Every move has the potential to be stressful, but moving across the country is particularly difficult. Whether you’re a single person or a large family, here are some tips to make your cross country move as stress-free as possible.
Take a Trip to Your New City:
Moving across the country requires a great deal of planning. It’s smart to visit the state you’ll be moving to at least once to visit housing options and decide where you’re going to live after you move. Start your housing search by looking at potential options on the Internet.
Start Packing Early:
If you will be packing your belongings on your own, it’s best to start as soon as you know you are moving. This will give you time to get rid of things you no longer want and have a garage sale to sell things of value that you won’t be taking with you. Hiring a moving company that will pack your belongings for you is a smart move because packing boxes is one of the most stressful parts of moving.
Create an Inventory List:
If you’re packing up your belongings yourself, make sure you write down the contents of every box along with the room that the box should be taken to in the new house. If your moving company will be packing boxes for you they will probably provide you with an inventory list along with labeling each box with its contents.
Schedule Movers as Soon as You Can:
The most reputable moving companies often have busy schedules, so reserve your moving date as soon as possible to increase the likelihood that the movers will be available. Look carefully at everything you will be moving and make sure that the truck you schedule will be large enough to transport all of your belongings. You won’t be making a special trip all the way across the country.
Make Use of Your Map:
Driving across the country takes several days, and planning out your stops will make the drive much easier. Map out the best route to your destination, including meals and overnight stops. Don’t forget to carry the phone number of your moving company with you so that you can contact them if anything comes up.
Buy Proper Insurance:
If your moving company offers insurance, be sure to buy it. Even the most reputable moving companies may accidentally damage your china, electronics or other breakable items. Purchasing the insurance will ensure that you will be reimbursed for any damage that occurred during the move or any items that are missing when your belongings arrive at your destination.
Take Time to Relax:
The process of moving across the country can be very stressful, so take the time to breathe and relax whenever you have the time. Being prepared and well organized during your move will help to ensure that your moving experience runs as smoothly as possible.
Moving across the country is a great adventure, and having a positive attitude about your move is the first step. The next step is hiring a moving company that will transport your belongings to your new home safely. Make preparations as far in advance as possible to minimize stress during the moving process.