The Ultimate Guide to Moving Cross Country

A move across the country could be for a new job or just to enjoy a fresh start. Your moving plans could include downsizing or upsizing. You may even be combining households. No matter what, use the below tips as a guide to moving across the country.

Map Your New Space

If you’re moving from a three-bedroom house to a one-bedroom apartment, you need to decide which bedroom furniture you’re going to take. Whether you put the rest into storage, sell it or donate it to a good cause, you have decisions to make.

Create a map of your new space and measure the possessions you think might fit. If you have the exact dimensions of your new space, get some grid paper and create a model of your space and your larger pieces of furniture so you can be sure things will fit and function well. Your sectional sofa may be a favorite, but if it makes it impossible to function in your living room, you will grow to hate it.

Declutter the Small Stuff

Enter each space in your current home with a black bag for trash, a white bag for donations, and a plastic tub for items you want to take with you.

If you have time, consider adding a cardboard box to separate out the items you want to sell. Selling possessions on an online marketplace can lower your moving costs, but it does mean that you will have to manage the inventory and it may take a lot of time.

This may also be a good time for a moving sale. You may have friends offer to help you with your move. If you can get a friend to cover a day of your moving sale, do so. It will free up time for you to keep packing.

Fly the People, Ship the Vehicles

The process of shipping a car across the country can be quite simple. It is also convenient to have your car shipped to your new location versus driving it yourself. You and your family can fly to your destination instead, which may be the ideal option if you have children.

Do make sure that you empty out your car of everything that isn’t vehicle-related. Your spare tire and jack will need to stay in the car, but your extra winter emergency kit should be removed.

Enjoy a Long Road Trip

Another option is to turn your move into a long road trip. If you have a pet, this may be kinder than flying them across the country. For those who don’t have a lot to move and have more than one driver in the house, you may be able to rent one small truck and load the family vehicle with more delicate items to caravan across the country.

Do allow time for rest breaks on such a trip. Long drives can be quite exhausting. Pack a picnic basket of snacks and take frequent rest breaks along the way to stretch your legs and relax your mind.

Conclusion

Moving across the country is a wonderful chance to begin anew. Use the above tips to help you do this successfully.