HOW TO MOVE CROSS COUNTRY
Thinking about a move cross country from happening New York City to laid back San Francisco? Or are you ready to transfer from your satellite office in Seattle to the headquarters in Boston? People move across the country for many reasons. Some accept new job opportunities while others are just looking for a change of pace or a new adventure. What all of us cross-country movers know to be true is that the move itself is exciting. The process can be a little tricky. To make relocation a bit easier, we’ve outlined a quick overview of key steps to remember.
Planning Cross Country Move
Before you begin the physical act and begin your move cross country. There are a few tasks you should complete ahead of time. Assuming you already know where you’re moving and have an apartment picked out. Time to confirm the earliest move in date with your new landlord. If you’re still looking for a new apartment, we’ve got you covered there too — start your search here! The lease may officially begin on a certain date, tenants move out early, which could give you the opportunity to move in early.
Don’t get caught short?
Next, you should get measurements of your room from the landlord or property manager beforehand. Will your comfy queen-size bed fit into your new room? Do you have space for a dresser or should you buy storage containers for under your bed? If you’re going to be living with roommates, connect with them on what each of you are planning to bring that will be shared. Items for common areas like living room furniture and kitchen utensils can usually be divvied up instead of everyone bringing their own (though you can never have too many throw pillows).
Make a trip to the dump?
Don’t Move Cross Country with old stuff. Start selling off your large furniture early. You can post your couch, bed frame, dresser, and coffee table for sale on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace to make your luggage a little lighter. Therefore you may earn some extra cash to then spend on all new furniture for your new place. Lastly, don’t forget to update your address with USPS. It only takes a few minutes and it can be done online here!
Decide what to keep
Now you’ve sold off your big ticket items before your move cross country. This is the time to start thinking about what belongings you want to have in your new home. We recommend making a list. Start with what you absolutely have to pack no matter what. Like the stuffed animal you’ve had since you were you were born . The expensive coffee maker you don’t want to replace. List out items you’ll bring if you can fit them and lastly anything that you can live without or replace upon arrival.
Sell items to make cash
Start selling off your large furniture early. You can post your couch, bed frame, dresser, and coffee table for sale on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace to make your luggage a little lighter. Therefore you may earn some extra cash to then spend on all new furniture for your new place. Lastly, don’t forget to update your address with USPS. It only takes a few minutes and it can be done online here!
Pack everything you can in boxes!
Make a trip to the dump?
Pack according to this list. Once all of your necessities are boxed up. Continue boxing everything else until there isn’t any space left. Next, decide how to get rid of your left over possessions, whether you’re selling them online, at a garage sale, donating them. When all else fails bringing them to the dump is a good solution. If you need to pick up packing supplies, check in with local businesses such as grocery and liquor stores . Because they tend to have a good amount of free boxes, bubble wrap, and newspaper laying around.
All Things Transportation
Now that you’ve figured out when you can move cross country and have packed, you should probably figure out how you’re going to get to your new apartment. Unless you have your own private jet, you have three options of travel: planes, trains, and automobiles. Once you’ve figured out how to transport your stuff, you need to figure out how to transport, well, yourself!
Compare rates online
If you have some flexibility on when you’re going to move, the best deals on travel happen during the late fall through the spring. Because of this it’s cheaper to travel during the week. There are also websites designed to save you money on long journeys like Wanderu, which will find the fastest and cheapest way for you to get from point A to point B via bus or train. If you’d like to take the classic approach and plan the trip yourself, Greyhound and Amtrak are great places to start. If you want to bring your car to your new city or would prefer to transport your possessions without the help of a service. Driving cross-country is definitely the best option for your long-distance move. however 888 move stuff offers CAR SHIPPING SERVICES direct door to door.
Driving can be lonely
Regardless of which road ride you choose, there are a few additional tips you should keep in mind. If you have a family member or close friend willing to make the drive with you, definitely accept their offer! Driving with a buddy makes the road trip much easier because you can split time behind the wheel . Just make sure you can stand multiple days in close quarters with them. Pack a bag of necessities several changes of clothes, toiletries, and whatever else you’ll need for the few days you’ll spend on the road. Make sure you store this bag in an easily accessible spot because digging through all your boxes to find a toothbrush or new shirt will be difficult and frustrating.
Have a printed copy of travel directions
Finally, you’ll need to map your journey. Remember to always have a printed copy of your travel directions and itinerary as cell service can be spotty in certain areas. Instead of doing it yourself, we recommend using sites like Road trippers. You can enter your destination and the amount of hours you’d like to spend driving per day .If you want to save some money on hotels, give motels, Airbnb, or Couch surfing a try.
