The Ultimate Guide to Moving Cross Country

Welcome to the ultimate guide to moving cross country. Thank you for being here.

Moving can be a daunting task, of course. We know that very well! But we’ve got 26 years of industry experience, and we know that a big move — even a cross-country one — can be calm and stress-free. It takes proper planning and organization, but it is very possible.

We created this guide to walk you through each step of the process. We want to share our best practices and knowledge gained from all those years of experience. If you follow these steps, you will find that things are much easier. Nothing is perfect, but the process will be much smoother.

A large move consists of three stages. Before the move, during, and afterwards. We’ve separated this guide into those three stages.

We’ve also listed next to each action item what week it should be done in. For example, “Get the Right Packing Materials (7 weeks until move)”.

You can, and we hope you do, keep this article as a checklist. We’ve made a printable checklist for you here, which you can copy to your phone or favorite notes app, or print out and use on paper. It’s worth reading through this guide once, and then using that list as an easy way to stay on track.

We know how stressful a move can be, and we know how exciting it can be too. We want to minimize the first, and make possible the second. There are important things we miss if we’re stressing and rushing — like seeing all the friends and family we might be moving away from (or towards!) before we go.

Following this guide will give you the time and peace of mind to make a big life change steadily, even enjoyably. Thank you for using it. Now — let’s get moving!

Before the Move

Step 1 of Before: Plan Early, At Least 3 Months if You Can

In addition to our hundreds of professional moves, we’ve also done plenty of our own, some of them solo. As I’m sure anyone else who’s experienced this knows, if you’re scrambling to do everything the week or night before, you’re stressed, frustrated with yourself, and it’s easy to forget something important.

For this reason, we recommend beginning your preparation at least 3 months from move date, if you can. This changes a cross-country move from something overwhelming to just a series of to-do items, spread out over a reasonable amount of time. Here are the steps to make that time smooth.

1. Create a Moving Checklist (12 weeks)

List all tasks you need to complete before, during, and after your move. Again, here is a link to our checklist, but please edit and modify it to suit your situation.
Break down the list into weekly tasks to make it more manageable. We have time frames in parentheses next to each step in this guide for that same purpose.
Use a physical planner, spreadsheet, or apps like Trello or Todoist to keep track of your progress.

2. Set a Budget (12 weeks)

Use online calculators or templates to create a detailed budget.

Sometimes it’s nervewracking to look at money, especially for something big like a move. But it is SO much better to know your costs in advance, rather than being surprised by them.

We recommend tracking your expenses in a spreadsheet or budgeting app like Mint or YNAB. Estimate all potential costs. These often include:

Moving supplies (call us if you need an estimate, we provide supplies along with our moving services)
Professional movers (again, call us for a free quote — but compare at least 3 professional movers to be sure you’re doing what’s best for you)
Travel expenses: hotels or Airbnbs along the route, gas costs, food costs per day x the number of people who are moving (you and a spouse, just you, a family of 7, etc)
Pet relocation services
Storage costs, if any (many professional movers can provide storage space; Movewise does)
And unexpected costs: we’ve found that an extra 15% on top of the budget is usually a good amount.

Remember to factor in a little extra to tip the movers — as long as they’ve earned it!

How to Review Moving Companies: Look for reputable nationwide movers by checking reviews on sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau.

We are licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) — ensure the other companies that quote for you also are. Ask about their experience with cross-country moves, the insurance they offer, and if they offer additional services like packing and unpacking.

Consider Timing of the Move: If possible, avoid moving during peak seasons (summer and the end of the month) when rates are higher and us movers are much busier. Mid-week and mid-month moves can be more cost-effective and offer more scheduling flexibility.

Step 2 of Before: Downsize Your Belongings

Decluttering Your Home (11-8 weeks until move)

1. Sort Through Your Items (11 weeks)

Go room by room and categorize items into: keep, sell, donate, or discard.
Try the Marie Kondo method of asking if an item sparks joy to help decide what to keep.
For larger items, like furniture or appliances, consider whether they will fit in your new home or if it’s more cost-effective to replace them after the move.

2. Organize a Garage Sale (10 weeks)

Plan a garage sale a few weeks before your move.
Advertise on community boards, social media, and local classifieds like Craigslist. You can also team up with neighbors to attract more buyers.
Display items neatly, price them reasonably to ensure they sell quickly, and be prepared to negotiate.

3. Sell Online (10-9 weeks until move):

For high-value or specialty items, consider selling on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or OfferUp.
Take clear photos and write detailed descriptions to attract buyers. Arrange safe meetups in public places or offer shipping options.

Donate to Charity (8 weeks until move): Contact local charities like Goodwill, Salvation Army, or local shelters to arrange pick-ups for donations. Many charities will pick up items for free, making it easy to declutter. Keep receipts for tax deductions if applicable. You can also use apps like Nextdoor to find local groups in need.

Discard Responsibly: Recycle items that cannot be sold or donated. Check with your local waste management for bulk pick-up schedules or recycling centers. For hazardous materials, like paint or batteries, look for proper disposal methods through your local government’s website.

