Moving across the country is a thrilling new chapter in anyone’s life. Making your move go as smoothly and stress-free as possible requires extensive foresight and loads of preparation — but don’t let that discourage you; it isn’t impossible either! If you’re considering taking on this journey, here are some things I’ve picked up from my experience that may be helpful to get you started. From researching the best routes to inventorying your belongings, each step can help ensure your transition is hassle-free and ultimately make for an amazing new adventure with unforgettable memories. No matter how far or close you’re moving, planning for success is critical — but even in the face of unusual twists and turns during your relocation, stay one step ahead of it all. My advice? Don’t overthink it: take a deep breath and enjoy the ride! Start preparing for your move today by following our team at SecureSpace Self Storage top tips below.
1. Moving Your Car
Moving cross-country is no easy feat, and one of the most significant decisions you’ll have to make is whether to ship, drive, or sell your car. Shipping your vehicle can ensure it stays in excellent condition and avoid overstepping lease mileage limits. Though shipping can be pricey — with an average cost of $1,150 nationwide, according to HomeAdvisor — it may be worth it if you’re attached to your car or leasing it. For those excited about a road trip adventure across the U.S., driving yourself and either trading or selling the vehicle when you arrive could be the best option, possibly providing some extra funds. No matter which path you choose with your car, there’s no doubt it will be an unforgettable journey filled with breathtaking sights!
2. Plan Your Career
If a job or career is an essential element of why you moved, in-depth research on the area’s job market should be at the top of your checklist. For instance, if you’re going to California, consider what industries are growing the most there. The sort of work you want to pursue is quite prevalent in your new home state – or it might not be. Before throwing down roots, take some time to familiarize yourself with local job markets and professional opportunities. Additionally, if your career already has a focus, connecting with recruiters before relocating could help you find interviews with employers even before moving in. A recruiter can help you pick up more specialized knowledge about what potential employers are looking for and how best to use contacts you already have. The connection with a recruiter may make all the difference in getting the perfect job for your future life.
3. Check Your Finances
Moving to a new place can throw even the most prepared person in a financial loop. Before you make the big move, it’s crucial to take stock of your finances and credit score — assess where you are now and determine what adjustments may need to be made once you’re settled in your new home state. This could include budgeting and working out an emergency fund to have peace of mind when it comes time to pay bills or unexpected expenses. Every location in the country has different costs associated with living there, such as rent prices; San Diego’s rent prices are more than 115 percent higher than Burlington, Vermont, for example. Understanding your finances and credit rating before moving is vital to help adjust budgets accordingly and secure a new rental home if necessary. Researching potential cost tag increases should be part of the move-in process and planning for other debts or investments.
4. Donate Things You Don’t Need
Moving can be a stressful experience, especially if you’re relocating across the country. Packing your belongings makes you realize how much you accumulated over the years — it doesn’t all have to come with you! Think of packing as an opportunity to eliminate things and make your move easier. To help, create three separate piles: items to keep, donate, and sell. Local platforms like OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace are great ways to offload unwanted goods and generate extra cash for the big move. Get organized and make a fresh start wherever life takes you!
5. Strategically Pack Clothes
When packing your suitcase for your big move, clothing is one of the most challenging items. Jackets, pants, sweaters, and shoes take up the most space. With little room in boxes and suitcases, it’s essential to pack these items strategically. Professional movers recommend rolling clothes before loading them into boxes as this will keep them wrinkle-free and make for a great space saver! Additionally, you can fill in gaps between the rolled clothes with socks and delicates that don’t need much space.
6. Save Your Receipts
If you’re moving from your current or new job, remember to keep detailed records of all your expenses! This includes packing supplies, shipping costs, and any receipts related to gas or mileage. Having a copy of your official moving papers from your employer on hand is also beneficial. Claiming these expenses could mean good news come tax season. Your federal income tax return may cover the financial burden of relocating for work if you qualify. Take the time now to organize and store all important documents – doing so can help ensure a smoother filing experience later on down the road.
