Tips for Cross-Country Moves.

Moving houses is an exciting process! Not only are there the array of emotions ranging from sadness in the “goodbyes” to excitement for what lies just ahead, but there are so many logistical pieces that need to fall into place as well. Before the process has begun, it can look like an big task to get all of your things from here to there, tie up loose ends, and keep your sanity in the process. I am here to assure you that if you make a plan and take one step at a time, it really can be a much less stress-ridden process and can go much smoother than you may be anticipating!

In some ways, the process looks similar whether you are moving across town, or across America, but there are some significant differences between the two as well. Today, I want to highlight how to move cross-country well, sharing some of my best tips and tricks with you!

1. Make a plan. When moving cross-country, it pays to be organized and to plan ahead. I recommend starting 6-8 weeks ahead of your moving date, which can reduce last minute stress in the days leading up to your move. Use this preparation time to compare and contrast costs of moving companies, arrange rentals, and schedule car transportation if needed. Just a hint: it is often more cost effective to rent a moving truck and hire movers separately, rather than going with a moving company that bundles all of the services.
2. Keep the essentials with you. When it comes to moving, it’s best to expect the unexpected. For this reason, I recommend packing the “essentials” separately and keeping them with you at all times. This would include important documents such as passports and birth certificates, as well as personal items that you will need quick access to upon arrival, such as toiletries and medication. Doing this not only prepares you to navigate an unforeseen situation where you may be separated from your belongings, but also gives you peace of mind that the most important things are well taken care of and available as needed.
3. Pack well. One of my best pieces of advice to anyone who is moving is to take the weeks leading up to your move to declutter and purge as much as you possibly can. Less things to move means less stress, and less time and energy spent in the long run. Start with your closets, cabinets and drawers. Ask yourself, “have I used this within the past year?” If the answer is no, consider donating it before you begin packing your boxes. Another key to packing well is labeling well. Jot down the contents of the box, as well as the room that it belongs in. This means you have to do less instructing and answering of questions on moving day!
4. Set up a room at a time. Unpacking and settling into your new house can easily feel overwhelming. I highly recommend taking it one room at a time, working in one place in the house until it is fully put together and functional before moving to the next room. This gives you one room as an “oasis” of sorts to turn to when the rest of the house feels like chaos, and makes “settling in” feel a little more measurable. Maybe start with your bedroom, since that is where you will begin and end your days as you settle in. 
5. Enjoy your new surroundings! And finally, don’t forget to take breaks here and there to explore your new surroundings! Leaving the pile of boxes to try out a fun local restaurant or take a walk through the downtown. This can be a great way to remember the big picture instead of getting caught up in the little details of setting up your new home. 

I wish you all the best as you “unlock new doors” – however near or far they may be from where you previously lived! As always, I’m only a call away to assist you each step of the process. 309.229.8831! I hope these pointers make your move just a little less overwhelming and enable you to navigate the process with just a little more confidence.