Moving across the country can sound like an adventure…or it might sound stressful. Packing up your bags for a trip is one thing, but when you pack up your bags to move across the country, you will probably think that it is much more overwhelming. Are you bringing everything you need? How do you even transport everything easily, without the extra stress?

Cross Country Move, 6 Tips to Make a Cross Country Move Stress-Free, Days of a Domestic Dad

Tips to Make a Cross Country Move

Your questions (you probably have a lot of them!) are exactly why I am writing this article on tips to make a cross-country move stress-free…or at least as stress-free as possible. Here are a few of my favorite tips:

Start earlier than you think you need to

What you may not realize until you begin moving is that it is a very lengthy and time-consuming process. This is especially true if you are moving cross country. You will find it much easier to execute some of the tips discussed in this article if you start early. There are a lot of things you have to do in order to better prepare yourself for a cross country move. Some of these things take a long time to complete, or you may have to wait on the schedules of someone else. 

Think about getting help like Get a Quick Quote to help you get started on the process. Also, consider setting yourself a timeline to stick to so that you stay on track.

Cross Country Move, 6 Tips to Make a Cross Country Move Stress-Free, Days of a Domestic Dad

Use a moving company that does not use interstate affiliates

The most important thing you should do in advance is to make sure you search and educate yourself about moving companies that specialize in cross country moves. This takes time and effort, but there are local TX-based companies that do just that. Yes! Moving & Storage is one of these companies that specialize in long distance moves, but they also specialize in things like: residential moves in TX, commercial moves in TX, and even furniture pick up and delivery in Dallas. They do it all, and they do it all the right way. They say, “While we are exceptionally proud of our Lewisville moving services at the local level, Yes! Moving & Storage is truly a national and international moving company. Thanks to our dedicated long distance division, we are able to provide the same level of care, service and excellence for long distance moves as we provide to our local Lewisville customers.” The best part about using Yes! Moving & Storage? They do not have to broker your move to an interstate or international affiliate. When you use Yes! Moving & Storage, they pack and load your belongings, bring them to you, and unpack it all themselves. This is a HUGE perk.

Cross Country Move, 6 Tips to Make a Cross Country Move Stress-Free, Days of a Domestic Dad

Get organized before the move

There is a lot to do when it comes to organization, but here are a few things to check off your list:

  • Start donation piles. You can even call some companies out to pick it up for you.
  • Get your house as clean as possible (throw away any trash or things you’ve been meaning to deal with)
  • Start selling the things you don’t want to take with you (it’s best to start the packing process with only things you want to take with you.
  • Make lists of all bills and prepare cut off times and dates including (utilities, car insurance, and any recurring payments)
  • Prepare your mail forwarding. Do you already have an address in your new city? Do you know where you will be forwarding your mail?
  • Any other clerical items that pertain to you

Know your “Must-Haves” for the trip

When you are packing, it’s important to gather up those important documents and anything else you know you will need upon arrival. Here’s a few things I like to make sure I have:

Important documents, prescriptions or medications, clothes that you need before the moving truck arrives, valuables, your trip details, etc.

Cross Country Move, 6 Tips to Make a Cross Country Move Stress-Free, Days of a Domestic Dad

Plan the details of your trip

This is the fun part! Make it into a trip and adventure by planning your route, booking hotel reservations, making a list of things you want to see along the way, and more.

Have something to look forward to

This is a big move, so it is understandable if you are nervous or stressed, but having something to look forward to can make it that much easier and even fun! Plan something that you can look forward to in your new home. It could be something as simple as a new pizza place to check out, or a long run to explore your new neighborhood! Whatever it is, it will help you take your mind off the move and make you feel a lot more positive about your life change.