It’s no secret that moving across country can be daunting.
Plenty of time, careful preparation and methodical planning needs to be put into the effort. It’s a lot to keep track of.
Luckily, these moving across country tips are here to help make things not only easier, but more manageable for you. Read on for 7 tips to make the long haul simpler.
1. Minimize
What are you going to sell? Do you want to donate anything?
Remember to only keep what’s most important. Make a list. What do you actually need to pack and have immediately available? What can you keep in boxes for a few days or weeks?
Be sure to go through any food you have left over ahead of time so you don’t have to throw anything away before you move.
2. Keep Track of Everything
Receipts, calls, scheduling dates, what have you and have not forwarded?
Your mailing address needs to be forwarded, utilities need to be changed out, internet needs to be moved. If you have subscriptions you can cancel, now would be a good time to get that done as well.
As you do this, write everything down in a designated space so you can easily keep track of it.
3. Save Your Money
Moving is expensive when you’re not moving across the country, let alone when you are. Keep this in mind when you’re creating a moving budget.
That’s the other thing — make a budget.
Keeping a budget in the same place as your list of things to do makes it simple to tick off boxes, and then keep track of the finances that are going toward each thing.
Creating a system for yourself also helps in these instances. Instead of writing random notes when you do certain things, make a list of everything you need to do so it can be checked off as you go.
Keep a separate section next to each task so you can make notes about the calls you made, dates to remember, or money you need to set aside for it.
4. Pack Strategically
What are you going to need your first night there? What about the first week or month? Chances are, you might not get to all of your boxes at once. Moving is tiring, and you are going to be tired. That’s OK.
Even if you don’t think you will be, prepare for that feeling. Make things easy on yourself by packing everything you’ll need for one month of living, and then go about unpacking from there.
Keep things labeled for movers if you’re using a service, and put things in storage before you leave if it’s needed. Carmack Moving & Storage can always help when it’s needed.
5. Figure Out Your Car
There are three options for your car when moving — ship it, sell it, or drive it.
Driving your car cross country is the simplest thing to do. You have to account for gas, cleaning (if it’s needed), maintenance, etc., but you don’t need quotes from a gas station.
Selling your car is the second simplest. You can sell it online, to a friend, donate it if you’re able, or take it to a dealership and they’ll hand you cash right then and there.
Shipping is the option you need to be most careful with.
It’s important to choose from as many options as possible and to read the reviews. Reading reviews is the simplest way to guarantee your experience because let’s be real, reviewers are ruthless if their experience has been difficult enough.
Be sure to ask plenty of questions and plan in advance if this is the route you decide to take.
6. Ask for Help
Moving across the country is a big step for anyone to take, and it’s something you shouldn’t do alone if you can help it — especially if it feels hard for you to do.
Seek out a good friend, schedule a therapy session, or just do some digging online for people that have had a similar experience (YouTube is a great place to find videos of this sort). Whether you need professional help or someone that simply understands what you’re feeling, it’s important to acknowledge any and all the emotions you have during this transition.
Also, ask for help with packing if you need it. If you have a friend in the town you’re moving to, ask them to help you unload once you arrive. If you don’t need that friend’s help moving, ask them to grab a meal or coffee once you’ve arrived so there’s something fun to look forward to.
7. Remember to Breathe
Don’t stress. Take care of yourself first. Remember that therapy is OK if you need it. If that’s not an option for you, take at least 15 to 30 minutes out of every day to do something that tends to your mental health.
Whether that’s a walk, yoga, meditation, drinking your coffee outside, or simply taking an extra long shower. Doing something that makes you and your brain feel good and level headed and can take a lot of tension out of any situation.
Remember, you are doing this. It might feel nerve-wracking, but that’s a good thing.
Follow These Moving Across Country Tips, and You’re Guaranteed to Succeed
If you plan ahead, save up, and gear up for the journey you’re deciding to embark on, you’re going to be set.
These moving across country tips are designed to guarantee your success, but keep doing research until you leave. There are never too many things to be aware of while moving anywhere, and it’s good to be prepared.
If you’re interested in learning more or have any questions, contact us and check out the rest of our blog.