A cross country move can be a bit more challenging than moving across town. Planning and prep-work can go a long way towards ensuring a successful move. Outlining the steps involved and creating a checklist can help you to stay organized throughout the process.
1. Get an early start.
Leaving things to the last moment can often be disastrous. Trying to rush and hurry through your move increases the likelihood of mistakes and oversights. Giving yourself plenty of time to plan an upcoming move can make quite a difference, especially if this is your first cross country move.
2. Create a packing list.
Moving across to the country means you can’t just double-back when you forget something. Creating a packing list for every box and maintaining a master itinerary for all of your belongings can help you to stay organized throughout the move. A cross country move means that there will be less room for mistakes.
3. Plan your route carefully.
Whether you plan to travel by air and have your belongings shipped to their destination via a moving company or to drive the whole way through, all travel arrangements should be made long before the day of departure. Driving conditions, fuel stops, and hotel accommodations are all issues that you may need to address, especially if you plan on driving a rented truck. Having a backup plan or outlining a few alternative options can also allow you to deal with unexpected complications more easily.
4. Consider renting a truck and equipment.
It pays to reserve your truck early. You would also do well to ensure it has adequate storage space for your needs. Being unable to source any of the moving equipment you may need is a complication you would do well to avoid. Truck rentals can fluctuate quite a bit depending on the season, and lacking a reservation could end up being a real issue.
5. Hire a professional service.
Having someone else do the heavy lifting can make things far more manageable, especially for those who may need an extra pair of hands. Many moving services will be able to arrange to have your belongings transported by freight or third-party shipping service. Research is essential for ensuring that you can find and select a moving service or shipping option that is better suited to your needs.
6. Always document before vacating a property.
Conflicts over the state of your old home or apartment can be all but impossible to resolve once you are out of state. Performing a comprehensive assessment and then thoroughly documenting the state of the property can allow you to resolve any disputes or issues that may arise. Being denied your deposit or fined for cleaning or repair services that may not be required can lead to many problems.
Preparation is often the key to a successful move. Seeking out additional tips or finding ways to reduce moving costs may also be helpful. A well-planned cross country move may end up being a far less stressful undertaking than you might expect.