How to Prepare for a Cross-Country Move in 7 Easy Steps (2024)

Preparing for a cross-country move?

Wondering how to best prepare for the trip?

Moving across the country can be an exciting thing, but it can also come with a lot of complications. It can be very stressful getting ready for the move and trying to get all of your belongings from Point A to Point B.

Luckily, we’re here for you. Below we’ll tell you everything you need to know about preparing for a cross-country move, all in 7 easy steps.

1. Give Yourself Time

The critical thing to do in preparation for your move is to start early. If you can, make sure that you have plenty of extra time for your move.

Don’t underestimate how long it will take you to get everything packed up and to plan the logistics of your moving day.

Ideally, you should start the packing and planning process eight weeks before the move. This will give you plenty of time for each of the following steps. It will also allow you to feel a lot calmer and level-headed throughout the entire moving process.

2. Stay Organized

You may or may not be an organized person in your day-to-day life. However, when it comes to preparing for a cross-country move, you can’t afford to leave it all up to chance.

You need to have a plan, and you shouldcreate a checklist. Be detailed with your moving schedule, creating a day-to-day and week-by-week to-do list.

Be thorough with your checklist and ensure that you’re not leaving anything off of the list. Then, ensure that you’re crossing everything off as the big moving day approaches.

When it comes time for the big moving day, you’ll be happy you didn’t leave anything out, and you won’t be scrambling to complete a task you forgot the day before the move.

3. Start Cleaning

While it may seem a bit counter-intuitive, it’s a great idea to clean up your house or apartment before the big move. Make sure that everything is spotless and clean.

Cleaning beforehand will help because you’ll be able to assess better where everything is in your home. You’ll be able to visualize your space and determine what should come with you during the move and what should be eliminated.

Additionally, once it does become time to start packing boxes, you’ll also have a lot of cleaner space to work in.

4. Get Rid of Everything You Can

A big move is a perfect time todeclutter.

Find a way to get rid of anything you don’t need. It may be time to part with some of your unnecessary tools, kitchenware, and junk you’ve been keeping around your home for too long. Be vicious with it and get rid of as much as possible.

The less stuff that is going with you from Point A to Point B the better off you’ll be and the easier the move will go.

5. Pack It Well

Once you’ve gotten rid of everything you possibly can, it’s time to startpacking up your stuff.

First, it’s important that you invest in some durable boxes and pack everything as safely as you can. Durable boxes, bubble wrap, and packing paper will help to protect your belongings during the move and will make sure that nothing breaks or gets damaged during your home transition.

You should also label all of your boxes. This will help you know where everything is.

Create a box for important papers and documents such as birth certificates, insurance policies, passports, medical records, and auto registration documents. Place these important documents in a specially marked box

Also, designate an essentials box. Place items you will need right away in this box. It could include medicines, toilet paper, soap, paper towels, basic cleaning supplies, paper plates, utensils, cups, chargers, and necessary tools.

6. Decide on Your Moving Method

Of course, you also need to decide on how you’re actually going to get all of your stuff to your new home. There are several options to consider.

You may choose to pack and move everything with your own vehicle and drive it across the country. However, if you have large furniture that you’re taking with you or a large amount of stuff, this can be difficult.

Depending on your vehicle, it may not all fit, and you’ll have to take several trips.

You may also choose to rent a moving truck or vehicle. This may allow you to get everything all in one load even if you have big furniture items to take with you.

Finally, you can also hire professional movers. Professional movers will be able to get all of your belongings across the country for you, taking the weight off your shoulders.

The final option is, of course, the easiest. However, be sure to compare different professional moving companies to find the best deal for you.

7. Get Moving

Now that you’ve taken care of all of the above steps, it’s now time for the big move.

If you’re doing the move yourself, you’ll need to plan your logistics carefully. Consider the gas costs and which routes you’ll be taking. You’ll also need to be sure to stay safe andavoid injurieswhen carrying large boxes.

If you’ve hired professional movers, on the other hand, then all of the important moving tasks will be taken care of for you. You’ll simply need to either fly or drive to your new home.

It’s important to stay calm when your moving day rolls around, so it’s often the best choice to hire professionals to help you with the move.

Stress-Free Cross-Country Move

By following the steps above, you’ll have an easy time, and you’ll make sure that your cross-country move is as painless of an experience as possible.

It can be stressful to make a big move, but with the right plan and professional movers on your side, it doesn’t have to be.

Are you getting ready for a long-distance move?Click hereto learn more about what we can do for you orcontact us todayto get your free quote today.

