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Tips for Cross-Country Moving That Will Save Your Sanity

Posted on May 14, 2022

Tips for Cross-Country Moving



Moving across the country is not an easy task. There are many steps to planning a long-distance move, from packing your belongings and coordinating moving day help to settling into your new home and changing addresses. We’ve compiled a list of useful tips for cross-country moving.






Use a moving checklist to keep track of everything



Moving to a new state requires time and effort, from selecting a moving company to going through your stuff and obtaining a new driver’s license. A moving checklist can assist you in completing all of the tasks necessary for your forthcoming moving on time.




Lighten your load



Considering hiring a moving company? Keep in mind that the cost of your interstate move is largely determined by the weight of your belongings. This means that the more you move, the more money you’ll have to pay. Given that most cross-country moves cost several thousand dollars, you’ll want to save as much money as possible. To lighten the load, we suggest donating slightly used items to Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity. You could also try selling your items through a thrift store or an online marketplace.




Divide and conquer



Moving across the country with a family is difficult. Having several extra sets of hands, on the other hand, can be extremely beneficial. As you begin to pack the house, get the assistance of your spouse and children. Before beginning the packing process, we recommend teaching them how to properly pack a moving box. School-age children should be able to help pack their own rooms. Pack non-essentials or items you won’t need in the weeks leading up to the move first (for example, seasonal clothing and books). Pack the basic needs last.




Make all travel arrangements ahead of time



Don’t put off booking your travel until the last minute. When relocating across the country, take the time to research and plan all travel details at least a month in advance. These travel arrangements, which include everything from plane tickets to hotel reservations, are important for a successful move.




Prepare your pet for travel



If you’re moving with pets, don’t leave it until the last minute to make travel arrangements for them, especially if you’re moving out of state. Research pet-friendly hotels where you can stay on the road several weeks in advance. If you’re flying, make sure there’s room on the plane for your pet. Each airline has its own set of rules, and depending on the size of your pet, they may not be permitted to fly in the cabin. Acquire all medical records from your current veterinarian before leaving the state, and once settled, make sure to license your pet.




Check that a moving company is licensed and insured



Hiring a rogue mover is the last thing you want to do when moving across the country. Moving scams, fortunately, are easy to spot if you know what to look for. Aside from offering too-good-to-be-true moving estimates, rogue movers are unlikely to be licensed or insured. To see if an interstate mover is licensed, look them up in the FMCSA’s database using their U.S. DOT number. You should also check to see if the moving company is properly insured. Moving companies should be able to provide you with the appropriate documents.




Leave the packing to the experts



Packing your stuff yourself may typically save you money. However, depending on the size of your home, the job may take weeks. Hiring movers to pack your house may decrease stress and let you to focus on more entertaining things, such as spending time with friends and family before you go. It does, however, come with a price. Long-distance movers often charge a fixed rate ranging from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars, depending on the amount to be moved. You can lower the fee by packing certain boxes yourself but leave the rest to the pros.




Pamper Yourself



Reduce the stress of moving. Allow yourself a rest. Walk, read a book, or meditate. A trip to the gym or your local yoga class can also help to decrease tension and anxiety. You may even schedule a spa day if you have the time. Sleep, on the other hand, will help you feel recharged and ready to tackle your moving checklist again.




Purchase moving insurance if necessary



Check your value coverage choices carefully when selecting a moving company. The company’s free, basic protection merely provides the essential requirements. If you feel you need additional protection, consider purchasing Full Worth Protection, which holds your mover liable for the real monetary value of the items.




Make sure the utilities are in your name



Contact your current utility company about two weeks before you want to move. Inform them of your move date and request that utilities be disconnected following your move. Then, communicate directly with the utility companies in your new neighborhood. Let them know when you want the utilities to be turned on. You’ll have to pay a deposit to start utility services at your new house, but it’s better than struggling to unpack in the dark.




Inquire for the driver’s phone number



It might take a week or more for your stuff to arrive while moving across the country. You should ask the driver for their contact details if you want to stay up to date on the status of the moving truck. Your moving company should provide a means for you to track your driver, whether by phone or email. Often, a moving company employee will contact the driver on your behalf.