Moving across the country

Quick insights

• Moving across the country is a complex endeavor; breaking down the task into phases and smaller goals could help ease the whole process.
• Budgeting for all the costs in advance and securing your housing are important steps.
• If you’re unfamiliar with your new town or city, renting before you buy property might avoid a purchase in the wrong area.

Whether you’re moving to be closer to family, for a new job opportunity or because you’re itching for a change, moving cross-country is a big deal. Costs can creep up along the way, and logistical questions can become complex. To reduce your risk of becoming overwhelmed, a phased approach can help.

This article will provide an outline for how to move across the country, with tips to help you prepare for the move and make critical decisions.

Budgeting for the cost of moving

Before diving into our moving-across-country tips, let’s talk about costs. At a minimum, the cost of moving across the country might include moving supplies (and services), a security deposit (or down payment) and your own transportation.

Maybe you get a moving stipend from a new employer or have savings stored up. Either way, budgeting for the costs in advance is important, and you may find that you need to adjust your spending before relocating across the country.

Phase 1: Gathering information for your move

If you’re considering a move this big, you may already have a time frame or insight into your destination. Still, these are key planning steps before deciding how to get there, you may want to:

• Research your new area: If you’ve never lived in your destination city, there will undoubtedly be lots to learn. Comparing the cost of living in your new city to where you’re currently living may help you prepare for the move, along with researching the difference in climate. If you’re moving for a job or with kids, it can be helpful to investigate neighborhoods near work centers or schools.
• Determine your timeline: If you’re under a time constraint (such as when starting a new job), you may not have the luxury of picking the timing for your move. However, if you do have some flexibility, you may want to align your move date with other elements, such as your current lease ending, the sale of your home or movers’ seasonal pricing to keep costs in check.

Phase 2: Planning to move cross-country

Once you’ve settled a couple key details, it’s time to begin putting the pieces in position. This typically includes putting money down for your new residence and beginning to shed nonessential possessions that will get in the way of moving across the whole country.

Secure housing

Especially if you’re not familiar with the new city, you may want to consider renting instead of buying. Buying a home is a major commitment, and it may be difficult to pick the perfect house without knowing an area, even if you plan a visit. Whether you rent or buy, you will need to complete the application process and set a move-in date that aligns with your travel and arrival of your possessions.

Declutter your home

This is often true when moving, but especially useful when moving a great distance: the more you own, the more you need to pack. Selling, donating or discarding items you don’t need (or use anymore) can literally make relocating cross-country less cumbersome. This step can take more time than you might think, so it’s best to start early and work through clutter gradually.

Comparing and booking moving services

With all options, it can be helpful to request quotes from multiple providers in order to find what works for you. Booking full-service movers will take care of packing and transporting your items. It can ease a move across the country but could also be expensive.

Packing a portable shipping container yourself can be less expensive, but your belongings will show up separately, needing to be unpacked. Of course, you may decide it’s worth doing everything yourself—renting a truck or packing your car, then driving your belongings yourself.

Phase 3: Packing and updating your address

Unless you’re working with full-service movers, the final weeks and days will involve packing and tying up loose ends. While packing is already hard work, protecting fragile objects and labeling each package may make setting up your new space easier. A few extra moving cross-country tips:

• Update your mailing address: Consider reaching out to key parties, such as your current employer, insurance company and financial services provider.
• Set up utilities: Contacting utility and internet services well in advance can help make your transition less stressful.
• Arrange mail-forwarding: Using a mail-forwarding service can help ensure letters and packages find you, even when your old address is printed on them.
• Notify your child’s school: If you have a school-aged child, make sure that their current and new school are aware of your moving dates ahead of time.

Phase 4: Moving across the country

For those using full-service movers or a shipping capsule, you may only need to catch a flight or cross-country train to arrive at your destination. Those who are traveling by car or moving truck have a journey ahead of them with slightly more complexity.

What to keep on you for the trip

As with any other trip, there are certain items you should pack with ease-of-access in mind. For example, you may want to pack one or two changes of clothes, medicines, toiletries and snacks.

Depending on your preferences, you may also want to personally transport family heirlooms, keepsakes or important documents.

Planning stops along the way

Prior to departing, plot rest-stops on a map. If you have a flexible timeline, you may want to plot sight-seeing destinations and make some memories along the way. If your trip includes an overnight stay, take additional steps to secure your belongings overnight, such as using a sturdy lock and parking in a secure, well-lit area.

What to do when you arrive

When you arrive, the priority should be to make the space livable. The first rooms you may want to unpack are likely to be the bedroom and bathroom, for example. Even with help, moving across the country can be an intense experience—place your bed, then yourself, rest and finish unpacking refreshed.

In conclusion

Moving across the country can seem like a daunting task, but preparation solves a lot of headaches. Starting early and using all available time to implement tips for moving across the country can help you manage the process without unnecessary stress. To prepare, secure your housing and look for ways to follow your budget, such as packing and driving yourself.

When you’re ready to buy your next home, consider working with a professional Home Lending Advisor who can help answer questions and discuss financing for your property.