How to Plan a Successful Cross-Country Move
Moving cross-country can be a bittersweet experience. The excitement of new opportunities and starting with a clean slate combined with emotional goodbyes and draining weeks of packing. Proper preventive measures before the long-haul move can save you a significant amount of time, money, and stress later.
Whether you’re a first-time mover or a seasoned pro, these recommendations will help you make your cross-country move as stress-free and affordable as possible.
Create an Inventory List
Creating an inventory list is an essential part of planning a successful cross-country move. The checklist is your best ally in keeping track of all your belongings.
Start by making a list of all your items, including furniture, appliances, electronics, and personal belongings. Then, you can sort them out based on their fragility and value.
Don’t forget to label each box and item with a corresponding number and keep the list in a safe and accessible place.
Declutter Your Belongings—and Earn Extra Cash
Let’s be honest, some stuff isn’t worth packing and paying for the extra space just for it to end up in a storage room or the attic.
Consider selling, donating, or throwing away items you haven’t used in one year or longer. This process will not only improve packing efficiency but save on transportation costs.
You can even make money out of this purge by listing your unwanted items on Craiglist—like that old chesterfield you don’t want to bring with you on your move.
Get Insurance & Choose the Right Moving Company
When moving across the country, don’t forget to check for insurance. Contact your moving company or insurance provider and find the best option to protect your belongings during transit.
Remember that licensed moving companies have a mandatory registration of a USDOT number and a good reputation with positive customer reviews. It might be a good idea to conduct research on the company’s history and check for any complaints that might have been filed against them.
Organize & Mark Your Belongings
When dealing with the packing stage, start with one room at a time and place together items that belong in the same room in appropriately sized boxes.
To avoid your stuff getting lost, label each box with the room name, a brief description of its contents, and your name. Labeling is important because moving trucks may place your boxes in order of importance.
When you arrive at your new home, one lifesaver to have is previously marked boxes with essential items you might need during those first days in the right room—right away.
Avoiding Pitfalls in Long-Distance Moving
There are many caveats and liabilities when it comes to long-distance moving, especially if you’re focused solely on reducing costs.
Interstate estimates are based on mileage and weight or cubic feet, at the rates listed in their tariff, plus additional services, less discount. Remember, the company with the lowest estimate doesn’t necessarily guarantee the lowest final cost or the best service.
Large discounts may affect the quality and delivery dates of your move since movers are usually paid by percentage. Always read the fine print and ask about any hidden fees before signing the contract.
Whether you’re moving within New Jersey or across state lines, selecting a licensed and reputable moving company can help you get through many of the typical problems that can arise.
Main Street Movers is a licensed and insured local, regional, national, and global mover.
