Things to Do Before Moving Across the Country

Create a Budget and Plan

Creating a budget and a plan is crucial when preparing for a cross-country relocation. The first step is to determine the moving budget by taking into account all the expenses associated with the relocation, such as hiring a relocation company, buying packing supplies, and travel expenses.

Once you have a budget in mind, it’s time to create a detailed action plan. Start by researching relocation companies and getting quotes to compare prices and services. Consider the time of year you’ll be moving, as prices may vary depending on the season.

It’s also necessary to factor in the cost of housing, transportation, and living expenses in another location. Make a relocation checklist of all the tasks you need to complete and set a timeline for each one.

Downsize and Declutter Before the Move

Downsizing and decluttering is an excellent opportunity to streamline the belongings and reduce the amount of stuff that needs to be transported. To do this effectively and avoid wasting time, start by creating a plan of action.

Begin downsizing for relocation by designating specific areas of the home to declutter, such as closets, drawers, and storage spaces. Sort through the items and decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. While going through all belongings, ask yourself if you’ve used an item at all and if it is valuable in some way.

A great idea is to sell items online or have a garage sale to make some money. When donating items, research local charities to ensure all items are going to a good cause.

Sell or Donate Items You Don’t Need or Want

To sell items, start by gathering everything you want to sell and determining their value. Take high-quality photos of the items and post them on online marketplaces, such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Consider also consignment shops to get rid of unwanted items.

When donating items, research local charities and donation centers to ensure that the items are going to a good cause. Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity are all excellent options for donating items such as furniture, clothing, and household items. Be sure to get a receipt for the donations, as they may be tax-deductible.

Hire a Long Distance Moving Company

Hiring a long-distance moving company is vital when planning a cross-country move. These companies specialize in transporting all belongings safely and efficiently, taking the relocation stress off of you.

They have the necessary expertise, equipment, and resources to handle long-distance moves, ensuring the belongings arrive at a new home in good condition and on time. With a long-distance relocation company, concentrate on other aspects of the relocation while leaving the transportation of all items to the professionals.

Research and Hire the Best Long Distance Movers

Here are some tips on how to find the right long-distance movers:

• Ask for recommendations: Reach out to friends, family, and colleagues who have recently moved cross-country and ask for their recommendations on cross-country movers.
• Do research: Check online reviews, ratings, and testimonials from previous customers to get an idea of the company’s reputation and customer service.
• Get multiple quotes: Request quotes from several moving companies and compare their prices and cross-country moving services to find the best fit for your budget and needs.
• Check for licenses and insurance: Ensure the moving company is legitimate by checking its insurance. Protect belongings in case of damage or loss during transit.
• Ask about their experience: Find out how long the company has been in business and if they specialize in long-distance moves.
• Inquire about their equipment and resources: Ask about the type of trucks, packing materials, and equipment they use to transport the belongings safely.
• Look for additional services: Check if the relocation company offers additional services, such as packing, unpacking, and storage, to make the move more convenient.

Use Different Cross-Country Services to Make the Move Easier

Using different long-distance moving services such as packing services, storage services, and auto transport services can ultimately make relocation easier and more convenient than using just one service. With packing services, professional movers can help you pack your belongings efficiently, saving you time and ensuring the items are properly protected during transit.

Storage services allow one to store belongings in a secure facility until one is ready to receive them at a new location. This can be especially helpful if you’re downsizing or need a temporary storage solution. Finally, auto transport services can save you time and hassle by shipping a car to a new location.

Research Your New Location

Besides providing valuable information about the area, including housing, schools, and local amenities, researching the cost of living can also help you budget for another location. Understanding the local culture and customs can make the transition smoother, and learning about the weather and climate can help you prepare for any changes.

Additionally, researching job opportunities and the local job market can help you plan your career. Overall, researching the new location can provide valuable insights and help you feel more prepared for your relocation.

Research Housing Options and Find a New Home

You can begin by researching the housing market in the new location and determining what you can afford. Consider factors such as the neighborhood, proximity to schools and amenities, and the commute to work.

