Preparing for a cross-country move?
Wondering how to best prepare for the trip?
Moving across the country can be an exciting thing, but it can also come with a lot of complications. It can be very stressful getting ready for the move and trying to get all of your belongings from Point A to Point B.
Luckily, we’re here for you. Below we’ll tell you everything you need to know about preparing for a cross-country move, all in 7 easy steps.
1. Give Yourself Time
The critical thing to do in preparation for your move is to start early. If you can, make sure that you have plenty of extra time for your move.
Don’t underestimate how long it will take you to get everything packed up and to plan the logistics of your moving day.
Ideally, you should start the packing and planning process eight weeks before the move. This will give you plenty of time for each of the following steps. It will also allow you to feel a lot calmer and level-headed throughout the entire moving process.
2. Stay Organized
You may or may not be an organized person in your day-to-day life. However, when it comes to preparing for a cross-country move, you can’t afford to leave it all up to chance.
You need to have a plan, and you should create a checklist. Be detailed with your moving schedule, creating a day-to-day and week-by-week to-do list.
Be thorough with your checklist and ensure that you’re not leaving anything off of the list. Then, ensure that you’re crossing everything off as the big moving day approaches.
When it comes time for the big moving day, you’ll be happy you didn’t leave anything out, and you won’t be scrambling to complete a task you forgot the day before the move.
3. Start Cleaning
While it may seem a bit counter-intuitive, it’s a great idea to clean up your house or apartment before the big move. Make sure that everything is spotless and clean.
Cleaning beforehand will help because you’ll be able to assess better where everything is in your home. You’ll be able to visualize your space and determine what should come with you during the move and what should be eliminated.
Additionally, once it does become time to start packing boxes, you’ll also have a lot of cleaner space to work in.
4. Get Rid of Everything You Can
A big move is a perfect time to declutter.
Find a way to get rid of anything you don’t need. It may be time to part with some of your unnecessary tools, kitchenware, and junk you’ve been keeping around your home for too long. Be vicious with it and get rid of as much as possible.
The less stuff that is going with you from Point A to Point B the better off you’ll be and the easier the move will go.
5. Pack It Well
Once you’ve gotten rid of everything you possibly can, it’s time to start packing up your stuff.
First, it’s important that you invest in some durable boxes and pack everything as safely as you can. Durable boxes, bubble wrap, and packing paper will help to protect your belongings during the move and will make sure that nothing breaks or gets damaged during your home transition.
You should also label all of your boxes. This will help you know where everything is.
Create a box for important papers and documents such as birth certificates, insurance policies, passports, medical records, and auto registration documents. Place these important documents in a specially marked box
Also, designate an essentials box. Place items you will need right away in this box. It could include medicines, toilet paper, soap, paper towels, basic cleaning supplies, paper plates, utensils, cups, chargers, and necessary tools.
6. Decide on Your Moving Method
Of course, you also need to decide on how you’re actually going to get all of your stuff to your new home. There are several options to consider.
You may choose to pack and move everything with your own vehicle and drive it across the country. However, if you have large furniture that you’re taking with you or a large amount of stuff, this can be difficult.
Depending on your vehicle, it may not all fit, and you’ll have to take several trips.
You may also choose to rent a moving truck or vehicle. This may allow you to get everything all in one load even if you have big furniture items to take with you.
Finally, you can also hire professional movers. Professional movers will be able to get all of your belongings across the country for you, taking the weight off your shoulders.
The final option is, of course, the easiest. However, be sure to compare different professional moving companies to find the best deal for you.
7. Get Moving
Now that you’ve taken care of all of the above steps, it’s now time for the big move.
If you’re doing the move yourself, you’ll need to plan your logistics carefully. Consider the gas costs and which routes you’ll be taking. You’ll also need to be sure to stay safe and avoid injuries when carrying large boxes.
If you’ve hired professional movers, on the other hand, then all of the important moving tasks will be taken care of for you. You’ll simply need to either fly or drive to your new home.
It’s important to stay calm when your moving day rolls around, so it’s often the best choice to hire professionals to help you with the move.
Stress-Free Cross-Country Move
By following the steps above, you’ll have an easy time, and you’ll make sure that your cross-country move is as painless of an experience as possible.
It can be stressful to make a big move, but with the right plan and professional movers on your side, it doesn’t have to be.
Are you getting ready for a long-distance move? Click here to learn more about what we can do for you or contact us today to get your free quote today.
