Cross-Country Moves: Essential Planning Guide

Moving to a different state can be the start of an exciting new adventure, but starting the undertaking can be demanding. Cross-country moving comes with many challenges, including logistical hassles, the risk of lost or broken items, and the emotional strain of planning and packing. That's why meticulous planning is so critical to the success of a cross-country move. Keep reading for a complete checklist of everything you need before moving cross-country.

The Pre-Move Checklist

Use this pre-move checklist to ensure your translocation is set up for success from the very beginning:

Determining the Move Date

The first step is deciding the right time for the move. It's always a good idea to take weather conditions into consideration, particularly for cross-country moves. Weather awareness will help you avoid any potential issues related to storms, hurricanes, fires, and other weather-related events. Planning and making necessary adjustments can ensure a safe and stress-free move. For example, if you're moving to Tampa, you don't want to do it during hurricane season.

And remember to plan the move date around your work, school, and personal commitments.

Sorting and Decluttering

One of the most essential tips for a successful cross-country move is to declutter. A light move will not only be easier to plan, but it can also save you money. Sort everything you own into four categories: keep, sell, donate, or trash. A rule could be that if you haven't used an item in the past year, it doesn't come with you on this move.

Researching and Selecting a Reliable Moving Company

You'll need to find the right moving company. There are many options out there, and it can get overwhelming. Start by narrowing it down to companies that have experience with cross-country moves and be sure to check their reviews.

Packing Essentials for a Cross-Country Move

Let's take a look at how you'll prioritize and plan for the essentials of your move:

Material Matters: Choosing the Right Packing Supplies

You can save money with a cross-country move in many ways, but choosing low-quality packing materials should not be one of them. You'll need to invest in sturdy boxes, quality packing tape, and plenty of bubble wrap. Using high-quality packing materials will ensure your items have the best chance of making it through the cross-country move without breaking. Ensure fragile items and antiques get specialized packaging that keeps them extra secure.

Efficient Packing Techniques

Remember to have a strategy for your packing. For example, you'll need to focus on having a "first-night" box that includes all your essentials for the first day and night. Also, by clearly labeling boxes, unpacking will go smoothly. Use color codes, list contents on the side of the box, and mark fragile items.

Protecting Valuables and Sentimental Items

Lastly, no packing essentials list would be complete without mentioning the importance of protecting your valuables. Store all valuables and sentimental items carefully for the move. Consider using original boxes for electronics to minimize the risk of damage. It would be best if you also considered getting insurance for shipping high-value items.

On-the-Move Tips

It is crucial to be well-prepared and attentive to everything that happens on the day you move. Still, remember not to stress and know that everything will work out! Here are some last tips for how to move across the country.

Moving Day Essentials

Consider creating a "day-of" box with snacks, water, essential documents, and chargers to make the day run as smoothly as possible.

Ensure you have a smooth loading process by overseeing the movers, highlighting the fragile items, and taking photos of everything for tracking purposes.

Staying Connected

Ensure you set yourself up to be ready for a functioning home as soon as you move in. Notify utilities in advance for the new location. You can also update essential contacts about the move, such as forwarding your mail and notifying banks of your new address.

Post-Move Essentials

Remember, the move isn't done when your belongings arrive. There's still a lot to do once the boxes get delivered.

Unpacking and Organizing

Having an entire home to unpack can feel so overwhelming. We suggest starting with the essentials. Get your kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom unpacked first, as those are the rooms you'll want to use immediately. Once you've unpacked the most essential items, take a break and say hello to your neighbors. It will allow you to connect and hear about your new neighborhood.

Once you've unpacked the most important items, take a break and say hello to your neighbors. It will allow you to connect and hear about your new neighborhood.

Settling In

When you're ready, go out and explore your area. First, figure out where your essential places and services are (such as utilities, hospitals, police, fire, gas stations, grocery stores, and pharmacies). Next, relax and explore some fun spots, like parks, restaurants, and beaches.

Remember to handle your post-move paperwork. You must update your voter registration and driver's license and inform your work of your new address.

How Ship Smart Can Assist?

Now that you've learned about cross-country moving, it's time to hire your movers. Ship Smart offers safe and reliable shipping solutions for cross-country moves.

Why Ship Smart?

Ship Smart movers are experts who specialize in cross-country moves. We will move your valuables safely and securely so you feel assured that nothing will get damaged. Find out more about Ship Smart now.

Does Ship Smart Have Pack and Ship Services?

In addition to a safe, reliable small move, Ship Smart offers custom crating, packing services, and storage solutions. We're your all-in-one moving solution! Your cross-country move doesn't have to be stressful; let us do all the work. Call (866) 333-8018 today for a quote and benefit from a 10% discount.