How to Prepare for a Cross-Country Move in 7 Easy Steps (2024)

FAQs

What to do before moving across the country? ›

Here are12 of my top moving across-country tips.
  1. Do Your Career Homework. ...
  2. Get Your Finances in Check. ...
  3. Find and Keep a Moving Checklist. ...
  4. Tap Into Your Network. ...
  5. Search for Housing. ...
  6. Weigh the Cost of Shipping Your Car. ...
  7. Part Ways With Things You Don't Need. ...
  8. Pack Your Clothes Strategically.
Mar 27, 2024

How do you mentally prepare for a cross country move? ›

Preparing Emotionally for a Long-Distance Relocation
  1. Don't leave things to the last minute. Moving to a new place requires preparation, and since many tasks need to be completed, make sure not to delay them. ...
  2. Focus on the advantages. ...
  3. Get rest. ...
  4. Make exciting plans. ...
  5. Ask for support. ...
  6. Expect the unexpected. ...
  7. The bottom line.
Jul 6, 2023

How far in advance should I plan a cross country move? ›

Every moving timeline will look different, but planning a long-distance move often requires a lot of extra organization. Try to create your moving plan in advance-- at least three to four months (about 12 weeks) -- to ensure you have both the supplies and transportation needed.

What do I wish I knew before moving cross country? ›

11 Expert Tips for Moving Across the Country
  • Plan Carefully. Perhaps it goes without saying, but no cross-country move is possible without a ton of planning. ...
  • Sell, Sell, Sell. ...
  • Keep Important Docs Handy. ...
  • Pack Clothing Strategically. ...
  • Vet Your Movers. ...
  • Label Your Boxes. ...
  • Learn About the New Area. ...
  • Fit in a Road Trip.
Oct 18, 2022

What should I pack for moving cross country? ›

The best way to pack for a long-distance move is to gather an essentials box to hold important paperwork, valuables, chargers, toiletries, prescriptions, towels, a set of sheets, some extra undergarments and outfits while you get settled, and toys for pets or kids.

How to move for dummies? ›

The Best Moving Advice for Beginners
  1. Use garbage bags to move your clothes. ...
  2. Use Styrofoam plates to transport glass plates. ...
  3. Secure makeup with cotton balls. ...
  4. Take a picture of your electronics before you pack them up. ...
  5. Use socks to wrap your glasses. ...
  6. Leave everything in your drawers. ...
  7. Utilize sandwich bags.

What to buy for a cross country move? ›

First, pack a moving essentials box with items you'll need immediately upon arrival. This could include toiletries, a change of clothes, essential electronics and chargers, medications, and important documents.

How do you declutter before a cross-country move? ›

Get Ready to Declutter

Here are a few suggestions: Sell your items at a garage sale or on websites such as Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Craigslist, or Poshmark. Contact a local charity to arrange a donation pickup. Give away items to friends, family, and neighbors.

What is the cheapest month to move cross country? ›

Timing is everything when hiring a moving company. Peak moving season is May through September, so if you have some flexibility, aim to move during fall or winter Since summer is the busiest season for cross-country moving companies due to nicer weather and kids being out of school, moving prices are higher.

How do you pack your car for moving cross country? ›

How to Pack Your Car When Moving
  1. Sort Your Items. ...
  2. Clean Out Your Car. ...
  3. Use Plastic Bags Instead of Boxes. ...
  4. Pack Essential Items First. ...
  5. Use Every Space You Can. ...
  6. Use Clothes and Blankets for Padding. ...
  7. Keep Your Windows Clear. ...
  8. Distribute Weight Evenly.

How to move cross country by yourself? ›

Tips For Moving Across the Country Alone
  1. Update Personal Records. Moving to another state or country includes a few more steps than moving to another house in the same city. ...
  2. Sell Large Furniture and Unused Items. ...
  3. Organize What You Will Sell Into Categories. ...
  4. Donate Items You Don't Need Anymore. ...
  5. Pack Within Your Means.
Sep 14, 2022

How do you make a cross country move less stressful? ›

Cross-country moving guide: 12 Best tips for a stress-free cross-country move
  1. Tip 1: Hire a reputable long-distance moving company. ...
  2. Tip 2: Create a detailed moving checklist. ...
  3. Tip 3: Budget for the cost of a cross-country move. ...
  4. Tip 4: Sort and downsize before you move.
Feb 18, 2023

How to cope with a cross country move? ›

  1. Focus on the Positives. ...
  2. Prioritize Self Care. ...
  3. Stay Organized. ...
  4. Consider Moving an Opportunity to Purge. ...
  5. Steer Away From a Perfectionist Mindset. ...
  6. Maintain Existing Relationships. ...
  7. Get Out and Meet New People.
Sep 11, 2022

How difficult is it to move across country? ›

We don't need to tell you: Moving is hard, and moving across the country can seem even more daunting. From packing belongings and finding a place to live to considering moving options and making new friends, moving across state lines is a time-consuming process that takes patience and planning.

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