The Ultimate List of Expert Tips for Moving Across the Country
Moving from one home to the next can be a tedious process. Moving across the country can be even more challenging. Between the emotional ups and downs of making this significant life change to all the logistics involved, don't be surprised if you experience a little anxiety.
However, there are tips for moving across the country to streamline the process and reduce your stress. A hassle-free move can make dealing with the other aspects of a move much more bearable. Keep reading for our top cross country moving tips.
1. Start Packing Early
Don't put off gathering boxes and packing your stuff until the last minute. It’s best to start the process early. We recommend boxing up non-essentials well in advance to lighten the workload as the date of your move gets closer.
This includes:
- Spare bedrooms
- Extra bathrooms
- Storage items
- Keepsake items
- Out-of-season clothing
- Sports equipment
The more you can get done ahead of schedule, the easier your move will be.
2. Plan Ahead
An essential tip for moving across the country is to schedule movers in advance. Waiting too long could result in difficulty finding available long-distance movers.
Planning ahead will also help you make sure you cover all your bases. There are a lot of details to consider when making a big move. You need to research your future location and learn about commute times, school districts, and more.
3. Stay Organized
When moving across the country, it's essential to keep your items organized. This will help your movers, both before and after they arrive. It will also help you get settled once you arrive at your new home.
Organize your boxes based on what rooms of the house they belong to. It's also important to note which boxes contain fragile items. Finally, set aside a box of essentials or pack an overnight bag if you get delayed in transit.
4. Take Care of Utilities and Other Local Services
Cross country moving tips for a smooth transition should also include taking care of your old and new home’s utilities. Make sure you contact the utility companies to schedule a shut-off for your water, electricity, gas, and waste removal. You don't want to be paying for those services after you leave.
You also need to turn off the cable, internet, phone, and other services attached to your old address. Similarly, it would be ideal to schedule the activation of those services and utilities at your new address the day you arrive.
5. Change Your Mailing Address
Finally, make sure you notify the appropriate people, companies, and organizations of your new address. There's a relatively simple process you can follow online through the postal service. However, you should also change your contact/billing information for essential companies like your bank, lenders, online shopping services, etc.
Want More Tips for Moving Across the Country?
If you and your family are preparing for a big move, we can help. Check out the rest of our articles to find more tips for moving across the country. We also offer long-distance moving services, including temporary storage.
Contact us today to see what we can do for you.