Moving across the country can be exciting yet heart-wrenching. There’s a lot to consider between your old home and your new destination. The crazy logistics involved in a journey to your new home can also cause you headaches. While every move is unique, moving across the country comes with its share of unique challenges.
Moving across the country requires a mastermind kind of planning. Just sit down and get to work planning every single detail ahead of time. Reputable movers are willing to walk you through the journey of moving across the country.
You might just be wondering how this works. Moving across the country involves covering long distances. It can get crazy when everything does not work out as planned. This article shares some important tips on moving across the country.
How Do You Prepare for Your Moving Across Country Journey?
Get Your Finances Ready
Moving is a financially intensive affair. Moving across the country will leave your pockets dented. There’s no escaping, you will spend a reasonable amount of finances for your cross-country move.
So, when was the last time you took a close look at your credit report or finances? It is a given that your cost of living will change when you relocate to your new state. For better or worse, the amount you usually spend on groceries, rent, gas, and medical care will probably change significantly.
Compare the cost of living of different cities with Numbeo’s Cost of Living Comparison calculator.
In order to get ready to rent or buy a house in your new state, it’s crucial to take your credit score into account at this point as well.
Decide Between a DIY Move or Hiring Professionals
Before you begin any preparations, Determine the logistics of your move, such as the best way to move cross-country, before you begin any preparations. Do you think you can do this on your own, or do you think you’ll need professional assistance? To put it plainly, will you rent a truck or use a moving company?
Reputable movers such as Blue Dog Moving offer you a stress-free moving experience. By taking care of everything during your move they allow you time to handle other important errands.
Find a Reputable Mover
One of the most crucial pieces of advice in any cross-country moving guide is this: Before selecting a mover, you must interview at least three of them to compare quotes.
Use the FMCSA’s database to look up an interstate mover using their U.S. DOT number to determine if they are licensed. Additionally, you should confirm that the moving company has the necessary insurance. Moving companies ought to be able to give you the appropriate records to attest to this.
Finally, before providing you with a quote, movers ought to conduct a video survey or an in-person inspection of your belongings. Should the mover provide you with an online quote without inspecting your possessions, or if the quote appears too good to be true, be wary.
Declutter
There’s no better way to say this. Declutter! Declutter Declutter!
The weight of your belongings will determine how much your cross-country move will cost. Your move will cost more the more you relocate. Since most cross-country moves cost several thousand dollars, you may want to consider reducing your load in order to save money wherever possible.
Give stuff to a local charity that you won’t need in your new house to ease the packing process. Even better, give them to a charity which will accept your donation at no cost. Of course, there are requirements for pick-ups, but these services can be helpful if you’re looking to get rid of something bigger, like a sofa or entertainment center.
Keep a Moving Checklist
There are a lot of moving parts involved in cross-country moves. Plus, it starts sooner than you might think. A surefire way to overpay, add unnecessary stress, and run the risk of your move taking longer than you want is to wait until the last minute.
That’s why a moving checklist is helpful, such as this one from PODS. Everything you need will be covered, step by step, starting eight weeks prior to move day and ending with the last box to be unpacked.
Use Your Network
It’s likely that you know someone who has lived in your new home state. It could be a friend or a family member. Make use of your network to help you advance before you arrive at your new home. Use that friend or family member to check out an apartment you’ve been eyeing, or to drive through a neighborhood to find a school or something you’re interested in. Before you arrive, they could serve as your eyes and ears.
It’s usually a good idea to have a local provide you with insights about the community’s customs and schools before you arrive. You can also find a real estate agent or a home services expert, such as an electrician, through your network.
Consider Getting Moving Insurance
You should carefully consider your options for valuation coverage before choosing a moving company. Recall that the free basic protection offered by the company only provides the barest minimum.
Don’t hesitate to pay for the Full Value Protection if you determine that you require additional security. This will hold your mover liable for the items’ true cash value. For more extensive coverage, think about acquiring moving insurance from a third-party insurance provider.
Visit your New City Before Moving
It is strongly advisable that you visit your new city or town at least once before moving across the country. You’ll be able to get a sense of the place and its different neighborhoods in this way.
If you want brochures, maps, and suggestions, visit the town’s visitor center or bring a guidebook.
If you are staying at a hotel, ask the concierge for recommendations. We advise exploring the city’s hidden gems and popular spots in addition to its tourist attractions. The locals you come across will no doubt be delighted to share their opinions with you!
