By / San Diego Moving

The 6 Most Important Tips For Cross Country Moving

Moving across country can be a great adventure. Whether you are moving across one state or five states, you will want to make sure that you are prepared. You will need moving boxes, possibly furniture movers, and likely a moving truck, but above all else, make sure that you read these 6 moving across country tips.

 
1) Working Out the Cost of Moving

I know that finding the cheapest way to move across country is probably first on your wish list. It is no surprise that it will cost a considerable amount of money which will be directly affected by the distance of your move.

I can’t stress enough that you need to do your research. First, answer some questions about your move; is it just you, do you have others moving with you, do you plan to take furniture, is this a long-term move, or more temporary?

Once you know more of the details, you can start preparing for the cost of the move. Hopefully, you have had a chance to plan for your move more than a few weeks in advance. If that is the case, then it would help to put some money aside for all the moving costs that you will incur.

One of the biggest cost factors you will want to take a look at is the price of furniture movers versus the cost of leaving your furniture behind and purchasing new at your future location. You may be able to make some money selling your used furniture to an online marketplace and can ultimately save money by not needing to hire professional furniture movers.  

Once you have made your decision, it helps to make a list, and on that note, refer to the following tip.
 

2) Make A Checklist

I love being organized. It is what helps me get everything I need to get done, done. There is something ultimately satisfying about being able to check those little boxes off of your list. So, take a moment, sit down and come up with all the things you need to complete for the upcoming move.  

This list should include that which you need to complete before you move, such as researching moving companies, that which needs to be done on the day of, such as returning your key to the landlord, and that which happens post-moving day, like renewing your driver’s license.

Some items on the list will need to be done well in advance, even a couple of months in advance, such as letting your current landlord know that you are moving out; others may only need to be done once you arrive at your new residence.

That is why it is important to take time with your list, even have it organized based on your timeline.

Other checklist items may include (but there will be more):

• Forwarding mail to your new address
• Canceling utility bills
• Looking for new employment
• Securing a new place to live
• Researching the future neighborhood
• Set aside money for moving costs
• Look at health-care providers
• Consider pet’s needs, if required
• Look into a hotel or other temporary accommodations
• Plan for travel; bus, train, plane or car?
• Purchase packing supplies
• Get a phone with a new local number
• Look into a storage unit

Ultimately, you will have to decide what you need to do. There are some great checklists that can be found online if you want to be sure that you aren’t missing anything.

 
3) Scavenge for Packing Supplies

Packing requires a lot of supplies to get the job done right, and in many cases, you will have to purchase supplies, such as bubble wrap. In other cases, however, you may be able to beg, borrow, or steal (kidding about that last one) the other items you will need to pack efficiently.

Consider where you work, or where your friends and family work, and see if anyone has access to empty boxes that are just going to be recycled anyways. By taking advantage of this you won’t have to purchase moving boxes, you’ll just have to gain some access to some sturdy tape.

Make sure that you don’t forget to label your boxes to make it easier to find what you need and to know where each box goes when you get there, i.e., kitchen. Also, big hint, the internet is full of some great packing hacks, like putting breakables in your shoes to help save you space, and, in the long run, protect your valuables.

 
4) Give Yourself Enough Time

I know I am not the only one who tends to hold onto things that I don’t necessarily need, and I’m fine with that until it comes time to move. That is when we begin to question everything we own, “do I really need this?” “Why did I ever hold onto that?”

The last thing you want is to become frustrated and just start throwing things out because frankly, you are out of time to really give your belongings the thought they deserve. You’ll feel much better about it if you pack a little at a time. Start with the non-essentials and work your way along.

 
5) Consideration of Pets and Children

Traveling with either, or both can be a challenge. Some pets can’t handle the long-distance move and may need to be sedated. You may even have to consider leaving them behind until you settle yourself in.

If you are traveling with children and depending on how you plan to travel, they will need to be entertained. If you are traveling by land, such as in a car, make sure that you plan for multiple stops along the way.

 
6) Have Backup Plans for Every Contingency

Yes, you may have booked the movers well in advance, but then moving day comes and they are over an hour late, and you have to be out of your old place in two hours. Or, maybe you planned to fly out and be there at your new place before the moving truck arrived, but the flight was delayed, then canceled, and you have to wait until the next day for another flight.

Despite our best efforts, always be prepared for Murphey’s Law, so that your friends are ready at the helm to drive you to your destination in case of a missed flight, or to unpack a house due to those late movers.

Moving across country can be a hassle, but the more prepared you are, the chances are the smoother the process it ultimately will be. To make it even smoother, have a place already waiting for you with some of these amazing apartment listings.

Author’s Bio 

Danielle thrives on researching and writing on all aspects of life. Further to writing for Zumper blog and personal finance, she is an advocate of self-improvement and living a life that is both financially responsible and knowledgeable. When she is not on her computer, she can be found spending time with her husband and two sons.