September 18, 2024 Posted in Moving Tips
Daisy Wilson

Daisy was born in Salt Lake City and in her free time, she writes about moving and watches Charmed.

Moving to an Apartment in a New State – How Can Cross Country Moving Company Help You

New apartment, new state, new adventure! However, moving to an apartment in a new state can feel like a fresh start, but let’s be honest – it’s not all sunshine and cozy new corners. There’s packing, planning, and, of course, the actual move. That’s where a Cross Country Moving Company steps in, making the whole process smoother than you ever thought possible. Wondering how? Let’s dive in!

A family in a new home after moving cross-country overlay
Apartment living has its perks - you just need a correct approach

Moving to a new state involves planning the logistics of packing and transporting belongings and coordinating arrival times. Cross-country moving requires organizing transportation for large items, deciding whether to ship or drive your vehicle, and arranging for professional movers to help with loading, unloading, and possibly storage. Reliable cross-country movers simplify the process by handling these logistics, ensuring everything arrives safely and on time.

Preparing for the Big Move – What You Need to Do Before You Hire Cross-Country Moving Service

Relocating to another state is no small feat — it’s a complex, multi-step process that requires careful planning. Before you even think about hiring cross-country moving services, you’ll need to tackle some major tasks. If you’re selling a house, the process can take time, from listing the property to finalizing the sale. At the same time, you have to find a new apartment in an unfamiliar area, which often involves research and several visits.

If you’re relocating for work, securing a job ahead of time is another major hurdle. And, if you’re relocating with kids, don’t forget to transfer school records and organize medical documents they’ll need in the new state. It’s a lot to juggle, but getting these details sorted before booking movers will make everything smoother down the line.

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Long-Distance Moving Always Begins With a Good Checklist

When you’re planning a move to another state, staying organized is essential. Long-distance moving services can simplify the process, but it all starts with a well-thought-out relocation checklist. Whether you’re moving cross country or just a few states away, having a plan is crucial.

Cross-country moving companies handle the logistics, but preparing an inventory and organizing tasks is key to a smooth experience. Here’s a helpful checklist to ensure the move is as stress-free as possible:

  • Create an inventory of belongings,
  • Set a budget,
  • Research and compare cross-country moving companies,
  • Book long-distance movers early,
  • Organize and declutter (sell, donate, or discard items),
  • Create a timeline with tasks,
  • Transfer school and medical records,
  • Notify important contacts (utilities, banks, subscriptions),
  • Prepare the new home (utilities, cleaning, repairs),
  • Pack strategically, labeling boxes by room,
  • Pack an essentials box for the first few days,
  • Plan relocation day logistics (child and pet care, travel arrangements),
  • Confirm details with the company before the big day.

Get to Know the New Neighborhood Before the Move

Before you pack up and move, it’s crucial to research the new neighborhood. Knowing the area’s cost of living, safety, amenities, and overall vibe will help ensure it’s the right fit for you and your family.

Websites like Niche, NeighborhoodScout, and Zillow are great starting points to explore everything from crime rates to nearby schools. You can also use Google Maps to get a feel for the neighborhood’s walkability and proximity to essential services like grocery stores and hospitals. Doing the homework ahead of time will give you peace of mind and help you settle in more comfortably.

Deciding What to Take When Moving to an Apartment in a New State

One of the biggest challenges when relocating out of state is deciding what to keep and what to get rid of. Relocating cross-country is the perfect time to arrange belongings. Evaluate what you use frequently and what’s simply taking up space. Items that are outdated, broken, or no longer useful can be donated, sold, or discarded. By reducing the load, you’ll make the packing more efficient and save on relocation costs.

Declutter Before You Pack

Before you start boxing up, take some time to downsize for a move, especially if you are moving from a house to an apartment. Go room by room, separating items into categories like keep, donate, sell, or trash. Decluttering helps you see what’s truly essential and gives you the opportunity to let go of items that no longer serve a purpose. Plus, it’s a great way to reduce the number of boxes you’ll have to deal with during the move!

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Keep only the items you actually use and need

Make a Packing Plan

Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to make a packing plan. Start by gathering packing supplies like boxes, tape, and padding. Organize packing by room and tackle non-essential items first. Label boxes with their contents and which room they belong in. A well-organized packing plan will save you time and frustration during both the packing and unpacking process, ensuring everything has a place in the new home.

