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Originally Posted On: https://www.protouchmover.com/the-dos-and-don-ts-of-moving-cross-country
Sometimes you have to move across the country to grab an opportunity that might never come again. It might be a challenge, a significant undertaking, a scary and stressful situation, but it is also filled with excitement and anticipation.
Whether you’re relocating for a new job, pursuing educational opportunities, or seeking a fresh start, it’s essential to approach the process with careful planning and consideration. To help ensure a smooth transition, here are the dos and don’ts of moving cross country.
Do: Plan Ahead
One of the most critical aspects of moving cross country is planning ahead. Start by creating a detailed timeline that outlines all the tasks you need to complete before your moving day. Even if you are not the planning sort, it’s important to start making some lists for the journey ahead.
You also need to start taking certain steps like:
- Sorting through your belongings, packing
- Scheduling movers or rental trucks
- Notifying necessary parties, such as utility companies and landlords
Don’t: Procrastinate
Even if you are dreading the move, instead of being excited about it, it’s important to avoid procrastination on the important tasks that lie ahead.
Procrastination can lead to unnecessary stress and last-minute scrambling. Start preparing for your move as soon as you know your relocation date.
By tackling tasks gradually, you’ll avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensure that everything is in order by the time you’re ready to hit the road.
Do: Declutter
Moving cross country provides an excellent opportunity to declutter and streamline your belongings. There are probably dozens of items in your care right now that should be thrown out into the garbage dump or given away to someone who’s actually going to use it.
Before you start packing, go through each room in your home and determine what you want to keep, donate, or discard. This will not only reduce the amount of stuff you have to transport but also lighten your load and simplify the moving process.
Don’t: Pack Everything
Resist the urge to pack everything you own for your cross-country move. Be selective about what you take with you, focusing on items that are essential or hold sentimental value.
Consider selling or donating items that you no longer need or use, especially large furniture or bulky possessions that may be costly to transport. You can easily purchase these items in your new city for cheap by going to second-hand websites like Craigslist or Kijiji.
Do: Research Your Route
If you’re driving to your new destination, take the time to research your route beforehand. Plan your itinerary, including rest stops, gas stations, and accommodations along the way.
Familiarize yourself with any potential road closures, construction zones, or traffic delays to minimize surprises during your journey. Of course, you can’t anticipate all the delays you might encounter, but it’s better to plan than to go into it with your eyes closed.
Don’t: Underestimate Travel Time
Cross-country moves often involve long hours on the road, so it’s essential to allocate enough time for travel. Factor in breaks for rest, meals, and sightseeing, especially if you’re driving through unfamiliar territory.
Be realistic about how much ground you can cover in a day and plan accordingly to avoid fatigue and burnout. If you need to take a rest in between, search for cheap motels or Airbnbs where you can sleep for the night.
Do: Pack Strategically
Efficient packing is key to a successful cross-country move. Invest in high-quality moving boxes, packing materials, and labels to keep your belongings organized and secure during transit.
Pack heavy items in small boxes to prevent them from shifting and causing damage, and use padding or bubble wrap to protect fragile items.
Don’t: Forget the Essentials
In the midst of packing, don’t forget to set aside essentials that you’ll need during your move and upon arrival at your new home. This may include toiletries, medications, important documents, a change of clothes, and basic kitchen supplies. Keep these items easily accessible so that you can retrieve them as needed during your journey.
Do: Hire Professional Help
Consider hiring professional movers or renting a moving truck to assist with your long-distance moving trip. While it may be tempting to handle everything yourself, professional movers have the experience, expertise, and equipment to safely transport your belongings across long distances.
Shop around for quotes and book your moving services well in advance to secure your preferred dates.
Don’t: Overlook Insurance
Before your move, review your insurance policies to ensure that your belongings are adequately protected during transit. Consider purchasing additional insurance coverage or verifying that your moving company offers valuation protection options. Having the right insurance in place will provide peace of mind and financial security in the event of any unforeseen accidents or damages.
Do: Stay Organized
Maintaining organization throughout your move will help minimize stress and confusion. Keep track of important documents, receipts, and contact information related to your relocation, such as moving contracts, rental agreements, and utility setups.
Create a moving checklist or use a digital planning tool to stay on top of tasks and deadlines.
Don’t: Neglect Self-Care
A cross country move can be physically and emotionally taxing, so it’s essential to prioritize self-care throughout the process. Get plenty of rest, eat healthily, and stay hydrated to keep your energy levels up and your mind sharp. Take breaks as needed to recharge and decompress, and don’t hesitate to ask for help or support from friends and family.
Sometimes you have to move across the country to grab an opportunity that might never come again. It might be a challenge, a significant undertaking, a scary and stressful situation, but it is also filled with excitement and anticipation.
