10% of Americans move in any given year. There’s a lot to consider: pets, cars, furniture, jobs, new housing … it’s a lot to deal with.
It’s even more stressful if you’re moving to another state, or moving across the country. All the packing tips in the world won’t save you if you end up leaving your precious family heirlooms in the basement!
That’s why we’ve assembled a cross-country moving checklist. That way, you can rest easy once it’s time for the move to begin!
1. Lighten the Load
When moving to another state or coastline, it’s important that you don’t weigh yourself down with unnecessary items. Many people have accumulated decades’ worth of furniture, heirlooms, and mementos.
However, some of these things may be unnecessary. When paying for a moving company, the weight of your belongings will directly impact the price. In other words, the more items that you are moving, the more money you will shell out.
Start by separating items that you can donate. Remember that nice clothes, books, and furniture are always good items to donate to Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity.
Then, go through your pantry and see what canned goods you don’t want to take with you. Anything that is canned or sealed with a current expiration date is a great option to donate.
This is a great way to support your community and reduce the items that you need to cart with you across the state or the country.
This is also an opportunity to make a little extra cash. Try posting any belongings on eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace.
2. Create a Schedule
One of the most important parts of following a cross-country moving checklist is creating a work back schedule. If you love your Excel spreadsheets, this is your time to shine!
Start by calculating your move-in date. If your move is dictated by a job or new housing, then it’s already decided.
If you have the option of flexibility with a move-in date, then try to move in the off-season. This will make things much cheaper. Remember that most Americans tend to move in the summer months, between May and September.
The weather is better, road conditions have improved, and gas is sometimes cheaper. It’s also better to move when you don’t have to worry about ice on the sidewalks, leaks in your new house, and so forth.
Calculate how long it will take you to travel to your new destination. Then, calculate how long it will take you to pack all your belongings.
You might also want to tweak your schedule based on the availability of your moving company. Their assistance can be a big help, especially if you’re moving a long way.
3. Hire a Good Moving Company
When you hire a moving company, you are placing all of your possessions and peace of mind in their hands. When you get the right moving company, it’s like a weight off your shoulders.
You’ll be able to delegate tasks and know that they will be taken care of. You don’t have to worry about packing, loading, unloading, or driving your belongings to the new destination.
Make sure that you don’t fall for the cheapest option available. While many moving companies will offer discounts, you could be falling for a scam. Remember the old saying that if it’s too good to be true, then it probably is.
Check out their reputation and see what they can offer. Don’t be afraid to get a few estimates, either. That way, you can compare cost, reputation, track record, and so forth.
4. Make Arrangements in Advance
When it comes to a cross-country moving checklist, it’s all about planning ahead. There’s very little room for error, especially if you’re toting children, a vehicle, pets, and a vehicle.
Start by calculating where you’ll need to stop. That way, you can purchase hotels if you are driving across the state or the country.
If you need to purchase a flight, book as far in advance as you can. This will help ensure that you get the best price available.
Put a little money aside for one extra night in a hotel. Sometimes, things go wrong. Whether you get a flat tire and don’t drive as far as you hoped, or whether you can’t get the keys to the house when you wanted, make sure to plan ahead.
5. Ship Your Car
You don’t always have to drive your car across the country. In some cases, your car might not make the journey. In other cases, it will cost much more to drive your car than it would be to ship it and drive it.
Some families also own more cars than is practical. Think of it this way. If one adult drives a U-Haul, and the other drives a family car, who is left to drive the other vehicle across the country?
If you’re interested in shipping a car, make sure to consult the professionals. That way, you can rely on stress-free, top-notch service that gets your car from point A to point B in a safe condition.
Making sure your car is taken care of is one of our top moving tips. A breakdown or having to store your car somewhere is the last thing you need.
A Cross-Country Moving Checklist
When following a cross-country moving checklist, make sure to tailor it for your needs. After all, you’re the one who has to follow it when moving to another state or across the country.
You’ll need to calculate all the practical matters that go into moving. For instance, if you have dogs, you will have to plan ahead in ways that someone with a cat might not.
Make sure to consult professionals in order to make your job easier. Whether you’re looking for someone to help you pack, move, or ship your car, there’s someone out there.
If you enjoyed this article, check out the rest of our posts here.
