How to Prepare for a Daunting Cross Country Move
Did you know that the average American moves more than 11 times in their lifetime? This means that you’ll probably have to undertake a cross country move at some point.
When getting ready to make a cross-country move, you’re likely feeling various emotions, including excitement and apprehension. While it’s an exciting time, moving across the country can also be daunting.
Hence, it’s important to be prepared for all the challenges that come with it. Here are some simple tips to help you navigate the process and make your move as smooth as possible:
Give Yourself Some Time
You might be surprised how long it actually takes to pack up your life and move it across the country. Most people underestimate the amount of time needed for a project like this, so give yourself at least two months to plan and prepare.
This will help alleviate some stress and pressure as you tick items off of your moving checklist.
Take this time to research more about your upcoming move, such as the cost of living in your new city and the best way to ship your belongings.
Declutter Your Home
Decluttering your home helps you get rid of any unwanted items. Not only will this make packing and unpacking easier, but it will also save you money on moving costs.
Follow the below tips when decluttering your home:
- Start with one room at a time
- Create three piles: keep, donate, and trash
- Be ruthless with your belongings
- Don’t forget about the closets and attic
- Get rid of anything that is broken or damaged
Ensure you go through each room in your house and get rid of any items you no longer need or use. You can either donate these items to a local charity or have a garage sale. This is a great way to make some extra money for your move.
Create a Moving Checklist
Creating a moving checklist will not only help you stay organized during your move, but it will also help keep you sane.
Start by making a list of everything you need to do before moving day. This includes:
- The date of your move
- A list of moving supplies you will need
- A packing schedule
- A list of people or businesses you need to notify of your move
- Canceling subscriptions
Having a moving checklist ensures that nothing gets left behind and that all the important tasks are taken care of before moving day. Ensure you also create a timeline for each task.
For example, if you need to pack your entire house, you may want to start two weeks in advance. You can also delegate some tasks to family and friends. After all, any long-distance move is stressful enough, and you’ll need all the help you can get.
Find a Moving Company
When moving cross country, it’s essential to work with a reputable moving company that you can trust. However, finding one may seem like a daunting task, but there are a few ways to go about it.
Start by asking friends, colleagues, and family if they have any recommendations. Once you’ve compiled a list of potential moving companies, be sure to read online reviews and check out the company’s website.
It’s also a good idea to check the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints against the company. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, be sure to get quotes from each moving company before making a final decision.
Start Packing
The best way to prepare for a long-distance move is to start packing your things as early as possible. This will give you plenty of time to sort through everything and figure out what you need to bring and what can be left behind.
Packing up your home can be a daunting task, but it will be much easier to handle if you start early and take it one step at a time. Here are a few moving and packing tips to help you get started:
- Make a list of what needs to be packed in each room
- Start with the items that you don’t use daily and work your way up to the more essential items
- Pack a few essentials like toiletries and clothes so you can have something to wear while you’re unpacking
- Label all of your boxes with what is inside and which room they need to go in
- Get help from friends or family members to make the packing process easier
Following the above tips will help make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible. And once you’re all settled into your new home, you can start exploring all the wonderful things your new city has to offer!
Find a Reputable Car Shipping Company
If you’re dreading the idea of driving your car cross-country, then shipping it might be a better option for you. It may cost a little more upfront, but it will save you the wear and tear on your vehicle, not to mention the stress of driving for days on end.
The key is to find a reputable car shipping company that can get the job done quickly and efficiently. Before settling for any car shipping company, ensure you do your research, request quotes from a few different companies, read reviews, and ask for referrals. You can also get car shipping quotes here.
Once you’ve found a company you’re comfortable with, the process is relatively straightforward. Your car shipping company will pick up your vehicle and deliver it to your new home — all you have to do is sit back and relax.
Are You Ready for Your Upcoming Cross Country Move
Any cross-country mover will tell you that a lot of work goes into planning a long-distance move. But if you’re prepared and have a plan in place, it doesn’t have to be as daunting as it seems.
Additionally, following the tips above will ensure that your move goes as smoothly as possible and that all your belongings arrive safely at your new home.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your cross country move today.
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