When embarking on a cross-country relocation, the build-up to the big move can be chaotic without timely preparation and detailed planning. While some mayhem is unavoidable, you can dodge setbacks and disarray by writing up an all-encompassing game plan featuring checklists, packing procedures, and important dates. That way, you’ll sidestep frantic scrambles to pack remaining bits and bobs, unreliable moving companies canceling last minute, and bulky furniture jammed in narrow door frames.
Ultimately, throwing together a lackluster itinerary a few weeks before you head off to your new home won’t cut it, so make sure you’re prepping months in advance to ensure a successful, low-stress move. Continue reading for eight priority checklist items you should tick off before the big day.
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Decide between an auto-shipping provider and a cross-country road trip
Prior to moving day, you should weigh the pros and cons of hiring a professional auto shipping provider versus planning a cross-country road trip. While some value the long haul, stopping off at landmarks and sightseeing in new places, others prefer the security a car transportation service can provide.
While initially, it may seem like auto-shipping companies like these are more expensive, the costs of a multi-day road trip add up quickly. Ultimately, auto transportation services are highly comparable after calculating gas, food, and hotels. Plus, you can avoid potentially expensive wear and tear on your vehicle by opting for auto shipping services. That said, partnering with a reliable auto shipping company will ease moving-day tensions and free up space in your relocation budget.
Create a moving budget
An essential step in your moving process should be pinpointing a reasonable and slightly flexible budget to avoid overspending on movers and unexpected costs as moving day approaches. First, make sure you account for price fluctuations in your new state, like sales tax and cost of living, and take note during financial planning. Additionally, create a spreadsheet calculating each expense, like supplies, services, and fees, to track costs and manage funds.
Purge unused belongings
One way to significantly reduce stress while packing and streamline the process is by purging old, unused belongings before moving to avoid hauling unwanted items across the country. Consider tossing worn-out, tattered possessions, and estimate the space you’re transitioning to, donating bulky or unnecessary items that may not fit or flow in your new home.
Hire a reputable moving company or prepare your team
While some people opt to pack up a moving van and haul their belongings themselves, others recruit the help of professional relocation companies who will carefully load, transfer, and unload boxes at the new home. While it may be less expensive to take a DIY approach, reputable moving teams can significantly reduce stress and frustration while omitting you from strenuous physical labor.
Create a detailed packing plan
To avoid lost items and flared tempers while unloading, create a box labeling system before jumping off the deep end into disorganized packing. Consider color-coding belongings based on location, clearly tagging heavy boxes to sidestep lifting injuries, and set aside essentials that you can tuck away last minute.
Change addresses
An often forgotten moving checklist task is updating your address on essential services and subscription sites. So ensure you contact your bank, utility provider, and post office approximately a week before the big move to dodge future complications.
Track important dates and progress
To guarantee you stay on schedule and up-to-date on moving processes and last-minute changes, you need to closely track important upcoming dates and packing progress. That way, you’ll remain ahead of schedule and prepared on moving day.
Wrapping up
Although uprooting and moving cross-country may feel overwhelming and unmanageable at first glance, breaking down each step, writing out a detailed plan, and building a checklist will help you remain calm during the storm. That way, you’ll be smooth sailing once the big day finally arrives.
