Cross country moving is a stressful process, but there are plenty of ways to make it easier on yourself and your family. If you have an upcoming move, you should start preparing as early as possible. Here are seven things you can do to make your cross-country movee a better experience:
Use a Spreadsheet
Staying organized is the key to a successful move. To-do lists, packing lists, and spreadsheets will be your lifeline as you pack and unpack. Keep track of what you pack in every box, and label the boxes clearly so that you can easily find the items you need upon arrival.
Make Travel Arrangements Early
Last-minute travel problems can be a nightmare when moving across the country. Your flights or hotel reservations should be booked at least a month in advance to ensure you’ll actually be able to travel when you intend to.
Get Rid of Things
As you pack for your move, ask yourself what needs to stay and what can be discarded. Selling or donating unneeded items will greatly reduce your stress when packing, moving, and setting up your new home. Many moving companies charge by weight for long-distance moves, so you can also save a lot of money by cutting down on your possessions.
Contact Your Utility Company
You should contact your current utility provider about two weeks before your move to inform them of your moving date. It’s also important to contact your new utility company so that your utilities are turned on when you arrive at your new home.
Hire Movers
Hiring movers is one of the best ways to alleviate stress during a cross-country move. Professional movers can efficiently load and unload the truck, and they can lift your heavy furniture safely so that you don’t risk injuring yourself. Traveling to your new home is also far easier when you’re not driving a massive moving van.
Pack the Essentials Separately
Pack your car with a suitcase of your essential personal items and a box of important kitchen items. Being able to change your clothes, brush your teeth, and cook a simple meal when you arrive at your new home will make a huge difference in how you feel after the long trip.
Make the Trip Fun
If you’re driving across the country to your new home, plan some exciting stops along the way. A road trip can be an excellent opportunity to explore new areas of the country and visit sites you’d otherwise never be able to see. If you have children, be sure to pack plenty of snacks and activities for the drive. Treating the trip like an adventure will help everyone stay positive.
You can make your cross-country move a more enjoyable experience with some careful preparation. Hire movers that you trust, be mindful of what you pack and what you discard, and start planning your trip as early as you can. Then, when you arrive at your new home, you’ll be excited to settle in and start exploring.