Planning a move in the same city is tough enough, let alone moving across the entire country. To make it as simple and stress-free as possible, preparation is key. Here are our top tips for how to make a cross-country move:
Start Packing
This should be the first thing on your to-do list once you’ve found somewhere to move. Packing is always a bigger task than you imagine so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get everything packed-up. Plus, if you wait until the last minute you may end up forgetting something irreplaceable.
However, purchasing boxes or containers can get expensive if you have a lot to pack. So how do you save money on moving boxes? There are plenty of options like using bags instead, finding a discount box retailer, or hunting around town for free boxes that stores will often give away.
Sell What You Don’t Want or Need
If you have valuable items that are just too much of a hassle to move, won’t fit in your new space, or you simply don’t want anymore, consider selling them. Afterall, moving is expensive and some interstate moving services charge by weight so you might as well lighten the load as much as possible.
Often, cross-country movers find themselves selling their mattresses, oversized couches or armoires, and even their cars. The money you make off your old stuff can go towards things you need for your new place. Not sure how to sell your car and other high-price valuables? It’s actually fairly easy to do it online.
Reserve a Moving Container or Truck
Unless you’re selling most or all of your furniture, it’s likely you’re going to need something bigger than your four-door to get from point A to B with all your belongings. Luckily, there are a variety of solutions to choose from including hiring professional movers, scheduling rentable moving containers that’ll be transported for you, or renting more traditional moving trucks. But before you book your truck rental make sure you nail down the specifics like:
- What size rental truck do you need?
- How long do you need to reserve it for?
- How much money should you set aside for gas?
- Will the rest of your family need to drive separately?
When booking your rental truck make sure you book it for one way since you won’t be bringing it back to the same place.
Make All Arrangements Ahead of Time
Make reservations ahead of time to save money and limit last-minute decision making. Before you head out on your big move, you should make arrangements for:
- Sleeping accommodations: Make reservations at a motel or camp site along your route so you can rest throughout the long drive. If you wait, you might find yourself driving around looking for vacancies when you’re exhausted and just want to sleep.
- Your pets: If your pets are driving with you, you’ll need to set aside their necessities and make sure wherever you’re staying allows animals. If your pet is anxious about riding in the car, you could also ask your vet about medication to help them relax.
- Vet your moving company: If you decide to have a moving company transport your items for you, make sure you do your research. That means you should read their reviews and check that they’re licensed and insured so you know your valuables are in the best of hands.
You’ll be happy you had everything sorted out in advance when it comes time to make your journey to your new home. As we all know, there are always plenty of last-minute mishaps that make moving stressful enough.
Have a Plan for Food When You Get There
Whether you drive or fly across the country, it usually means you’ve been doing a lot of snacking, but what about a proper meal? When you finally make it to your new home, you’re going to want a hot meal brought to you instead of having to go back out to the store.
Make it easy on yourself and find a food delivery service in your neighbourhood to do it for you. It’s also the perfect opportunity to try out something new. Who knows, it might even be your new go-to food spot.
Now that you have your checklist, you can be excited instead of overwhelmed about this new adventure!
