The average American can expect to move around 11.7 times in their life.
There are lots of reasons why people move. Sometimes it’s because of financial hardship. Other times it’s because of opportunities elsewhere.
If you’re moving to somewhere else in the same city, the process is much simpler. But if you’re moving across the country there’s lots more preparation required.
Keep reading to learn how to prepare for a cross country move.
Plan Ahead
Wrapping up your entire life is a painstaking process. A long distance move means you’ve got to plan every detail long before the moving date.
One of the most important steps is giving notice to everyone who needs it. Make arrangements to end your lease or sell your house since those processes are often the longest. If you’re leaving your job it’s best to give your employer notice.
Next is planning logistics. You’ve got to figure out exactly what you’re taking with you and how you’re going to move it.
Downsize
One of the benefits of long distance moving is that you’re getting a fresh start somewhere else. Embrace this by only taking what you absolutely need. Things like your appliances, clothes, and furniture can all be replaced once you get to your new home.
If you choose to sell your items, it means you’ve got some more money for setting up your new life. It also saves you money and stress because you’ve got less to transport on your move.
Many people even choose to leave their cars behind. If you’re going to keep your car, vehicle shipping might be your best option. You can ship your car here.
Pack Carefully
No matter how far you’re moving, all moving tips say the same thing: pack carefully.
Focus on packing boxes to their brim by filling all open spaces. Use socks to stuff shoes or cushion glassware. Keep your most valuable items on you so they don’t get lost.
The goal of the packing process is to reduce the amount of space you take up, while also making it as easy as possible to track everything. Labeling your moving boxes is important.
Get Moving
Carefully vet the moving company you’ll use to transport your things. Let them handle the big items you couldn’t pack yourself. The moving process usually takes between two and five days, so be patient.
If you’re moving everything yourself, make sure you’re planning out routes and stops beforehand. This way you can calculate gas costs and time your breaks to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Preparing for a Cross Country Move
Long distance moving is a scary process. You’re leaving a life behind and starting over somewhere else.
Make sure you’re prepared for your cross country move so you can start your new life on a good note.
If you enjoyed this article about moving houses, check out our blog for other useful lifestyle content.
