Moving across the country is no small task. Whether you’re relocating for a job or a change of scenery, packing up your possessions and moving your life thousands of miles can be daunting. There is a long list of things that need doing: listing a house or breaking a lease, coordinating movers, cancelling utilities, forwarding mail, and so on. Use some of these tips for moving across the country to make moving a little less terrifying and a little more exciting.
Lighten the Load
Most people accumulate things that they don’t need or use. Go through everything in your place, and determine what is actually worth keeping. The less stuff you need to move, the less moving will cost. Donate old clothes and furniture to charity, so you don’t have to move them.
Get Quotes
Shop around. Get quotes from three different movers, and never take the first offer. Read any online reviews, and also check with the Better Business Bureau to see if anyone filed any complaints against the movers you’re considering.
Ship Your Car
If you have a classic car, motorcycle, or just don’t want to drive, hire a trusted team to handle the load. There is a lot to consider when it comes to shipping an automobile across the country—but there are experts out there who will get your vehicle to your destination without a scratch.
Make Travel Arrangements in Advance
Waiting until the last minute is a bad strategy for everything. Do your research, and schedule all travel details a month or so in advance. This will help eliminate any surprises. Book airline tickets, make hotel reservations, and pack early.
Document Your Things
Before the movers show up and start loading the truck, take pictures of your belongings to have visual proof of their condition. You want evidence your items went on the truck in good condition. This record will come in handy should anything break during transport.
Keep Valuables on You
Don’t take any chances: keep anything of value with you. Don’t trust movers or anyone else to handle your expensive and valuable items. This isn’t limited to jewelry or money. Deeds, titles, and important paperwork should all stay with you.
Consider a Container
Consider getting a moving container like POD. Several companies offer this service now, so you can find a good price. They double as storage pods, and you can leave your things in them if you need to do some renovations on the house.