Are you dreaming of a fresh start in a new state? Then you might need access to a cross-country moving company.
Cross-country moves are exciting. But they also come with its fair share of challenges. From planning and packing to logistics and settling in, there are many factors to consider.
In this post, we’ll walk you through every step of the process. You’ll find cross-country moving tips on making the journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about cross-country moving and what you need to watch out for.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on moving cross-country.
Step 1: Planning Your Cross-Country Move
Based on our decades of moving experience, successful cross-country moves require strategic planning. Let me share my tried-and-true timeline that has helped thousands of families stay organized:
Start planning 12-16 weeks before your move date. This gives you enough time to research movers (2-3 weeks), get at least three detailed estimates (1-2 weeks), and begin the systematic process of sorting and packing your belongings (6-8 weeks).
Once everything’s set, you’ll have a better sense of how much the move will cost. You’ll know in advance how much money you need to set aside. Costs typically include fees for cross-country movers, insurance, and packing supplies.
Find a cross-country moving company and do your research. Find out what services they offer. Most companies will provide a free quote. Use that feature to figure out how much it would cost to move across the country (or whichever is applicable in your case).
Keep in mind that there are different types of cross-country movers:
- Full-service movers will do most of the heavy lifting for you — literally and figuratively. They’ll take your stuff from your old residence to your new one.
- DIY moving companies will provide you with the tools you’ll need to move your belongings. These include truck and container rental companies.
Whichever type of cross-country moving company you hire, make sure they have license and insured and offer insurance coverage.
Moving insurance is a specialized type of coverage designed to protect your belongings during a move. It can safeguard your valuable possessions from potential damage or loss.
There are two types of moving insurance:
- Basic: Free of charge, but it provides the least coverage -$.60 Cents Per Pound Per Article . This is generally not sufficient coverage in the event of a loss or damage. For example, if you have a 100lb table damaged in transit, regardless of the value of the piece, the maximum you would be entitled to is $60.00 in the event of loss or damage.
- Full-Value Protection: This is a more expensive option. It covers full replacement costs minus depreciation You can also purchase full value protection insurance from a third party insurance company. The policy must be purchased in advance of your move.
If you have a low tolerance for risks and you think your belongings are too valuable to be left uninsured, you’ll need full value protection. Otherwise, stay with basic.
Track your budget by creating a spreadsheet detailing your moving costs. Try to stay on or below your set budget.
Step 2: Preparing for Your Move
A couple of weeks before moving cross country, you can start decluttering and downsizing. This is an important step. It reduces the amount of belongings you need to take with you which saves you time and money.
You can sell your used belongings and use the profits to fund your move. However, you can also donate your stuff to charity. If you decide to throw out items, you can use a junk removal service to get rid of them for you.
After you’re through downsizing, you can start organizing and packing your belongings. You’ll need boxes, tape, and fillers like bubble wrap.
Through years of experience, we have developed a room-by-room packing strategy that minimizes stress and prevents last-minute chaos. Start with these often-forgotten spaces:
- Guest rooms and storage closets (least used spaces)
- Seasonal items (holiday decorations, winter clothes in summer)
- Books and decorative items
- Leave your kitchen, bathroom essentials, and bedroom for last. We believe that his order helps maintain your daily routine while steadily progressing through the packing process.
Don’t forget to label each box. Indicate which room each one belongs in as well as a list of the items inside. Add a warning for professional cross-country movers if the box contains glassware or anything fragile. The same goes for valuable possessions like art or antiques.
But what if you’re shipping a car?
There are cross-country moving services that can do that for you. However, there are people you can hire to drive cars cross-country. Why? Simply because they love to travel while earning money for their troubles. A quick Google search will show you sites that can connect you with these people, though do so at your own risk.
I always tell people to think of choosing a mover as a partner for an important project because that’s exactly what it is. Look for companies that take time to explain their services in detail and answer all your questions patiently.
Step 3: Hiring Professional Services
Let’s talk about cross-country moving services. There are two types of services to choose from — full-service movers and DIY moving services. Here’s the difference between the two.
- Full-Service Movers: They’ll do most of the work for you, including packing and unpacking in some cases. These movers are experienced, meaning they know exactly what they’re doing. They also offer insurance options to protect your belongings in case of an accident.
- DIY Moving Services: These offer you the tools you’ll need to move your belongings. Think of rental trucks, pods and boxes. You save money this way but you do everything on your own or with family and friends.
Having overseen both DIY and full-service moves, we have tons of experience knowing when each option makes sense. Full-service moving typically costs 30-40% more, but we can attest that it has saved families weeks of time and physical strain. we highly recommend you go the full-service route if you’re not physically healthy.
To do this, find reputable cross-country movers by asking family and friends for recommendations. You can also find reputable ones through online review sites and social media.
Look for a cross-country moving company that offers free quotes to gauge how much you might have to spend. Also, inquire about some of the other services they offer. Some offer packages that include packing services.
Other services to watch out for include auto transportation services and storage options (if there’s a gap between moving out and setting in).
