Preparing for a long move across the country can be a daunting task.
There’s a lot to take care of and a lot that can fall through the cracks. However, a good checklist can really help lower stress and smooth out the process.
Check out our checklist for easy cross country moving!
1. Change of Address
Even with the internet continuing to take us all by storm, there’s still a large amount of paper that comes to us through the mail.
Eventually, this will be obsolete, but for the time being, you need to make sure you are still getting your mail once you move.
Notify all important companies such as insurance, banks, IRS, and the postal service of your change of address for cross country moving.
2. Collect Boxes
As soon as you decide upon cross country moving, you need to start box hunting!
Not all boxes are created equal, and you only want the best. Don’t pick boxes that are going to fall apart with too much handling!
Check grocery stores early in the morning for great box opportunities!
3. Pack in Stages
Once you have some boxes, start packing away all of the items you want to keep, but don’t necessarily need right now. Mementos, decorations, and out-of-season clothes can all be packed away!
Packing in stages prevents sloppy, last-minute packing right before the move!
4. Clean
Once you have most of your belongings packed up, start doing the heavy cleaning so when you leave, it can be a quick once-over job.
Get all of the elbow-grease jobs finished weeks before cross country moving.
5. Sell Unwanted Possessions
Aside from packing in stages, its time to start purging all of your unwanted items.
Don’t be stingy here, most of us have way more than we need! This will help you pack lighter and make some money on the side.
6. Cancel Services
When cross country moving, make sure you cancel all of your local services.
These include internet, phone, cable, gas, electric, water, and waste removal. You don’t want to be paying for services you don’t use anymore!
7. Hire a Moving Company
Your next step is to start researching and eventually hiring a moving company.
Make sure you really do your homework, though, as the difference in moving companies can be hundreds of dollars.
8. Hire an Auto Moving Company
If you have multiple vehicles or aren’t planning on driving while cross country moving, you will need an auto transport service.
There are a lot of car shipping companies, however, make sure you pick the best one!
8. Prepare Your Car
If you are driving your vehicle to move cross country, make sure you have it serviced before you leave.
You’ll want to get an oil change, your tires rotated, and perhaps an alignment. Make sure you’re not going to be stuck somewhere in the middle of nowhere.
9. Prepare Your Finances
Lastly, make sure you’re financially prepared for the move. Do you have extra money in the bank for any car repairs in case you run into trouble?
Months before cross country moving, you’ll want to have your finances in order to hire the moving company and other services you’ll need.
Cross Country Moving is an Experience to Enjoy
Cross country moving isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time. However, it can be a great time if you allow it!
Maybe hold back some extra money so you can drive at your leisure, stopping where and when you want. Take the scenic route!
For more travel resources, check out our travel blog!