Moving across the country? That is a big undertaking, and you can’t exactly rely on friends and family to help you move your belongings as you could if you were moving across the neighborhood.
Moving across the country is a different experience and requires more planning and care. How soon do you need to book auto shipping companies? Do you need to hire professional movers and packers?
Here are some tips to make your cross-country move that much simpler.
1. Consider Shipping Your Car
Have you ever considered shipping your car when you move? Unless you’re a frequent mover, chances are you probably haven’t. These auto shipping companies move hundreds of thousands of cars every year and can help you safely relocate your vehicle.
Here are some reasons to use a car shipping company rather than drive the car yourself:
- Wear and tear on your vehicle
- Mileage
- Driver safety
If you think the cost of shipping your car out of state is prohibitive, consider all the money you’ll spend on the road for gas, snacks, and lodging. Not to mention all the time and stress you’ll save if you let someone else do the heavy lifting. Check for discounts for moving during a certain time of year or for moving more than one car.
2. Get And Stay Organized
Moving across the country is no joke. It’s not as though you’ll be able to turn around and grab anything you forgot. Moving anywhere takes a lot of organization and planning, and even more so if you are moving out of state or across the country. In this case, your best bet is to work with experienced cross country movers.
The first thing to do is organize when and how you will move. Book your moving company, car shipping company, packers, and helpers. You will then need to make a list of all the things that need to be done before you can empty your home. Start with the intangible things like switching your cable, utilities, internet, and mail. You can organize those things to happen later in the move when you might be too frazzled to think about them. Next, go room by room and see what must go with you and what can stay or be given away. You can also explore here the most efficient way to get rid of stuff before moving, like renting a dumpster. It makes decluttering stress-free as you won’t have to dispose of anything on your own.
Now it’s time to do some tossing. Pay special attention to your kitchen, bathrooms, and children’s bedrooms. You’ll have to curb the urge to add more items to your inventory while you’re packing.
Make sure everyone in your home understands the idea is to declutter, not collect. See what you can use up and make a game or competition out of who can empty the most containers in a month. Click here for more help with business and lifestyle help.
3. Pack Light
After organizing, pack those things that you can live without for the duration of your move. You probably want to start by packing:
- seasonal clothing
- appliances you don’t use
- any furniture you can
- children’s toys and games
Many items can double as storage and packing containers, such as the drawers of your dresser, hampers and baskets, and suitcases. This will make the move easier as there will be less to lift, and it will also help you stay as organized as possible.
4. Keep Necessities With You
Perhaps the most important part of moving across the country is getting there. When you have everything packed and it’s time for the movers to do their thing, hold onto your daily necessities in a special box, bag, or tote. This necessities box will help you on the road to your new destination and help the packing and unpacking processes go a little smoother.
The idea behind a necessities box is to have all the things you will need last in your old home and first in your new home. You can even include items you don’t want to misplace or search for. Some ideas for your necessities box include:
- Phone and computer chargers
- Toilet paper and paper towels
- Household cleaners, broom, and mop
- Paperwork related to the move
- Keys to both homes
5. Hire Professionals
The last simple tip for moving across the country is to hire professionals to help you. Your sanity will thank you, and you will have plenty of time for more important tasks. Did you know you can also hire professional organizers, packers, and unpackers to make your transition smoother?
These professionals can help you with every aspect of your move, from deciding what to bring to your new home to helping you unwrap your china. Consider hiring other professionals such as dog walkers, cleaners, and handymen to make your cross country move as easy as possible.
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