February 8, 2023 Posted in How-to
Kate Holland

A true grunge and rock music fan born in Seattle, Kate has moved across the country and started writing about her experience

How To Plan A Move Without Losing Your Mind: Essential Cross Country Moving Preparations

Banging your head about how to plan a move across the country may seem an impossible task, but fear not! Remember, you’re not shipping the whole house with walls and roof, just your stuff!

Man standing in the white room amidst cardboard boxes overlay
Planning is always the key to a successful relocation

The key to successful planning to move out of state is to start early, make a list, and pack as lightly as possible. Ideally, you should start planning your move several months in advance so you have plenty of time to get everything in order. When it comes to packing, just remember – the more items you bring with you, the more difficult and expensive the move will be. And finally, hire reputable cross-country movers to handle all the difficult tasks so you don’t have to.

How to Plan a Move and Make Moving Cross-Country Successful

Moving cross-country can be a major undertaking, and it can seem overwhelming at first. However, with some careful planning and preparation for the move, you can make the process much smoother and less stressful.

So how to plan moving to another part of the country? First and foremost, it’s important to start planning early. Long-distance moving is a complex process, and it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to handle everything in just a few days. Ideally, you should start planning your move several months in advance, so that you have plenty of time to get everything in order before you invest in cross-country moving services.

When Necessary, Ask For Help – Cross-Country Movers Are Always There

Another tip is to use a professional cross-country moving company to transport your belongings. While it may be tempting to save money by doing everything yourself, the cost and hassle of renting a truck, loading it up, and driving it across the country can be considerable. A professional long-distance moving company can take care of everything for you, offering many handy solutions – from packing services, loading, and storage service to transportation and unloading. Some cross-country moving companies can even handle your car with auto shipping solutions, so you don’t have to drive all the way across the country!

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How to Plan for a Move Efficiently – Create a Timeline

One of the most important things you can do when planning a cross-country move is to make a detailed to-do list of everything you need to do. This might include finding a new home, selling or donating unwanted items, boxing up, and arranging for transportation. Breaking down the process into smaller, manageable tasks can help you stay organized and on track and relocate efficiently.

Give Yourself Enough Time for Each Task

Ah, the old adage: Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your move across the country! It’s important to give yourself plenty of time for each task, or you might end up feeling like you’re trying to cram a whole circus into a clown car. So, take a deep breath, put on some comfy pants, and give yourself enough time to do each task properly.

Remember, cross-country moving is a marathon, not a sprint (unless you’re one of those crazy marathon sprinters, in which case, carry on). Whether you’re starting to pack, organizing, or just staring blankly at a pile of boxes, take the time you need to get things done right. Your future self will thank you!

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Time is of essential importance when it comes to proper planning

Gather Packing Supplies and Materials

When the time comes to pack for a cross-country move, it’s essential to gather all the necessary supplies and materials. After all, you don’t want to be halfway through boxing up your collection of antique cat figurines and realize you’ve run out of bubble wrap! So, before you start packing, ensure you have all the boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and other materials you’ll need. And don’t be afraid to get creative – you can use old newspapers, towels, or even your roommate’s sweater to wrap fragile items. Just remember, the key is to be resourceful and flexible. Who knows, your roommate’s sweater might just become the trendiest way to pack dishes!

What Are Some Essential Packing Materials?

Ah, packing materials. The unsung heroes of any relocation. Without them, we’d be left with a jumbled mess of broken glass and tangled cords. So, here are some essential supplies to make your move as smooth as butter on a hot pancake:

  • Boxes – cardboard, the superhero of packing supplies. Use them to store everything from your clothes to said collection of antique cat figurines.
  • Tape – because nothing says “I’m serious about relocating” like a roll of tape in your hand.
  • Bubble wrap – the stress ball of relocations. Pop it to your heart’s content, but also use it to protect your fragile items.
  • Foam peanuts – the MVPs of packaging supplies. They fill in any empty spaces in your boxes and keep your items from bouncing around like popcorn in a microwave.
  • Sharpies – because when you’re surrounded by a sea of boxes, it’s important to label them properly. And let’s be real, writing “kitchen stuff” on a box is just not going to cut it.
  • Trash bags – for those last-minute purges of items that somehow didn’t make the cut. And also for pretending to be a superhero, if that’s your thing.
  • Your roommate’s sweater – okay, hear me out. It’s soft, it’s cozy, and it’s perfect for wrapping up delicate items. Plus, if you’re lucky, your roommate won’t notice it’s missing.

