How to Plan a Move Across the Country?

February 2, 2023 / Posted in How-to
Hannah Michaelson

Hannah is a freelance relocation writer from NYC that has become an expert on packing and unpacking

Relocating to another state is a big decision that involves careful planning and plenty of hard work. It can be an exciting time in your life but also very daunting if you don’t know how to plan a move. In order to help make the transition smoother, having a well-thought-out plan for your relocation is crucial. That’s why we’ve prepared this guide on how to plan a successful, stress-free cross-country moving experience.

Person checking off tasks from a checklist
Wondering how to plan a move out of state? Check out this article for all the info

If you want to plan a successful relocation, you need to start by writing down a detailed to-do list that will keep you on track with the progress. Be sure to write a separate expense checklist as well. The next step is finding long-distance moving services with reliable movers who will take care of shipping your belongings. Then you can begin decluttering your home and wrapping up the items you will bring with you to a new state. Lastly, prepare yourself for the relocation day – pack an essentials bag for the trip.

Planning to Move Out of State – Cross-Country Moving Experience Requires a Lot of Preparation

Moving to a new state can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. But when you’re relocating across the country, there are so many factors to consider and numerous things you may forget to do when you move. From choosing long-distance movers to organizing your belongings, it can feel like an impossible task.

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Still, the good news is that, with some strategic planning and great relocation tips, this experience doesn’t have to be so difficult. Let’s take a look at what you need to know before embarking on this big adventure – learning more about the process ahead of you can help you avoid some of the common relocation mistakes and organize an effortless, efficient move.

Woman sitting on the floor and typing on the laptop before cross-country moving
How to plan for a move? Start with research before anything else

How to Plan a Move to Another State? Start With a To-Do List

Uprooting your life and going to a new city in another state can be an exciting and life-changing experience, but it can also be overwhelming – a completely stress-free relocation is rare. The key to having a successful relocation is being organized and planning ahead. A great way to do this is by creating a to-do list that includes tasks that need to be completed before you actually make the journey.

Creating a Timeline Can Help You Stay Organized

The very important step in planning your move is to create a timeline of tasks on the relocation to-do list. Make sure to include things like researching housing options in your new big city or town, deciding on a relocation date, and figuring out how you’ll get all of your belongings from point A to point B. You will also want to consider any other important details, such as changing your address with all relevant accounts (credit cards or bank accounts), updating your driver’s license, and transferring school records (if applicable).

The Expenses Checklist Will Ensure You Don’t Go Over the Budget

After you have created a timeline, it’s time to start thinking about the actual costs associated with relocating. Start by making a list of packing supplies (if you’re not planning on using packing services) and consider the cost of hiring a relocation company. It’s also important to remember any additional costs associated with relocating, such as deposits for utilities at your new home and rental insurance if required by law.

Cross-country moving to-do list on the table
The essence of learning how to plan a moving process is writing a to-do list

Finding a Long-Distance Moving Company – Book Reliable Cross-Country Movers on Time

One of the most important steps in making your relocation successful is finding the perfect moving and auto transport company. Professional cross-country movers can make a huge difference in how well your move goes, so it’s best to take your time and research reputable companies that are experienced with shipping items over long distances. Let’s take a look at what you should consider when searching for a long-distance moving and auto transport company for your next big relocation.

Research Your Options

The first step in the process is to do your research and find out which companies have good reputations in the industry. A good place to start is to ask friends, family, co-workers, or neighbors who have made moves recently if they could recommend any companies they’ve used.

You can also check out online reviews from reliable sources like Yelp to get an idea of what other people think about certain companies before you make a decision. It’s also helpful to go online and read up on the various services different companies offer so you know exactly what you’re getting into before you commit to anything.

Look Into Licensing and Insurance

Before signing an agreement with any company, it’s essential that you check their licensing and insurance status. Most states require interstate movers to be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and carry adequate insurance coverage for both local and long-distance relocations. Make sure that any company you choose has valid licenses and insurance policies so that you are protected if something goes wrong during shipping.

