challenges come up again and again. Most of them are completely avoidable, and knowing about them ahead of time can make your move much smoother.
- A big one is assuming life will immediately feel perfect. Remote living can be wonderful, but the adjustment period is real. New routines, new community norms, different pacing, and unfamiliar surroundings take time to get used to. Giving yourself patience to settle in makes a huge difference.
- Another mistake is not preparing emotionally for distance. Being farther from family, conveniences, and familiar places can feel exciting at first, but there may also be moments of homesickness. Having a support plan, staying connected, and planning visits can help ease the transition.
- People also underestimate how much problem-solving comes with remote living. Things like limited appointments, longer waiting times, seasonal weather impacts, or slower processes require flexibility. Remote living often rewards people who can adapt rather than expect everything to work the same way it did before.
- We also see families overlook the importance of community. In remote locations, your neighbors, local professionals, and trusted service providers quickly become essential resources. Taking time to introduce yourself, ask questions, and build relationships can make life easier and far more enjoyable.
- Finally, some families forget to celebrate the move itself. It’s easy to stay focused only on logistics, stress, and checklists. But this is a major life adventure. It deserves excitement, reflection, and appreciation.
Get a Free Moving Estimate
For more information on moving to a remote location and its requirements, contact Mid-West Moving & Storage at 847.593.7201 or use our online moving calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Remove Move
How far in advance should I book a moving company for a remote move?
For a remote or hard-to-reach location, you should aim to book your mover at least 8–12 weeks in advance.
If you are moving in peak season (late spring through early fall), treat 12 weeks as your minimum.
This gives us enough time to secure the right crews, reserve any ferries or special transport if needed, and build a realistic
schedule around weather and access constraints.
How much should I plan to downsize before a remote move?
A practical rule of thumb is to reduce at least 25–40 percent of your household goods before a remote move,
especially bulky, low-value items like old furniture, extra décor, and duplicate kitchen items.
Keep and ship:
- Sentimental items
- Quality furniture you truly want long term
- Items that would be expensive or hard to replace at your destination
Sell, donate, or store:
- Items you rarely use
- Worn or outdated furniture
- Things that cost more to ship than they are worth
If you hesitate about an item, ask yourself:
“Would I pay to ship this if I were paying by the pound?”
That question usually makes the decision clear.
What should go in my essentials box for a remote move?
Your essentials box is what gets you through the first 3–7 days if your shipment is delayed or you arrive
before your belongings. Pack it as if you are going on a short trip with no guarantee your boxes will be waiting.
Include:
- A few changes of clothing for each person
- Basic toiletries and medications
- Important documents (IDs, passports, medical records, lease or closing papers, insurance)
- Phone chargers, a power strip, and any needed electronics
- A simple tool kit (screwdriver, utility knife, tape)
- Basic kitchen items (a few plates, cups, utensils, coffee or tea, snacks)
- Bedding for the first night (sheets, pillowcases, light blanket)
Keep this box or luggage with you, not on the truck.
What documents should I keep with me, not in the moving truck?
Always carry these yourself:
- Passports and government IDs
- Birth certificates and marriage certificates
- Medical records and prescriptions
- Bank and financial documents you still receive on paper
- Home purchase, sale, or lease paperwork
- Moving contract and contact information for your moving coordinator
- Pet vaccination records and travel documents
Director of Marketing & Development
Kari-Ann Ryan is a dynamic marketing strategist with a proven track record in brand development, corporate visibility, and business growth. As the Director of Marketing & Development for Mid-West Moving & Storage and Chicago Office Movers, she leads all branding, marketing, and business development initiatives, driving awareness and engagement across multiple industries.
With extensive experience in multi-brand marketing, nonprofit fundraising, event planning, and retail management, Kari-Ann brings a comprehensive and results-driven approach to her role. She is a dedicated leader in the business community, actively involved in the Schaumburg Business Association and the GOA Regional Business Association. She also serves as a Board Member for the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter, reinforcing her commitment to advocacy and philanthropy.
In addition to her corporate role, Kari-Ann is the founder of LMJ’s Lost Souls – Alzheimer’s Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to awareness, education, and fundraising for Alzheimer’s research and support.
She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Western Michigan University and is Certified in Constant Contact Email Marketing, with expertise in social media strategy and digital engagement.