So, there you have it, folks. The essential supplies you need for a successful relocation, with a touch of wit and humor.

Where to Get Packing Supplies

Packing supplies are like gold dust during a relocation – hard to find, but oh so valuable. So where do you get them? Well, you could try raiding your neighbor’s recycling bin for cardboard boxes, but that might not end well for your neighborly relations. Instead, head to your local hardware store, where you’ll find everything from boxes to tape to bubble wrap.

Or, if you’re feeling fancy, you could splurge on designer packing supplies and get boxes with pictures of puppies on them. Hey, if you’re going to be surrounded by boxes for weeks, you might as well make them cute, right? And if all else fails, just wrap everything in bubble wrap and call it a day. Who needs boxes anyway?

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All jokes aside, boxes are an essential part of the relocation process

Research Cross-Country Moving Companies and Compare Prices

When it comes to choosing a cross-country moving company, it’s important to do your research. After all, you don’t want to end up with a company that’s about as reliable as a toaster in a bathtub. So, start by checking out reviews online, and don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations for long-distance moving services from friends and family.

Be warned, comparing prices can be like playing a game of “The Price is Right” – you never know who’s going to come out on top. So, grab a cup of coffee, pull out your calculator, and get ready to haggle. And remember, if all else fails, you can always try negotiating with the cross-country movers by offering to share your collection of antique cat figurines. It might not work, but hey, it’s worth a shot!

Why Cross Country Moving Company Is the Best Choice for Your Move

Why are long-distance movers the best choice when relocating? Well, let’s see. They have big trucks, they’re really good at carrying heavy things, and they don’t mind if you accidentally drop a box on their foot (okay, maybe they mind a little). Plus, they’re like a real-life Tetris game, expertly fitting all your stuff into the truck like it’s their job (which, let’s be honest, it is). And let’s not forget the best part – you get to sit back, relax, and watch them do all the work.

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It's always a great option to hire professional cross-country movers to do the hard work

When Planning to Move Out of State, Take Inventory of the Items to Pack and Ship

Let’s be real, this is a great excuse to finally get around to cataloging your collection of novelty socks. So, grab a notebook and a pen, and get ready to channel your inner librarian. You can even make it a game – whoever guesses the correct number of socks wins a prize (the prize being a sock, of course). But in all seriousness, taking inventory will not only help you keep track of your belongings, but it will also give you a sense of accomplishment as you cross each item off your list.

Pack Things in Boxes Labeled With Their Contents and Destination Room

Packing for a relocation can feel like playing a game of “I Spy” – except instead of finding objects, you’re trying to find the right box. That’s why it’s important to pack things in boxes labeled with their contents and destination room. Sure, you could play a game of “guess which box the toaster is in,” but that’s not really fun for anyone involved. So, break out the Sharpie and start labeling those boxes like a boss. And don’t be afraid to get creative – you can even draw little pictures to help you remember what’s inside.

Arrange for the Transport of Large Furniture Pieces

It’s important to arrange for the transport of large furniture pieces ahead of time. And no, strapping your couch to the roof of your car isn’t a viable option (unless you’re going for the “couch on a car” look, in which case, carry on). Instead, consider hiring professional movers or leaving some of the things in storage. Donating unwanted stuff works, too, and you’ll be doing a good deed at the same time.

