Sometimes moves take us hundreds of miles from our hometown-to new states, countries, or even continents. These moves are harder to plan for, and require a bit more work to pull off successfully.

Be prepared to spend more when you’re moving a long distance. Budget carefully, and start saving early. If you’ll be traveling by plane, look for a price-matching deal that will allow you to purchase your tickets early, but save money if airfares should decrease before your flight. Refundable tickets are a wise choice, in case your plans should change.

You may also have storage expenses if you can’t take everything you own with you. Fortunately, affordable long-term storage plans are available at mini-storage facilities. Mini-storage companies can be found in nearly every city, and offer a safe and stress-free solution to what to do with your things.

If your move is going to cause you to be separated from loved ones, make the most of the time you have together before you leave. Purchase plenty of prepaid calling cards so that you can stay in touch.

Moving can be hard on children, so be sure to spend lots of time helping them prepare emotionally. Try to help them view the move as an exciting new adventure, but remember that change can be frightening to young children, so be sensitive to their feelings.

If you’re moving to a foreign country, you may want to pick up some travel guides and language learning tapes while you’re at the bookstore. Learning as much as you can about your new home before you get there will make things much easier for you.

Long-distance moves can be frightening, expensive, anxiety-inducing, and exhausting to orchestrate, but they also present exciting new opportunities. Contact the Chamber of Commerce or other municipal agency in your new home to find some fun activities and interesting attractions to explore once you’re settled in.