Making a cross country move is no small endeavor. Some people who enjoy the challenge of big tasks choose to handle everything themselves, from preparation and packing to driving the truck. Others choose to hire professional long distance movers to help them shoulder the hard work. Either way, families and individuals embarking on this great change can use the same valuable resources to help them along the way.
The 5 Best Resources for Planning a Cross Country Move
Cross country moves involve multiple steps, and these can get complicated depending upon the reason for your move. For instance, an interstate corporate relocation and a senior move will have some different considerations. That said, the suggested resources and tools will help situations across the board.
A Checklist for Decluttering
Before anything goes into a box or onto a truck, you’ll want to think about which items you should consider leaving behind when moving. Your home is filled with memories, but most homes also have some unneeded older unused items (with some junk mixed in). Taking the time to declutter before a move means taking less stuff to your new location—this can mean cost savings in your move as well as fewer things crowding your new home! You can create a list of what’s most important to keep, or find simple guides to decluttering online.
A Set of Packing Guidelines
Packing can be one of the most stressful parts of an interstate move. A practical packing checklist can help you prepare and follow a schedule to stay focused. Make sure to use quality packing supplies, and do everything in an orderly manner to make moving day loading and unloading much easier. Label boxes and suitcases clearly so you can identify what you need when you get to your destination.
A Budget and Budgeting Tool
Creating a budget helps you keep spending under control. As we’ve said, a long distance move involves many steps and without a budget, expenses can add up in unexpected ways. Many moving companies provide a move calculator to help you develop your budget and understand what your costs may be for a partial- or full-service move. A move calculator is one of the best planning tools available for this situation.
A Reputable Moving Company
If you decide to hire professional household movers, you’ll want to get quotes from at least three different companies to get an idea of who can best help you. Look for top-rated movers that are credentialed. You’ll want an experienced, trusted partner to help you pack and move your home safely. Cross country movers are regulated and must register with the Department of Transportation (DOT) to move across state lines.
Online Communities
You can find lots of help online to help with your moving transition. A cross country move means you may not know much about your new neighbors before you arrive. However, the prominence of social media can make this adjustment easier. Many neighborhood associations and families have groups on Facebook, Nextdoor or even Reddit. You can use these resources to introduce yourself and get to know a little about the neighborhood before moving to the new location.
We trust you’ll find these resources to be a benefit in the planning and execution of your long distance move.
Hire a Nationally-Recognized Leader in Cross Country Moves
When you’re ready to hire an experienced company to help your cross country move stay organized and on budget, trust National Van Lines. Request a free move quote now or call us at 800-323-1962.