Take Pictures of Valuable Furniture So It Can Be Replaced if Damaged

When it comes to valuable furniture, it’s important to take pictures so you can replace it if it gets damaged during the relocation. Think of it like taking a mugshot, but for your furniture. And hey, if your furniture had a rap sheet, it might look something like “accused of being too heavy and causing back pain.” So, grab your phone and start snapping those pics like a furniture paparazzi. And don’t forget to get up close and personal – you want to capture every detail, from the intricate carvings on your antique dresser to the suspicious stain on your couch.

The following video shows the best way to pack a fragile object so it doesn’t get damaged.

Set up Utilities at Your New Home Before the Move-in Date

You don’t realize how much you need utilities and other services until you’re sitting in the dark, trying to find your way around with a flashlight. So, when it comes to relocating to a new home, it’s important to set up your utilities ahead of time. Think of it like ordering pizza – you don’t wait until you’re hungry to place the order, right? No, you plan ahead, so that when the time to relocate comes, your hot, cheesy pizza is waiting for you. The same goes for utilities – you want your hot, cheesy electricity and water to be waiting for you when you move in.

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Transfer utilities on time for a smooth and successful relocation

How to Plan a Move Out of State With Others In Mind? Notify Them About Your Change in Address

When you’re planning a move to a new state, it’s not just your friends and family that need to know about your change of address. You also need to notify important institutions, like your bank, insurance company, and the DMV. It’s like a game of telephone, but instead of whispering secrets, you’re whispering your new address. And let’s be real, it’s much more important than any game of telephone. So, make a list of all the institutions you need to notify and get ready to start dialing.

Plan How to Unpack and Organize Once You Arrive at the New Place

When it comes to relocating, it’s not just about getting your stuff from point A to point B. You also need to plan how to unpack and organize once you arrive at your new place. Think about which rooms you want to unpack first and where you want to put your furniture. And don’t be afraid to get creative with your organization – you can use old egg cartons to organize your jewelry or stack your books to make a makeshift nightstand.

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After successful unpacking, you can freely congratulate yourself and celebrate

Let Long-Distance Moving Services Help You With Important Parts

When it comes to long-distance relocations, there are some important parts that can be made easier with the help of professional movers. After all, you don’t want to be left feeling like you’re in a never-ending game of whack-a-mole, trying to handle everything yourself. So, consider using long-distance moving services to help you with important parts like packing, loading, and unloading.

Finally, remember to take breaks and allow yourself time to rest and relax during the relocation. Relocation is a stressful experience, and it’s important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, just think of it as a cross-country treasure hunt because every box is a surprise waiting to be rediscovered in your new home.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Plan a Move

What Is the Best Way to Plan a Move?

So, how to plan a move out of state? The trick is to start early and create a detailed checklist of all the tasks that need to be completed, including packing, hiring movers, changing your address, and updating your utilities. It’s also important to declutter and get rid of items you no longer need or want. Finally, be sure to communicate clearly with your movers and update your plans as needed.

How Far in Advance Should I Start Planning My Move?

It’s a good idea to start planning your relocation at least 8 weeks in advance, or even earlier if you’re relocating over a long distance, have a lot of belongings, or have other complications. This will give you plenty of time to create a detailed plan, hire movers, pack your belongings, and tie up any loose ends before relocation day.

What Items Do I Need to Consider When Budgeting for a Move?

When budgeting and reducing costs for a move, you should consider the cost of hiring cross-country movers, packing supplies, insurance, travel expenses, storage fees, and any other additional costs that may be associated with your relocation, such as cleaning or utility deposits. Be sure to research and compare the estimates from multiple companies to get the best deal.

Should I Hire Movers or Rent a Truck and Move Myself?

Whether to hire movers or rent a truck and relocate depends on your budget, time constraints, and the size of your relocation. Hiring movers can save time and effort, especially for larger relocations, but can be more expensive. Renting a truck and relocating on your own can be cost-effective, but requires more planning, effort, and time. Consider your priorities and budget when deciding which option to choose.

Can I Get Additional Services for My Move, Like Storage or Insurance Coverage?

