Moving across the country is an adventure. Be it for a new career, the urge to be closer to family, or even a fresh start across the state lines, the very idea of packing most of your life into boxes and heading to a whole new state can be extremely exhilarating—and bewilderingly intimidating. No need to worry. This guide will breakdown the process from planning and packing to getting used to the new environment,
Everything you need to know is provided here to make your cross-country move a success:
Start Planning Early
The farther you move, the more planning it requires. First, create a detailed timeline that shows everything you need to do to prepare for, during, and after you move.
- Set a moving date: Set the date you want to move in concrete. This will be the anchor on which all your other plans will lie.
- Create a checklist: For moving, this means breaking down the move into much more manageable tasks, like getting rid of unwanted items, hiring movers, and changing your address. A checklist keeps you on track and organized.
Budget for Your Move
A cross-country move is not cheap and, therefore, requires the right budgeting.
- Get Quotes from Movers: Of course, you will reach out to several movers to get quotes. However, get them to specify if there would be any supplementary charges for a long-distance move.
- Factor in Extra Costs: Do not forget to budget for things like travel expenses, temporary housing, and shipping your car if necessary.
Declutter and Downsize
This is a perfect time to declutter and slim down your belongings.
- Sort and Purge: The basic rule for this part of the process is to go from room to room, deciding what to keep, donate, sell, or trash. Be ruthless—moving is very expensive, and it isn’t worth it to haul things you don’t need.
- Garage Sale: Having a lot of materials to get rid of, consider having a garage sale. This can help you earn a little bit extra for the move.
Hire Reliable Movers
Working with Drop A Box for a cross-country move is a big decision.
- Research and Compare: Find licensed long-distance moving companies and compare them. Look for reviews, ask for references, and make sure they run with a license and insurance.
- Book Well in Advance: Once the mover is selected, try to book the service well ahead of time so that you can get the moving date of your choice.
Organize and Pack
Packing for a cross-country move requires a little more extra care, so your belongings reach in one piece.
- Use quality packing materials: Purchase solid boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and tape. Quality packing is required as the items will be moving over a distance.
- Label Everything: Clearly mark everything in each box, including its content and the room to which it belongs. Number the boxes and consider maintaining an inventory list to account for everything.
Cross-country relocation is a major life event. While it may be massive with the proper logistics and sane state of mind, it can be absolutely exciting for the next big chapter. In following these steps, much of the burden of a cross-country move will be taken out, and you’ll be able to focus on the adventure placed before you.
