Moving across town is one thing, but moving across the country is an entirely different experience. The process of moving cross-country can be a challenging one. There are many things to remember, from packing your belongings and choosing a moving company to settling into your new home. Here are ten tips that will help simplify the process.
Plan carefully
Obviously, cross-country moves can only be successful with a great deal of planning. By planning ahead, you’ll be better prepared to handle the inevitable stress of buying and selling two places simultaneously and moving between them. The best-case scenario is to hope for the best and plan for the worst.
You’ll have plenty of tasks to complete, whether moving a short distance or a long distance. These jobs can seem so overwhelming that figuring out where to begin can be difficult. Make a checklist for yourself with all the personalised and prioritised move-related tasks. Fill in what needs to be done for you to finish the rest. The order in which you complete each task affects your ability to complete the rest. Prepare to have a plan B for any situation too.
De-clutter
A typical cross-country move will cost more if you have many belongings. Giving away or getting rid of items will reduce the cost of your move. Removing items can be accomplished by donating them to charity, giving them to friends and family, or selling them online.
Getting rid of anything you don’t need before moving can lower costs and shorten your unpacking time. You can consider selling your furniture, for example. Check the places where you can buy new ones at your new home and see which will be cheaper. Selling them or moving them?
The Better Homes and Gardens Native American Group in Virginia Beach, Virginia, advises selling excess furniture and belongings to save transportation costs. Your new location and home will allow you to buy replacements.
Have your valuables and documents with you
Pack everything you need during or after the move, so you won’t have to look for it later. Documents that are important to you should be kept handy.
Whenever you move cross country, it is advisable to carry with you your valuables. These can be jewellery, necessary paperwork, and documents such as birth certificates and marriage licenses to ensure they are secure and protected.
Prepare an essentials bag
You must prepare for your move days in advance when moving cross country. You should pack toothbrushes, medications, toiletries, clothing, important documents, baby necessities, toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, a tool kit, and other essentials. Also, pack bottled water.
Pack smart
Collecting old boxes from your workplace or friends and neighbours, or visiting the nearest store, should provide plenty of packages if you decide to pack yourself. You could even use the boxes the store has already received from your ordered shipment.
Packaging your items will require packing tape, scissors, markers, sticky labels, bubble wrap, and wrapping paper. Don’t wrap your things in old newspapers. They can leave ink stains on your items. Instead, use them as padding.
You should label the boxes with the room. They will assist your movers if you use such services during unloading.
Identify which boxes your movers need to focus on if you want them to unpack. Furthermore, if you write a list of the items inside each box and stick it on the side of the box, it can be easier for them to figure out what is inside.
It is best to start packing the things you need least first. Pack them room by room, and only move on to the next room after you finish the first. Once you have finished packing, sort the boxes by size. You can load them much easier on a moving day if you pile lighter boxes on heavier packages and keep the weight per box at less than 45 pounds. The movers should pack fragile items securely. Mark the boxes with the room number! As a result, your movers can unload the right boxes when they reach the fitting room.
Vet Your Movers
Hire a licensed man and van company. You don’t want to hire a rogue mover when you move cross-country. Fortunately, you can spot rogue movers if you know what to look for. They will quote low prices that seem too good to be true. Check with the moving company on which you have settled for licenses and insurance. This information should be available from moving companies.
Document the condition of your belongings
Whenever you move, take a photo of each item to document their condition at the time of the move. This can help you file a claim and seek compensation for anything damaged or broken during the move.
Moving with kids
Arrange playdates at a friend’s house or ask a family member to watch the kids for the moving day. Relocating can be stressful, and having your kids around can make the move even more stressful.
While on the long drive, stop at cool attractions and have fun with your family. Tell your children how they feel and remind them of this exciting opportunity.
Moving with pets
Moving is stressful for any pet, even for its owners. Try to keep your pets out of the moving process. While you cannot stop packing and moving boxes, you can keep them in a quiet room to ensure they are comfortable. Pack your pet’s travel kit with food and treats, toys, and grooming tools for your pet while you’re packing and unpacking. Take your pet along with you when you’re ready to leave. The best way to calm a cat or small dog is to put them in a carrier with a blanket over it. You can hide the change of environment by covering the carrier with a blanket.
Unpack
Ensure the boxes are sorted according to their labels, and keep furniture space in mind when moving into your new place. Stack the cardboard boxes on top of one another if you have trouble freeing up space. Make a plan for how your furniture will be arranged. Unpack your furniture room by room. You should begin with the bathroom since all furniture has already been installed. Start with the one that feels the most important to you. There are thousands of items in the kitchen, so be prepared.
Conclusion
Anything is possible with good organisation and planning – even the most challenging tasks. For example, moving to a new place can be stressful and exhausting. However, with the right mindset, plan and help, this can be as easy as a typical road trip. Consider using professionals when needed, and keep a list of everything that needs to be done.