Most cross-country movers offer at least one additional cross-country moving service, such as storage and insurance coverage. Storage can be useful if you need to temporarily store your belongings before or after the relocation, while insurance coverage can provide peace of mind in case of damage or loss during the relocation. Be sure to ask your long-distance movers about these options and their costs.

What Paperwork Will I Need to Fill Out For the Moving Process?

The paperwork required for the relocation process will vary depending on the type of relocation and your specific circumstances. However, some common forms that you may need to fill out include a contract, an inventory sheet, a bill of lading, and insurance documents. You may also need to fill out change of address forms with your post office and update your address with various institutions such as banks, credit card companies, and government agencies.

How to Plan Moving That Will Go According to Plan?

So, how to plan for a move and have everything under control? To plan a relocation that will go according to plan, it’s important to start early and create a detailed checklist of all the tasks that need to be completed, including packing, hiring movers, changing your address, and updating your utilities. Be sure to declutter and get rid of items you no longer need or want, as this can save time and money during the relocation process. Communicate clearly with your movers and update your plans as needed. It’s also a good idea to have a backup plan in case of unexpected delays or problems.

Which Safety Precautions Should I Take When Packing, Loading, and Unloading Stuff?

To ensure safety when packing, loading, and unloading, wear appropriate clothing and footwear, use proper lifting techniques, use sturdy boxes and packing materials, and secure items in the truck. Most of all – be aware of your surroundings and any potential hazards to avoid injury.

Are There Special Packing Requirements for Fragile Items or Large Furniture?

Fragile items should be wrapped in bubble wrap or paper and placed in sturdy boxes with additional padding, such as foam peanuts or foam inserts. Large furniture should be disassembled if possible and wrapped in furniture blankets or furniture pads to prevent scratches or damage during transport.

What Should I Know About Moving My Vehicle to a New Destination?

When shipping your vehicle to a new destination, you can either drive it yourself or hire a company to transport it for you. If driving it yourself, be sure to plan your route in advance, check your vehicle’s fluids and tire pressure, and pack an emergency kit. If hiring a company, research and compare prices and services, and be sure to read and understand all the terms and conditions of the contract.

Are There Ways I Can Save Money or Time When Moving?

One way to save money and time when relocating is to declutter and get rid of items you no longer need or want, as this can save time and money during the relocation process. Another way is to schedule your relocation during the off-season, as long-distance movers may offer lower rates. You can also save money by packing your own belongings instead of paying someone else to do it, and by using free or low-cost supplies such as newspapers or recycled boxes.

How Can I Minimize the Risk of Damage to My Belongings During a Move?

To minimize the risk of damage to your belongings during a relocation, use sturdy boxes and packing materials, pack items tightly and securely, label boxes clearly, and avoid overpacking boxes or making them too heavy. Use proper lifting techniques when relocating boxes or furniture, and use furniture pads or blankets to protect large items from scratches or damage.

Are There Any Tricks for Making Unpacking Easier and Faster?

First, label all boxes clearly and indicate which room they belong in to make unpacking easier. Unpack essential items first, such as bedding and toiletries, so you can settle in quickly. Use a floor plan to plan out where you want the furniture to go before you start unpacking. Unpack one room at a time to stay organized and focused, and break down boxes as you go to avoid clutter.

What Should I Do if Something Gets Damaged During My Move?

If something gets damaged during your relocation, you should notify your cross-country movers as soon as possible and file a claim. Take photos of the damaged items and keep all receipts and important papers related to the relocation. If you purchased insurance coverage, provide the necessary information to the insurance company to initiate the claim process.

How Should I Go About Finding Reliable Moving Services in My Area?

To find reliable cross-country movers in your area, ask for recommendations from friends, family, or real estate agents. Check online reviews and ratings from reputable sources such as the Better Business Bureau or Angie’s List. Research multiple companies and compare their services, prices, and terms and conditions. Be sure to read and understand the contract before signing it, and ask questions if anything is unclear. Look for companies that are licensed, insured, and have a good reputation for customer service and reliability.

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