7. Tap Into Your Network
Moving to a new state can be exciting but also intimidating. Chances are you know someone who either lives or has lived in your new home state – whether it’s a family member or just a friend of a friend. Leveraging that network and tapping into their local knowledge can help you advance before arriving in your new hometown. Ask them if they could drive through a neighborhood you’re interested in – seeing the community first-hand from an ally gives you great insight into the area and could be vital to helping you identify where you’d like to live. Similarly, having them check out an apartment before committing to rent is also helpful! You can rely on their feedback and ask any questions about the local area before putting down payments. Take full advantage of the people already there – they can be your eyes and ears as you start living in your new home base.
8. Remember The Little Things
Moving to a new state is an exciting journey, but remember the critical tasks you need to do before you go. Be sure to schedule and transfer your utilities, so you don’t get hit with surprise bills when you arrive at your destination. You should also forward your mail from your old address so that you will recover all-important correspondence in transit. If you are a member of a gym or sports club, be sure to either cancel or transfer your membership; local gyms can often tell you which of their other locations might be closest to your future home. Additionally, make arrangements for any essential drops or transfers, and take stock of any critical personal records, such as medical or school documents, that must come with you during the move. Taking care of these little details will ensure your moving process is smooth and stress-free!
9. Pack A Box Of Essentials
Moving across the country can be overwhelming, especially when finding necessities in the boxes. Pack an essentials box with all your necessities for daily life to make this hectic process easier on yourself. This should include toiletries like toothpaste and toothbrush, medications you may need, and at least one change of clothes. Make sure to stock up with other items that might be useful in these first few days, such as a phone charger, flashlight, and even some snacks to keep you going. Having an essentials box during the move will ensure that settling into your new home is much less hassle.
10. If Your Driving Map Out Your Route
Making sure you safely and comfortably reach your destination when moving to a new home is an essential part of the move that many overlook. The best thing to do is plan by choosing the correct route and including stops along the way. A great tip is to pay attention to external factors like the weather, construction zones, and possible toll roads to decide which route will be most suitable for your move. Considering all these elements beforehand helps ensure you get to your destination quickly, safely, and without being overly exhausted afterward.
11. Pack A Cooler With Snacks and Drinks
Moving to a new place can be exciting and exhausting at the same time. To ensure everyone in the car remains well-fueled and energized, the cross-country move is only complete with a cooler full of snacks and drinks for the trip! Healthy fruits and vegetables are a great way to stay energized between meals and are easy to munch on while traveling. Trail mix, granola bars, and beef jerky provide extra protein that’ll give you all the energy you need for the journey. When it comes to beverages, you should always include water for hydration, but with a little variety, like juices or sodas also packed away in the cooler, your moving day will seem shorter.
12. Stay Flexible
Everybody knows how difficult and daunting it can be to move across the country. You might have thought of everything and prepared as much as you can, but sometimes things happen that are totally out of your control. Your movers could be running late, or your car could break down in the middle of nowhere. In those times, it’s important to stay composed, adjust your plans accordingly, and keep going! It’s normal to feel overwhelmed in these high-stress situations — try taking a deep breath and focusing on one problem at a time. After all, there is nothing like tackling that long list of tasks and reaching your destination.
13. Explore The Area
Now that you’ve finished your cross-country move, it’s time for adventure. Exploring the new city you call home is a great way to start feeling at home in the area. Check out local attractions and points of interest, find out the best places to eat or take in a show, shop at unique boutiques, or plan a day trip to nearby towns or parks — whatever you decide, get out and about! Discovering what your new city offers can be educational and exciting; it’s also an excellent opportunity to meet others living nearby. So don’t just unpack and settle in — get out there and explore!
Thanks For Reading!
Moving cross-country can be daunting, but with the right tips – like those suggested in our blog! – you’ll be able to make your transition as smooth as possible. If additional storage space is needed, SecureSpace Self Storage is here to help, offering affordable, safe, clean options. Our local team is also more than happy to answer any questions you may have and provide more insight into the best storage options for your situation. When it comes to storage, SecureSpace Self Storage has you covered.
