Planning a cross-country move can be exciting and stressful at the same time. The Internet has made things easier, but it’s still difficult conducting research on locations far away without being there. Luckily, it’s possible to tackle a long distance move in a manner that minimizes your stress and enhances your excitement. Use these tips to plan a successful relocation:
1. Think About How to Move Your Stuff
Transporting your belongings is the hardest part of any move. You can hire a team of professional movers to do the heavy lifting for you, or you can rent a truck and do it yourself. Another option would be to pack all your essentials in your car and sell everything you own. Regardless of the option, ensure that you have all the basics covered.
Ask the following questions when selecting a mover:
- How long have you been conducting moves?
- How will my things be transported?
- When can I expect to have my belongings?
- What route will you be taking?
- Are you insured in case something happens?
Most movers can give you an accurate quote once you tell them where you’re going, when you need to go, and how much stuff you intend to bring. Conduct research online to compare different companies. But different companies can have different offerings, so be sure to ask what exactly is and is not included.
2. Think About How to Move Your Car
The logistics of transporting a car cross-country are different from that of furniture. Driving and shipping a vehicle are two very different experiences, so make sure you’re familiar with the pros and cons of each.
The biggest advantage of driving is that you get to travel on your own time and see the countryside, giving you experiences you otherwise wouldn’t have seen by flying. On the other hand, driving thousands of miles can take several days, and when you add in hotel and food costs in addition to the wear and tear on your car, shipping suddenly makes a lot more sense.
Shipping has an advantage in that you simply pay, load your vehicle, and take delivery in the new location. Not having to drive the entire way gives you one less thing to worry about with a stressful life event like a state-to-state move. However, shipping can sometimes be more expensive than transporting a car yourself, and you will not be able to use your vehicle while it’s in transit.
3. Get Packed
If you do decide to bring your things, try to get as much packed ahead of time as you can. Throw out what you don’t need and keep everything else. Try to inventory your most important items. And try to plan out where everything will go in the new location, as this makes the transition easier once the big day comes.
Ultimately, the best method of tackling your move is the one that makes sense for you. But now that you have the basics, you can make a more knowledgeable choice. Happy moving!