The Ultimate Guide to Cross Country Moving

Conquer your cross-country move with our expert guide, covering essential tips on planning, packing, hiring movers, and settling into your new home. Don't miss these game-changing strategies for a stress-free relocation.

So, we heard you’re moving across the country. Yikes, that’s a big one!

But hey, don’t sweat it. With a little bit of prep work and smart planning, you can make this whole process a lot less scary and painful.

In this guide, we’ll share insider secrets and tips we’ve learned along the way to make the cross-country move as painless as possible.

Planning & Prep

The key to keeping your sanity during this crazy time is a good old-fashioned moving checklist. It’s like a sidekick, helping you stay on top of everything you need to do and when you need to do it.

Now, everyone’s move is different. Maybe you have kids or pets to bring along. No problem. A moving checklist will keep you organized, on track, and hopefully, a little less stressed out. 

You also need a moving game plan (yes, this is different than a moving checklist). Grab a pen and paper, and let’s make a list of all the stuff you need to pack up and haul to your new place. We’re talking furniture, appliances, clothes, kitchenware, basically the whole shebang.

But, how are you going to get all this stuff from point A to point B? Are you going to hire some beefy movers to do the heavy lifting, or are you more of a DIY kind of person? If you're renting a truck, don't forget to factor in the cost of gas and any moving supplies you'll need. Oh, and make sure you create a timeline so you don't end up scrambling at the last minute!

Speaking of supplies, it's time to gear up for the big pack. You'll need boxes (or suitcases if you're shipping stuff ahead), bubble wrap or newspaper for anything fragile like your grandma's china, tape, markers, labels - you know, the usual suspects.

Don't forget plastic bags for your clothes, mattress covers to keep your bed clean, and blankets and towels to wrap up your furniture. And if you've got any heavy-duty items, you might want to invest in some dollies, hand trucks, or lifts to save your back.

Make that list, gather your supplies, and get ready to conquer the cross-country beast.

Go room by room to keep things organized. Put heavy items in smaller boxes and light stuff in bigger ones. And don't forget to label each box clearly with bright markers. It'll save you a ton of headaches later. Oh, and add some "this way up" arrows to keep your stuff from ending up upside down.

Packing can be overwhelming, but with a good plan and some smart strategies, you'll be ready to roll in no time. And if you really want to make your life easier, consider hiring some professional movers to handle the heavy lifting.

Before you pick a moving company, do your homework. Get quotes from a few places and compare prices, services, and reviews. And don’t be afraid to ask questions; that’s how you catch those additional fees or get a discount.

Make sure you know what items the movers can’t take and what happens if something gets lost or damaged. And if you need to change plans last minute, find out their cancellation policy beforehand.

When moving day rolls around, have all your paperwork ready to go, like contracts and payment info. Do yourself a favor and make an inventory of all your belongings. It’ll come in handy if you need to file an insurance claim later on.

Hiring cross country movers can definitely make your life easier, but if you want to save even more time and stress, consider shipping some items ahead.

We know firsthand how stressful moving can be… I mean we’re in the business of it! Our advice? Take breaks when you need them.

Go for a walk, read a book, or even take a nap to get away from the moving stress. Trust us, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to tackle that to-do list. 

And if you have some extra time, treat yourself to a gym session, yoga class, or even a spa day. Taking care of yourself is key to making this whole moving thing run smoothly.

You’ve finally made it to your new place, so now it’s time to get things in order ASAP!

First things first, let’s get those essential services up and running. You know, the usual – electricity, water, gas, and Wifi/TV. And don’t forget about the garbage and lawn.

Do your homework to find the best local providers before you set foot in your new home. You do not want to be stuck without a working toilet on day one.

As for unpacking, don’t try to be a superhero; do it all at once. Take it one room at a time, with the most important ones first (your kids). That way, they’ll stay out of the way while you work.

Bedrooms should be your top priority because after moving all day, you’re going to need a comfy place to crash. As you rummage through each box, decide what stays and what goes. No need to clutter up your new space with stuff you don’t use.

Speaking of clutter, let’s talk about all those packing materials. Once you’ve got everything inside, it’s time to get rid of the boxes and bubble wrap for good. Recycle them if you can. Many cities have curbside pickup for recyclables, so it’s a piece of cake. If not, break down those boxes and toss them out with the real trash.

Last but not least, don’t forget to take inventory of your belongings. You don’t want to lose anything during the move, especially if you've got professional movers handling your stuff.

Make a list of everything you’re moving, and snap some photos too. That way, if anything goes missing, you’ll know exactly what needs replacing.

That’s it! A little recap: get those essentials set up ASAP, unpack the bedrooms first, ditch the packing materials, and keep track of your items.

We know moving can be a real pain in the neck, but everyone experiences it at least once. With a little bit of planning and prep, it doesn’t have to be a total nightmare. Just follow these steps laid out for you above, and you’ll be settling into your new place before you know it.

First, pack smart and label everything. It'll save you a ton of headaches later. If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't be afraid to call in the pros. Hiring movers can be a game-changer.

If you want to make your life even easier, consider shipping some stuff ahead of time.

And when you finally make it to your new place, take your time unpacking. Rome wasn't built in a day, and your new home doesn't have to be either. Good luck!