Check Their Rates & Services

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential movers, it’s time to compare rates and services offered by each one before deciding on which one is best for your needs. Make sure that they provide all of the services necessary for your particular relocation – things like packing materials, loading/unloading help, and storage. Also, check if their prices are within your budget range before taking them up on their offer. Additionally, some movers may charge you extra for requesting additional services or features, so be sure to ask about these as well before making any commitments.

Before You Start Packing, Declutter Your Home and Decide Which Items Are Worth Shipping to a New State

The essential step before packing anything is decluttering your home. You don’t want to spend time or money shipping unnecessary items across the country. Make sure to take inventory of your possessions and determine what you no longer need or use. Donate unwanted items or sell what you can, and discard unwanted items responsibly. This will help lighten your load and make the packing process much easier.

Once you’ve gone through all of your belongings, it’s time to decide what to keep – which items are worth shipping across the country. Consider what will cost more in terms of money and energy – buying new furniture at your destination or paying to ship everything. If possible, try to limit what you bring with you so that it’s easier on both your wallet and the environment.

The decluttering process can take a while, but it ultimately makes relocation easier

It’s Time to Pack – Here’s What to Know About Packing Efficiently

Before you start wrapping up your belongings, make sure that you have enough of the right supplies. This includes boxes for packing, bubble wrap for protecting fragile items, markers for labeling boxes, and tape for sealing them up. Having the right supplies makes packing much faster and easier. It’s also important to use sturdy boxes that can withstand the journey from one state to another.

Decide on a Packing Strategy and Stick to It

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when packing up your entire home. To stay organized and efficient, it helps to decide on a strategy before you start packing and then stick with it throughout the process. For example, some people prefer to pack by room while others pack by type of item (clothes in one box, books in another). Whichever method you choose is fine – just make sure that your boxes are clearly labeled with moving labels so that unpacking will be simple once you reach your destination.

Finally, don’t forget to pack an “essentials bag” with items like toiletries and basic kitchen supplies – this way, you won’t have to wait until everything else arrives before settling into your new place. If you want to learn more useful moving hacks, check out the video below.

Use Enough Protective Materials When Handling Fragile Stuff and Items of High Value

Wrap each fragile item individually in bubble wrap or newspaper before placing it in labeled boxes. Once the containers are filled up, use extra packaging materials such as foam peanuts or bubble wrap around the entire box for extra protection against any bumps during transportation. Make sure not to overfill the boxes – this could lead to broken items due to shifting weight during transit.

A man labeling a box as fragile with a label
Be careful when wrapping fragile items - they require extra effort

How to Prepare for the Move Emotionally and Mentally

Relocating can be an overwhelming and stressful experience, both emotionally and mentally. It can be difficult to say goodbye to familiar places and people, as well as adjust to a new environment and way of life. However, there are ways to make the transition easier – here are some of the most efficient techniques you can try.

  • Seek support – Talk to friends and family about your feelings and anxiety about the move. They can provide emotional support and help you with the practical aspects of relocating.
  • Take care of yourself – Make sure to get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise. This will help you stay physically and mentally strong.
  • Be positive – Try to focus on the positive aspects and the opportunities it may bring instead of worrying about how the relocation will turn out.
  • Say goodbye – Take the time to say goodbye to friends and familiar places. One of the best ways to do so is by throwing a going-away party. This can help you process your emotions and get closure when it comes to moving away from friends and family.
  • Create a vision board – Make a collage of pictures, quotes, and other items that represent your new life – it will give you a sense of direction and purpose.
  • Be open to change – Remember that change can be difficult, but it can also bring new opportunities and growth and improve your life.

The Key to Efficient Relocation Is Having a Trustworthy Moving and Car Shipping Company by Your Side

Long-distance relocations are never easy – but with the proper planning and execution, they can be pulled off efficiently and on time. Hiring movers from a professional, trustworthy company is the best way to take the stress off you and your family during a relocation. A good moving company will handle all the logistics so that you can focus on getting settled into your new place and adjusting to a new state.

That being said, when you hire Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving company you’ll get every relocation-related service you need. All you should do is give us a call, get a free estimate, and book the move. The rest is up to us.

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