Moving Cross Country Can Be Smooth If You Do These 5 Things

A cross-country move can be daunting – but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, moving cross country can be relatively stress-free if you’re prepared. Do the following five things and you just may find moving cross country a smooth and relatively painless experience.

1. Create a budget. Yes, budgets are no fun, but they’re necessary if you’re going to have a successful move. Decide how much you’re willing to spend on moving cross country. Remember to take into account how much it will cost to rent a moving truck or hire movers, buy packing supplies, eat along your journey, transport your pets, etc. Your budget will help you decide what services you can and cannot afford as you prepare for your move.
2. Get organized. The more organized you are, the less stressed you’ll be, and the smoother the move is likely to go. Create a to-do list and timeline to accomplish all of your tasks. Make sure you are completing each task as the days go by. Another way to stay organized is label all of your boxes before they are transported to your new location. Not only should you write what is contained in the box, but where the box should be placed upon arrival at your new home.
3. Hire a moving company. If you truly want the smoothest cross-country move, you’ll hire movers to pack, transport and load/unload your belongings for you. That will save you a ton of time, energy and stress – and it might save you money too. According to Nicole Schreck, a blogger for U.S. News: Money, “I have tried moving on my own and hiring help, and though I love a good road trip, hiring movers ended up being the less expensive option.”
4. Prepare your kids in advance. This is especially important if you have older children who understand the implications of moving cross country. Hold a family meeting and tell them you’re moving – and why. Give each member of the family a job to do so that everyone is fully invested in the move.
5. Map out your route. If you’re driving to your new home, you’ll need to have a plan for when to leave and when to arrive – and where to stay along the way. If you’ve hired a moving company, be aware that your belongings may arrive after you do. Ask your movers about their delivery window and plan accordingly.

If you don’t have time to spare, you can always hire a moving company like Allied Van Lines to handle your belongings and help you create a moving plan from start to finish. Contact us today for a free estimate – and let your journey begin.