Moving and relocating are not easy tasks. Even if you move across streets, you need proper planning and arrangements for it, and by the end, you will be so exhausted and tell yourself you are never doing this again. Now imagine a long-distance move, like a cross-country move. Cross-country moves are the hardest and only second to international moves in difficulty level. So if you are moving across the country, you must plan for it properly.

Cross-country moves are pretty common, though, as people move cross-country for many reasons. For example, people in Florida often move out because of high prices, extreme weather, and natural disasters' threat. For example, 67% of properties in Fort Lauderdale, FL, are at risk of damage due to floods in the coming 30 years, thus giving people a reason to relocate.

So if you are also planning to move across the country for these or any other reasons, here is an ultimate checklist to help you.

Hire Professional Cross-Country Movers:

When it comes to moving across the country, a DIY moving approach must be avoided at all costs. Many things can go wrong during a long-distance move that will cost you extra time, money, and energy and will only add to your stress. That's why the first thing on your cross-country checklist must be to search for and hire professional cross-country movers.

Start searching for long-distance movers in your area that have been in this game for many years and have good customer reviews. For example, if you live in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Solomon and Sons are one of the most well-known Fort Lauderdale cross country movers that can make your cross-country move super easy. Moving companies have experience in handling all kinds of moves like a pro, and they will ensure your belongings reach the new destination safely and on time.

If it's your first time moving cross-country, this means there are a lot of hidden or even clear obstacles that you cannot predict, but a professional moving company with experience in long-distance moving can foresee all these things and make sure your move goes as smoothly as possible. It's recommended to book movers at least 30 to 60 days before your moving date.

Lighten Your Load For Moving:

Complete a home inventory to know which of your possessions you will take to your new place and what you can leave behind. Your goal must be to pack light. It's always preferable to lighten your load while you are moving because the more items you move, the more things you have to worry about and the more things you have to keep track of. Moreover, the more items you move, the more it will cost. So basically, declutter your house before you move out; it's better to leave behind the things you don't use.

Grab a notepad and go to every room in your house one by one and make a detailed list of things that get used daily and things that have never come in handy and you have never used them. Do this with all your possessions like clothing, shoes, furniture, etc.; thus, cross out every irrelevant thing and only take the things you will need.

You can have a garage sale and sell your extra belongings or donate those things to local charities, gift them to someone, etc. After this drill, you will find yourself at ease as you will not need to pack tons of things when you have to move, and unpacking after moving into your new place will be much quicker and easier.

Change Your Address And Cancel Home Utilities:

Moving across the country to a new place means you have a new address now that you must update on all important platforms. Two weeks before your move, change your address with the post office so that when you have moved to the new place, you will still get your mail to the new address without any problem.

Even though you can do it right after moving into the new place, there are higher chances of losing your mail that way. Notify your bank, credit card company, and other businesses about your new address so that you keep receiving important documents and bills at your new address. Also, remember to cancel all utilities at your current or soon-to-be old residence. Otherwise, you will still get charged after you have moved out of the place. It's usually recommended to cancel utilities two weeks before your move.

At the same time, set up all utility services like water and sewage, electricity, gas, telephone, internet, waste removal, etc., at your new place so that when you reach your new residence, everything is set up and ready.

Pack Things The Right Way:

A cross-country move means your items will be on the road for quite some days, and you need to ensure they are packed safely for such a long move. Don't rely on the free boxes you can get from stores when packing your stuff, as they might be worn out or of low quality. It's always preferable to buy moving boxes. These are sturdy boxes designed to protect things during a long-distance move. During the move, your possessions will get exposed to moisture, temperature changes, insects, etc., so your things should be packed properly to fight any of these things.

When packing, tape the bottom of your boxes too. It's also important to label the boxes with things like "this side up" or "handle with care" when packing fragile items. Buy bubble wrap or use paper or even towels or any clothing to fill in the gaps between things when packing them so that they don't move, shake, or break during the move. Also, remember that after the movers carry away your packed possessions, you will not see them or have access to them until the move is complete.

That's why it's recommended to pack an essentials box or bag with the basic things you will need, like clothes to change, medicines, toiletries, hand tools, etc., and keep it with you all the time. Since your possessions might reach the new place a day or two after your arrival, and you will need these basic things right away, so it's necessary to have them with you.

Conclusion:

Moving is not an easy feat, and if you are moving cross-country, you must plan strategically. You need to plan each step of the process to ensure a peaceful long-distance move. You need to pack accordingly, pack lightly, and have everything set up in your new place a few days before you move in, etc., to ensure that your cross-country move will be stress-free and a memorable and enjoyable experience. In this article, we help you with our ultimate checklist for moving cross-country.