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.

Long-distance moves are generally more costly than shorter moves. If you’re driving, the fuel costs are higher, you may need to stay in hotels for several nights, and you’ll be eating out every day. If you’re traveling overseas, the cost to transport your belongings can be exorbitant. The farther away you’re moving, the more sense it makes to really pare your possessions down to the bare essentials; it will save on packing time as well.

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 seem very scary to young children. Your local library or bookstore should have books to help children address their feelings and prepare themselves for the change. Make reading these books together a daily ritual.

If you find yourself moving to a new country, the transition will be easier if you learn as much as you can about local customs before arriving. If the language spoken in your new home is not your own, you might want to consider taking a course to help you learn at least the fundamentals.

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.