Whether you’re relocating for a new job, pursuing educational opportunities, or seeking a fresh start, it’s essential to approach the process with careful planning and consideration. To help ensure a smooth transition, here are the dos and don’ts of moving cross country.
Do: Plan Ahead
One of the most critical aspects of moving cross country is planning ahead. Start by creating a detailed timeline that outlines all the tasks you need to complete before your moving day. Even if you are not the planning sort, it’s important to start making some lists for the journey ahead.
You also need to start taking certain steps like:
- Sorting through your belongings, packing
- Scheduling movers or rental trucks
- Notifying necessary parties, such as utility companies and landlords
Don’t: Procrastinate
Even if you are dreading the move, instead of being excited about it, it’s important to avoid procrastination on the important tasks that lie ahead.
Procrastination can lead to unnecessary stress and last-minute scrambling. Start preparing for your move as soon as you know your relocation date.
By tackling tasks gradually, you’ll avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensure that everything is in order by the time you’re ready to hit the road.
Do: Declutter
Moving cross country provides an excellent opportunity to declutter and streamline your belongings. There are probably dozens of items in your care right now that should be thrown out into the garbage dump or given away to someone who’s actually going to use it.
Before you start packing, go through each room in your home and determine what you want to keep, donate, or discard. This will not only reduce the amount of stuff you have to transport but also lighten your load and simplify the moving process.
Don’t: Pack Everything
Resist the urge to pack everything you own for your cross-country move. Be selective about what you take with you, focusing on items that are essential or hold sentimental value.
Consider selling or donating items that you no longer need or use, especially large furniture or bulky possessions that may be costly to transport. You can easily purchase these items in your new city for cheap by going to second-hand websites like Craigslist or Kijiji.
Do: Research Your Route
If you’re driving to your new destination, take the time to research your route beforehand. Plan your itinerary, including rest stops, gas stations, and accommodations along the way.
Familiarize yourself with any potential road closures, construction zones, or traffic delays to minimize surprises during your journey. Of course, you can’t anticipate all the delays you might encounter, but it’s better to plan than to go into it with your eyes closed.
Don’t: Underestimate Travel Time
Cross-country moves often involve long hours on the road, so it’s essential to allocate enough time for travel. Factor in breaks for rest, meals, and sightseeing, especially if you’re driving through unfamiliar territory.
Be realistic about how much ground you can cover in a day and plan accordingly to avoid fatigue and burnout. If you need to take a rest in between, search for cheap motels or Airbnbs where you can sleep for the night.
Do: Pack Strategically
Efficient packing is key to a successful cross-country move. Invest in high-quality moving boxes, packing materials, and labels to keep your belongings organized and secure during transit.
Pack heavy items in small boxes to prevent them from shifting and causing damage, and use padding or bubble wrap to protect fragile items.
Don’t: Forget the Essentials
In the midst of packing, don’t forget to set aside essentials that you’ll need during your move and upon arrival at your new home. This may include toiletries, medications, important documents, a change of clothes, and basic kitchen supplies. Keep these items easily accessible so that you can retrieve them as needed during your journey.
Do: Hire Professional Help
Consider hiring professional movers or renting a moving truck to assist with your long-distance moving trip. While it may be tempting to handle everything yourself, professional movers have the experience, expertise, and equipment to safely transport your belongings across long distances.
Shop around for quotes and book your moving services well in advance to secure your preferred dates.
Don’t: Overlook Insurance
Before your move, review your insurance policies to ensure that your belongings are adequately protected during transit. Consider purchasing additional insurance coverage or verifying that your moving company offers valuation protection options. Having the right insurance in place will provide peace of mind and financial security in the event of any unforeseen accidents or damages.
Do: Stay Organized
Maintaining organization throughout your move will help minimize stress and confusion. Keep track of important documents, receipts, and contact information related to your relocation, such as moving contracts, rental agreements, and utility setups.
Create a moving checklist or use a digital planning tool to stay on top of tasks and deadlines.
Don’t: Neglect Self-Care
A cross country move can be physically and emotionally taxing, so it’s essential to prioritize self-care throughout the process. Get plenty of rest, eat healthily, and stay hydrated to keep your energy levels up and your mind sharp. Take breaks as needed to recharge and decompress, and don’t hesitate to ask for help or support from friends and family.
Moving Cross Country Needs Proper Planning
No matter how many times you have moved for work, school, or family, it’s always a different experience moving cross country. It requires a lot more planning and avoiding hurdles that might befall you.
If you need help with your move, then consider hiring ProTouch Movers in Jacksonville, FL. We are an experienced moving company with over 15 years of experience and can help make it a smoother experience for you.
This way you can focus on the good about moving, rather than stressing about it. Contact our team to get a quote or learn more about our services.
