How to Plan for a Cross Country Move

Apr 26, 2022

Cross country moves can be intimidating, especially if it’s your first time moving that far. Making a plan will give you all the confidence you need to execute your move. We’re sharing our best tips to plan for a cross country move below: take a look!

Start Planning for your Cross Country Move Early

There’s no better time to prepare for your cross country move than now or when you find out your move out date. Ideally, 8 weeks before the moving date is when you’ll want to research what equipment you’ll want, gather quotes for moving labor, and answer questions for your cross country move, such as:

  • Do I want to travel by plane or drive?
  • Does the cost of driving (gas, tolls, hotels) equal or exceed the cost of flying (flights, luggage, shipping items)?
  • If it is equal – what scenario would be more comfortable/stress free?
  • How many people are moving?
  • When should I start packing my items?
  • Will move in upon arriving in the new city/state be immediate, or is there a lapse in time?

You may use this timeline to help guide you and keep you organized. Fortunately, once you know what to expect, you can plan to start saving money for all your moving expenses.

Stick to Your Schedule

Whether you’re following the timeline or your own schedule, be sure to stick with it to avoid scrambling last minute. This will relieve any unnecessary stress and give you a sense of accomplishment as you check off your to-do’s as you go. Prioritize booking travel arrangements and scheduling (such as utilities) to make the transition as seamless as possible when you’re moving out of state.

Clean Up and Clean Out

Packing brings light to how many things we own, and what is and isn’t used often. While you’re packing for your cross country move, consider decluttering as you go. Designate a box for trash and throw in the items you don’t need any more. Anything that is gently used can be donated. Less items to pack means less items to move and haul. Additionally, cleaning up as you go helps you avoid a huge clean up process afterwards.

Work Smarter Not Harder

Individuals have an advantage to moving because they only have to worry about moving themselves. When you have a family, there’s a lot more to consider and prepare for. Make it easier on yourself and hire Moving Help providers. They can pack, load, unload, unpack, and clean after your move.

This will allow you to focus on more important tasks, like making sure your little ones have everything they need for the long road ahead.

Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst

No matter how much you prepare, some things are uncontrollable, and it could affect your move. Should the weather or any other obstacle cause delays, add extra clothes in your essentials bag. An essentials bag has toiletries, medications, important paperwork, keys, and any other important items you may need during your trip for yourself and your passengers, including pets and babies.

U-Box containers are a helpful option for this type of scenario because you only have to worry about moving yourself. Your items would be packed up in these secure containers and then shipped to your new home. If a delay were to happen, these U-Box containers can be stored in your driveway or at a U-Haul location.

No matter how you decide to move cross country, U-Haul can make it easier!

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