Step 4: Managing Logistics During Your Move
There’s a lot you have to consider when moving a long distance. You only want to move during ideal weather conditions. Moving close to the holidays isn’t a great idea as you’ll get swept up in the rush. For a seamless cross-country experience, choose your move date wisely.
A good cross-country moving company will have a map of the most optimal route to take. If you’re doing everything by yourself, then you need to map your route as well.
One advantage of doing it yourself is that you get to control when and where to stop. That means you get to choose all your accommodations and rest stops.
Do you have pets?
If you do, then you’d have to think about the logistics involved in moving pets cross-country. Talk to your vet if you need advice on how to do it.
Then there’s the change in utilities and address. Don’t forget to cancel your utilities and set up new ones. You want to be up and running the minute you arrive in your new home.
For reference, here’s a link to the USPS guidelines on changing an address. You should also update your banking information. Established banks typically have online portals where you can update your address.
Step 5: Arriving at Your New Home
When you arrive in your new home, I always advise that you do a walkthrough before moving your stuff in. It’ll be easier to assess the home’s condition that way. Make sure there are no problems with the insulation. Check for signs of termites or mold — anything that might be considered a red flag.
Once you’re satisfied, settle down and start unpacking your things. You’ll want to have a strategy. It’s best to start inside the bedroom and work your way to the living room. Bring in bulky items first.
Assembling furniture can be a pain. But if you follow these tips, you’ll get done faster.
- Read the Instructions: Read the entire instruction manual. This will give you a clear picture of the assembly process and help you avoid mistakes.
- Organize Your Workspace: Clear a space to work on. Lay out all the parts and tools you’ll need.
- Take Your Time: Rushing can lead to mistakes. Take your time and work carefully.
- Use the Right Tools: Make sure you have the right tools for the job. A screwdriver, wrench, and sometimes a drill can be helpful.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help: Don’t be a hero. If you’re struggling, ask a friend or family member for help.
Use your downtime to explore and familiarize yourself with your new neighborhood. Pay attention to where the local schools, grocery, hospitals, and vets are located. You might want to look for interesting restaurants and coffee shops while you’re at it.
Make sure you’ve got all your utilities up and running including water, electricity, and internet.
Step 6: Post-Move Considerations
So, what else do you do after moving across the country?
You’ll want to start updating your legal documents. This includes your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and voter registration. These are not tasks you’ll want to set aside. You better work on these right away as you might need them sooner than you think.
Settle into your new community. Start by introducing yourself to neighbors. Join local groups. There should be ones that are aligned with your interests. Book clubs are always a safe bet. If you’re a gamer, you might have online friends that live in your area. You can try connecting with them.
Find local community events and festivals. They’re a great place to meet new people. You can also volunteer in local organizations.
If you feel stressed by the move, it’s important to acknowledge the emotional and physical strain that cross-country moving has put on you. Find time to relax if you feel overwhelmed by everything. Talk to friends and family.
How do you settle in quickly in your new community?
Develop a routine. This will help you adjust faster to your new life. Break down your tasks into manageable steps. And don’t try to do everything at once. You need to have a realistic deadline.
Get enough sleep, do meditation, and walk around the neighborhood. These activities will keep you relaxed. Get in touch with your support network when you’re feeling down.
If all else fails, seek help from a mental health professional.
Common Challenges of Cross-Country Moving (and How to Overcome Them)
No matter how hard you plan, there’s always room for uncertainty. You never know what’s going to happen. Here are some of the awful things that could happen when moving cross-country and how to deal with them.
Unexpected Delays
Stay calm. Get in touch with your moving company and ask about the delay. Get an updated arrival time.
Make sure you don’t put all your eggs in one basket. That means having spare clothing with you during the move in case cross-country movers lose your clothes. Keep a record of all communication with the moving company. This includes emails, phone calls, and text messages. This documentation will be helpful if you need to file a claim or dispute charges.
Damaged or Lost Items
Take photos of the damaged items and the packaging. Send a copy to the moving company as soon as possible. Each company is different, but they’ll have a procedure you need to follow when you file your claim. Provide all the information they need.
If you have the means, consider hiring a public adjuster — that’s a professional who represents policyholders in insurance claims.
Budget Overruns
Allocate specific amounts for each aspect of the move, including packing supplies, transportation, storage, and potential fees.
Don’t stick with the first cross-country moving company you see. Ask around. Get multiple quotes to see which ones have the best deals.
Pack efficiently to minimize the number of boxes and reduce transportation costs. If you’re physically capable and have the time, maybe you could just rent a moving truck and handle it yourself.
Keep in mind that some companies will have additional fees, such as fuel surcharges, stair fees, and long-carry fees.
Moving Cross Country FAQs
How much do cross-country moving services cost?
It depends on a lot of factors including mileage, weight, packing materials used, the time of year, insurance coverage, and surcharges.
What are the best cross-country moving companies?
It will depend on the location. Use online review sites to find cross-country moving companies near you.
What’s the best moving company in New York?
Oz Moving and Storage is a reputable company that offers long-distance moving among other services. Get in touch with the company if you want a free quote right now.
