How to Move Across the Country

You've set your sights on the horizon, and you're ready to ride into the sunset... along with all of your stuff. Moving across the country is a major endeavor, to be sure, but it doesn't have to give you a massive headache. With a lot of planning and the help of an experienced team, your cross-country move can be a fun adventure. Here are some tips for moving across the country without losing your marbles.

Plan, Plan, Plan

A well-laid plan allows you to get across the country with little to no snafus. From choosing your travel dates to booking the moving company and having enough boxes on hand, you'll thank yourself later for having a comprehensive to-do list now. Categorize your moving checklist (things to buy, services to set up at the new house, etc.) and assign tasks to the appropriate people. Dividing to conquer will make the move painless for all. Figure out how to tightly pack your boxes and containers now, so you can save big on moving costs by limiting yourself to one truck. You may want to ship some boxes ahead of time so there is less to manage on moving day.

Ditch Your Extra Stuff

A major move is the best time to take a hard look at what you need to keep and what could be tossed or donated. A good rule of thumb is to consider whether you've used something in the last year. If you have clothes or appliances that have been in a closet for at least 12 months without seeing the light of day, it's time to say goodbye. The less you have to move, the more efficient and affordable your cross-country move will be. Hold a yard or garage sale, and you can fundraise some of your moving costs with old stuff.

Schedule Some Fun

If you're driving across country on your move, schedule some stops that allow you to stretch your legs and have some laughs. Whether you make your way to the World's Largest Ball of Tin Foil or visit an iconic landmark like the St. Louis Arch, having pit stops to look forward to helps break up a multi-day trip. Just be sure to communicate your schedule with your movers, who are likely to arrive before you if you take your time exploring points of interest. Make sure they have a set of keys to access your new property and begin moving in furniture and boxes ahead of your arrival.

Turn to Pro Movers

Packing up your own U-Haul and setting sail toward your new home may seem simple. At first blush, you can save a bit of cash and have control over your itinerary. However, enlisting professional movers for a major transition such as a cross-country move is ultimately the right choice for most people. A team of pro movers means your belongings will be packed securely and efficiently in the truck, and you won't have to navigate a large vehicle on your own. Hiring a professional moving company also spares you the work of lifting heavy furniture or experiencing surprise costs.

Figuring out how to move across the country is an exciting but overwhelming task. With the right planning and the partnership of a great professional moving company, you can turn the experience into a thrilling adventure instead of a hand-wringing job.