Cross Country Moving Tips That Will Save You Time and Money
Cross Country Moving
As the New Year begins and the job market changes, you could be looking at a move across the state or even across the country. A promotion or even a need for a new job can position you for a huge change.
Cross-country moving is not easy. Packing is different from thinking about a local move that only involves a few miles. But some things are similar. A lot has to do with your perspective and how you view any move.
Moving Tips
When facing a move, the first thing that most people need to do is to be still and make a plan. Setting achievable goals down on paper will encourage you. Also, take time to see the good in any move. Even when the move comes from a necessity, you can enjoy the process.
It’s almost impossible to avoid moving at some point, but a cross-country move is a beast in its own right.
—bobvila.com
Once you begin to formulate your overarching plan, you will need to make a checklist and decide on the right relocation team (work with one that has a local presence but is also connected with a larger moving firm that can get you where you need to go.)
Don’t become overwhelmed by your move. Pick a moving team you can trust and one that will walk with you through the different steps of a long-distance move. Helpful hint: the same is true for a shorter move.
There are certain things that we all need during the moving process, and wise counsel from a well-vetted moving team is just one. Listen, take notes, and avoid mistakes others have made.
Long-Distance Moving Checklist
Create a fluid checklist. Fluid means flexible. You can build a checklist, but that list will grow and change. Still, key goals and needs should remain. The best thing to do is create a simple spreadsheet where you can add, delete, and check off things that you have done.
Keep that list up-to-date, and don’t remove items unless you absolutely know they are not needed. Visit your new home and make sure you choose the right area to live. Once you are sure, set a moving date and begin to interview potential relocation teams. Tip: Online moving calculators can help you create your moving budget.
Hiring Professional Movers
Hire a moving team that fits your needs. Make sure you gather at least three different quotes from moving companies. Compare quotes and check their ratings and reviews. Going with the cheapest mover is not always the best idea. You want to go with the company that will help you reach your new location in the best possible way. A cross-country move is largely dependent on the weight of what you are moving. The more you move, the more your cost will be. Given that, you will want to go through the items in your home and give away and donate anything that is not absolutely wanted and needed.
Decide whether to pack or let your professional team do the work. You can save money by packing yourself, but packing takes time and money. Some clients opt to pack some items while leaving areas like kitchens and rooms that have fragile items to the moving team. Depending on the size of your home, it can take weeks to pack and get ready for a long-distance move. Check with your moving company; many charge a flat fee ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on how much there is to move.
Packing Tips for Moving
Purchase moving insurance. A moving company’s free, basic protection only covers the bare minimum. If you think you need more protection, consider paying for the Full Value Protection, which will cover the actual cash value of the items. For more comprehensive coverage, consider purchasing moving insurance from a third-party insurance company.
Document your items with a video and photos. By doing this as you pack, if anything breaks or becomes damaged while in the hands of the movers, you will have proof that they were mishandled. This could help with filing a claim and seeking compensation for your belongings.
Purchase the packing supplies you need. Most people do pack some of their own items. Valuables need to go with you in your car. In the long run movers are much happier to see you take super valuable things with you. Plus, there are things your relocation team will not move. Be sure to ask them for a list. For example, you need to move things like firearms, pets, perishable food, high-value items, family heirlooms, plants, chemicals (even nail polish and remover!), grills, fireworks, liquor, and cleaning supplies.
Pack a bag! The best suggestion ever is to pack a bag of clothes and essentials for any move. This is especially true for long-distance moves. Make sure you have clothes for several different needs. Cross-country moves take time, and you may be needed in the office before your movers arrive and you unpack.
Consider if you need short-term storage. There’s a chance that once you are at your new home, you will need to place some things in storage. Most people like to avoid this because in time, it requires more labor. This is why decluttering is so important. But occasionally, you will need time to get everything in place. Or you may need to paint and do some remodeling. Many moving companies offer short-term storage, so ask and consider this as an option. If you use short-term storage with your moving company, they will store and then move your items to your home when you are ready.
Set a date to have mail forwarded and utilities turned on. Also included in the list are things like getting a new driver’s license and anything else that is required in your new home state and city.
Schedule any needed cleaning services. If you have sold your house, you will need to take care of any housekeeping issues. There could be more depending on the contract and what needs to be repaired. Or if you are moving out of an apartment, you will want your deposit back. Do the needed repairs and clean. Even filling nail holes takes time, so include this in your schedule.
Stay in touch with your moving team. A cross-country move takes time. It can take a week or more for your belongings to arrive. To stay up to date with the status of the moving truck, you may want to ask the driver for contact information. Relocation companies will always provide a way for you to track your moving team. Often, a representative at the moving company will contact the driver on your behalf.
Have a plan in place for unpacking. Don’t forget that when you arrive at your new home, you will need to unpack. Check out this blog on how to organize your move for the movers. You will want to provide your moving team with instructions on where things go and how you want items placed.
Lambert Moving Systems — As an authorized agent of the northAmerican network, Lambert offers award-winning services coast to coast. This partnership allows us to provide you with a seamless moving experience, whether you are relocating locally or embarking on a long-distance journey. Call or Schedule an Appointment to experience excellence.
Are you in the market for a mover in Alabama? Lambert Moving Systems is one of the top companies for moving in Alabama. We’ve been around for 90 years. Find your location below to get in touch now!
Photo by Clément Proust on Pexels.com