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With a good plan, packing will be easy

Hiring Cross-Country Movers on Time

The best time to hire a long-distance moving company is at least 6-8 weeks before the relocation date. This window ensures that you secure preferred moving services, especially during peak seasons like summer, when long-distance movers are in high demand. Booking early allows you to plan the move more efficiently, avoid last-minute stress, and potentially save on costs. Waiting too long can result in limited availability, higher prices, or having to settle for a less reliable company.

Hire Movers for Packing Services

One of the biggest advantages of professional movers is their packing services. Whether you need help with the entire home or just certain fragile or bulky items, hiring professionals can save you both time and effort.

Experienced movers know how to pack efficiently and securely, ensuring that belongings are protected during the move. They bring all the necessary supplies, from boxes to bubble wrap, and handle everything with care, reducing the risk of damage. Plus, you can customize the service, choose full-service packing, or have them focus on tricky items like furniture or fragile valuables. This extra service can take a huge load off your shoulders and streamline the move.

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Let professionals handle all the hard work

Drive or Ship a Car – Which One is Better

When it comes to relocating across the country, shipping a car is hands-down the easier option. Driving across the country sounds like an adventure, but the reality can be less glamorous. On average, a cross-country road trip will rack up more than 2,500 miles on the vehicle and take at least 4-6 days, not to mention the fuel, hotel stays, and wear and tear on the car.

The average American drives around 14,200 miles a year

This is why it’s crucial to book movers that offer car shipping services, such as Cross Country Moving Company. Shipping a car allows you to focus on the move itself without the extra hassle of a long drive.

Enjoy Added Time With Our Free Storage for a Whole Month

When moving cross-country, unexpected delays or hiccups can occur, and having a company that provides reliable storage services can be a lifesaver. Whether it’s a last-minute change of the move-in date or simply needing extra time to settle in, access to secure storage ensures that belongings are safe and out of the way until you’re ready. That’s why it’s essential to choose a relocation company that offers this flexibility.

Cross Country Moving Company understands the unpredictable nature of moving and provides free storage for the first month, giving you added time and peace of mind as you navigate the relocation.

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Our storage units are climate-controlled

Get Ready for the Big Day

Moving day is the culmination of all the planning and hard work, so being well-prepared is crucial. Start by confirming all the details with movers, including arrival times and access to the current and new home. Make sure to pack an essentials box, too. It should contain items you’ll need right away, like important documents, toiletries, and a change of clothes.

It’s also a good idea to keep the phone charged and have contact numbers handy, just in case. If you have kids or pets, arrange for someone to watch them to keep the day stress-free.

Pack a First-Day Box

The first day in a new home can be hectic, so packing a first-day box is a smart move. This box should include all the essentials you’ll need right away, such as toiletries, bedding and pilows, basic kitchen items, important documents, chargers, and any medications. Don’t forget snacks, some basic tools, and a few comfort items like a favorite book or kids’ toys.

If you have pets, be sure to include their necessities too, like food, bowls, leashes, litter, and any favorite toys or bedding. Having these necessities on hand will remove the threat of searching through boxes and help you and your pets settle in quickly, making the first night after relocation much more comfortable.

Settling Into the New State

Finally arriving in the new state is an exciting milestone, but there’s still plenty to do to feel truly at home. Settling in involves more than just unpacking – it’s about making the new place comfortable and getting familiar with the surroundings.

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Make the new apartment comfortable with some decorative items

Unpack and Set Up Utilities

The first step to settling in is unpacking the essentials and setting up utilities. Start with the most critical rooms like the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. Make sure electricity, water, and internet are all set up and working smoothly. It’s a good idea to take care of these tasks early so you can live comfortably from day one.

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Set up utilities well in advance

Get to Know the New Area

Once you’ve handled the basics at home, it’s time to explore the new neighborhood. Take some time to visit local shops, restaurants, parks, and other amenities. Learning the best routes to work, school, or the grocery store can help you feel more connected to the new community. Getting to know the area not only helps you navigate daily life but also makes the new city start to feel like home.

Trust the Experts for a Smooth Move

Moving to a new state is a significant life event, filled with both challenges and excitement. If you plan ahead, stay organized, and take advantage of services like professional movers and storage options, you can make the transition as smooth as possible. Remember, settling in takes time, so be patient with yourself as you adjust to the changes. Whether it’s unpacking, setting up utilities, or exploring a new neighborhood, each step brings you closer to feeling truly at home.

If you’re ready to relocate and want to ensure everything goes off without a hitch, don’t hesitate to contact us, Cross Country Moving Company. Our experienced team is here to help you every step of the way, from packing to settling in. Let us handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on enjoying the new adventure!

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