Online real estate websites and local real estate agents can provide valuable information about available properties and the housing market. Once you have identified potential properties, it’s important to conduct a thorough inspection and ensure that the property meets your needs and expectations.

Notify and Update Important Parties About Your Move

Notifying important parties is a step in which you should inform your contacts, such as family, friends, and colleagues, of your new address and contact information. This can help prevent any miscommunications or lost connections during the relocation process.

Furthermore, notifying important parties such as the bank, credit card companies, and insurance providers can help ensure that the accounts and services are updated and maintained throughout the relocation. This can help prevent any disruptions in service and ensure that you receive important information and communications from these parties.

Notify Your Current Landlord or Property Manager

One of the things to consider when relocating to a new state is notifying the current landlord or property manager of your intent to relocate. It’s vital to do so in writing and provide a specific move-out date. This can help ensure that there are no misunderstandings or disputes about the timeline of the relocation.

Review the lease agreement to ensure that you comply with any notice periods or other requirements. You may also want to provide a forwarding address for any future communications or correspondence.

Be professional and courteous in communication and offer to assist with any necessary preparations for the next tenant, such as coordinating any required inspections or repairs.

Notify Your Employer and Other Important Parties

Begin by scheduling a meeting with the supervisor or HR representative to inform them of your plans and discuss any implications for the employment. Be clear about the timeline of the relocation and provide a specific date for the last day of work.

If you plan to continue working for your current employer remotely, discuss any logistics and expectations for remote work. Discuss the possibility of transferring to a different location or finding new employment in your new location.

Update Your Mailing Address and Other Important Information

Contact the bank, credit card companies, and other financial institutions to update your address and contact information. Update your address with any subscriptions or services that you use, such as magazine subscriptions or streaming services.

Don’t forget to update the mailing address with the United States Postal Service (USPS). Do this online or at the local post office. This can ensure that the mail is forwarded to your new address for up to one year.

Plan for Transportation and Accommodations

Researching different transportation options, such as hiring a relocation company, renting a truck, or shipping the belongings, can help you choose the option that best fits your needs and budget.

What is more, considering your accommodations options, such as staying in temporary housing or a hotel, can help ease the stress of the relocation and allow you time to find more permanent housing. Creating a moving expenses checklist can also help you stay organized and ensure that any important expenses are not overlooked.

Here is a video with great relocation tips that will come in handy when creating your expenses checklist:

Wrap Up Loose Ends

It’s almost time to move, and there are still some things that need to be taken care of. Don’t worry the finish line is almost there, there are just some loose ends that need to be wrapped. For instance, cleaning the home, doing some repairs, preparing the house for sale, and canceling utilities. Even though these steps are generally overlooked, they are equally important as the rest.

Cancel or Transfer Utilities and Services

To cancel or transfer your utilities and services, contact each service provider and provide them with your relocation date and new address. This will allow them to cancel or transfer your services accordingly.

Be sure to keep a record of all communications and follow up to ensure that the process is completed successfully. Some utility and service providers may require advance notice, so it’s important to plan ahead and give them ample time to process the request.

Say Goodbye to Friends and Family

Taking the time to say goodbye properly can help ease the emotional toll of leaving and maintain important relationships. Plan a gathering or event to bring everyone together and say goodbye. If distance or time constraints make this impossible, consider writing letters or sending cards to let loved ones know how much they mean to you.

Remember to exchange contact information and make plans to stay in touch, as maintaining these relationships can help ease the transition.

Check Off Your List of All Things to Do Before Moving, and the Relocation Will Be Smooth

By creating a budget, downsizing and decluttering, hiring a reputable relocation company, and taking care of all the necessary paperwork and logistics, ensure that the move is stress-free and efficient. Don’t forget to say goodbye to loved ones and tie up any loose ends before leaving.

And when it comes to hiring a long-distance moving company, contact Long-Distance USA Movers for a reliable and professional service. With their expertise and experience, one can trust that the belongings will be transported safely and efficiently to the new home. Good luck with the relocation!