Cross Country Moving Tips

Moving is an exhausting process that requires time and effort. There are many challenges you can expect to deal with in the process. If you plan on moving cross country, it is important to start planning as early as possible. You should not make the mistake of waiting until the last minute. You might end up forgetting something important or get frustrated. While there are some challenges you cannot avoid, it is important to have a plan because it will help you when dealing with them. With a good plan in place, you will find yourself having an easier time during the move. Below are tips that will help you with cross country moving.

1. Planning ahead

It would be best if you started planning early, whether you choose to hire a mover or do it yourself. Good movers tend to be booked up fast, especially during the moving season. Start the process as soon as you decide to move. Try to have at least eight weeks to plan for your move to any location such as California, Idaho or even Alaska. You will have enough time to look at the different movers and choose the one you feel comfortable working with. If you encounter a problem, you will still have a lot of time to deal with it.

2. Researching Movers

The mover you choose to use is going to determine whether the move is stressful or not. You need to have the right mover helping you, especially when it involves crossing state lines. It would help if you took your time to end up with a mover who delivers quality services such as the movers listed at 9kilo.com. Check reviews to know what their past clients think about them. An experienced mover by your side makes things easier, and they are in a good position to deal with any problem that might come up during the cross-country move.

3. Budget

Moving is not cheap, but many people don’t sit down and determine the actual cost of moving. You need to have a budget in place to look for ways to cut down on costs if it is too high. Movers will give you an estimate when you call them, but a lot of factors are considered when calculating the cost.

It is important to know the difference between a broker and a mover. You need to ensure you are working with a mover because you will know who is handling your stuff.

4. Note things down

There will be many things for you to do when moving, and it can be easy to forget important things. When you note down things, you are going to refer to it anytime you forget something. Check off what you are done with. This is a small thing that can save you a lot of time and stress. Noting things down will also help you stick to a timeline, so you don’t get caught with time. There is nothing worse than realizing you have not done something that you should have done.

5. Consolidating belongings

Getting rid of extra junk in your home will make it easier for you when moving across the country. There are many items you have that you have not used in months. If you have items you haven’t used in months, then consider getting rid of them. The fewer things you move, the less the cost. This is because movers will charge based on weight, which means you will be saving money by getting rid of stuff you don’t use regularly.

Once you list the things you need to get rid of, you will be faced with three options. Giving them out to friends and family, donating to a charitable organization, or having a sale. The cash you get from selling the stuff will help you with moving costs.

Some items will cost you more to move than buy. You can sell the item and buy a new one once you get to your destination. It is also a good idea to check out your new place’s measurements to know whether the furniture is going to fit. The last thing you want is to get to your new place then realize the furniture doesn’t fit.

6. Packing Accordingly

When moving across the country, you are going to encounter a lot of potholes. This makes it important to ensure the safety of your stuff. One way is by using durable moving boxes and quality packing supplies. Talk to the moving company because you want peace of mind during the move.

If there are delicate items, talk to the mover to advise you on the right way of packing them. Movers sometimes have a list of things they cannot move. Find out beforehand so you can look for a way to move them.

7. Protecting Your Move

Accidents are common, even with great movers. If something goes wrong and your stuff is damaged, then the mover’s liability will step in. The compensation you get from movers in case your stuff gets damage is small because they are obligated to compensate 60 cents per pound. If your TV is damaged, you will get 20 dollars. This is why it is a good idea to get additional coverage. Check with your homeowner’s insurance or 3rd party coverage.

The tips above will go a long way in helping you when moving across the country.

Things to Consider Before Moving to a New Place

Visit your new house or place

Moving out can be an exhausting activity. You must make at least one trip to a new city before moving to another state. This trip will give you a good feel for the place and different parts of the city. Bring your guide or visit the city’s visitor center for brochures, maps, and recommendations. While on it, visit your new home to assess the place. Take note of the areas that need repair, especially the electrical wiring, as this can cause a bigger problem in the future. Hire an expert to check your new place and ask for the areas that need renovations and maintenance. 

Have thorough research on your new neighborhood

While visiting your new location, it is advisable to inquire about the different buildings, restaurants, groceries, and, most importantly, nearby hospitals to learn the exact locations of basic necessity facilities. Check also if your new place is navigable by vehicles and foot. It’s good to ask your future neighbor’s basic questions to let them know how excited and thrilled you are to be part of their community. Further, seeing your new place while taking mental notes of the new city or state’s facilities gives you an idea of what to expect in your new location. If you are moving due to work, consider taking a trip to your new office to see the accessibility of your workplace to your new home.

List the emergency numbers of your locality

While traveling to your new area, it is best to check the emergency contact numbers of hospitals, police stations, pharmacies, clinics, schools, nearby groceries, and restaurants for future reference. If you are moving with your pet, consider visiting a nearby pet clinic and shop to get assistance. Also, create a moving file. Filing all the documents you’ll need in a moving file or binder is a great way to stay organized and on track. 

Create an estimated budget for your cost-of-living changes

For budgeting tips, it is best to figure out how your cost of living will change due to moving. Expenses may include a new mortgage or rent, monthly utility bills, car insurance, transportation, groceries, furniture, and decorations. When you buy a home, include homeowners’ insurance, repairs and maintenance, and property taxes. This cost of living calculator will help you determine how affordable a new city or community will be.