Step 3 of Before: Gather Packing Supplies

1. Get the Right Packing Materials (7 weeks until move)

Boxes: gather various box sizes, including specialty boxes for clothes and dishes.
Check local stores, online retailers, or moving supply companies.
Find free boxes at grocery stores, liquor stores, and online community groups like Freecycle.

2. Packing Tape and Dispensers

Invest in strong packing tape and easy-to-use dispensers.
Use reinforced tape for heavy or valuable items.
Look for tape with built-in dispensers for convenience.

3. Bubble Wrap and Packing Paper

Protect fragile items with bubble wrap and packing paper.
Use towels and blankets as cushioning for delicate items.
Consider biodegradable packing peanuts or recycled paper for eco-friendly options.

4. Markers and Labels

Clearly label boxes with markers and color-coded labels.
Use labels like “Kitchen – Pots and Pans” or “Bedroom – Winter Clothes” to stay organized.
If you’re tech-confident, consider QR code labels that link to a digital inventory. Adobe provides a free QR creator here.

Furniture Covers and Pads. A professional moving company will use moving blankets, mattress bags, and stretch wrap for larger items.

If you choose to move on your own, don’t forget to buy and use covers and pads to protect furniture from scratches and damage. U-Haul, Home Depot, or Lowe’s will deliver supplies to your home. Alternatively, check out eco-friendly options from Uboxes or UsedCardboardBoxes.

Step 4 of Before: Start Packing Early

Begin Packing Non-Essentials First (6-2 weeks until move)

1. Seasonal Items (6 weeks until move)

Pack items you won’t need before the move, such as holiday decorations and off-season clothes.
Store these boxes out of the way until moving day. It can help to have an assigned space or room where all boxes will go.

2. Label Boxes

Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will help movers on moving day, and you as you’re unpacking.
Try color-coded labels to help movers quickly identify where each box goes.
And don’t forget to mark anything delicate or special to you as FRAGILE!

3. Create an Inventory

If you’d like to go really deep, keep an inventory of your items using a spreadsheet or moving app. Type A personalities, come on out!
List each box and its contents for tracking and insurance purposes.
Use apps like Sortly or Moving Checklist Pro.

4. Use High-Quality Packing Materials

Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or packing paper before they are boxed.
Fill empty spaces in boxes with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to prevent shifting.
Use dish packs with cell dividers for glassware and plates.

5. Pack Room-by-Room (5-2 weeks until move)

Start with rooms you use the least, like guest bedrooms or storage areas.
Focus on one room at a time to stay organized.
If you have children, it helps to have them decide what is most important to them to keep available. You can ask them to set aside everything except their very favorites (of clothes, toys and games) and pack up the rest.

6. Pack a “Last Box” (1 week until move)

Include items you’ll need immediately upon arrival, like bedding, toiletries, and essential kitchen items.

Start packing 2-3 boxes each day to avoid last-minute stress. It really helps — trust us.

Step 5 of Before: Notify Important Parties

Update Your Address and Inform Relevant Parties (6 weeks)

Create a checklist of all the entities you need to inform about your move. Usually this includes your employer, healthcare providers, and any financial accounts. Here’s a starter list to help make sure you don’t miss anyone.

1. Change of Address

Submit a change of address form with the USPS at least two weeks before your move.
Notify family and friends of your new address via email or a card.
It helps to go through the contacts in your phone and make sure you don’t miss anyone. Even people you like! It’s easy to let a cousin or old friend slip your mind when you’re thinking about a move.

2. Utilities

Schedule the disconnection of utilities at your old home and connection at your new one.
Contact electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable providers.
Ensure utilities are up and running when you move into your new home.
Try a service like MyMove to streamline this process. This is not a commission link, just a resource.

3. Insurance and Banking

Notify your insurance companies, banks, and credit card companies of your move.
Update your address with any subscriptions or memberships.
Update your driver’s license and voter registration.

4. Healthcare Providers

Inform your healthcare providers of your move and transfer medical records if necessary.
Find new providers in your new location and schedule any necessary appointments.

Step 6 of Before: Prepare for Moving Day

Get Ready for the Big Day!

1. Confirm Details with Movers (7 days until move)

Reconfirm the moving date, time, and any special instructions with your moving company.
Ensure you have all necessary contact information for your movers.
Have cash on hand for tips and unexpected expenses.

2. Have a plan for pets and small children to keep them safe and out of the way.

This is an important step that can be stressful if it pops up for the first time on the day of. Make sure your kids, if you have any, have enough snacks and entertainment to get through the day without needing too much from you. And it can really help to explain to them in advance that they need to stick with the schedule on moving day, so you can make sure everything goes smoothly.

Same goes for pets. If you’re pet is traveling with you, make sure they have enough food, water and comfortable carriers for the road. Also, make sure there are sufficient rest stops on your route so they can get out and do their various businesses.

3. Pack an Essentials Box (4 days until move)

Include toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, medications, and snacks.
Keep this box with you during the move for easy access.
Add items like phone chargers, basic tools, and cleaning supplies.

4. Check Your Route (3 days until move)

Map out your travel route. Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to find the best routes and avoid traffic.
Check for road closures or construction that might affect your travel.

5. Prepare Your Home (2 days until move)

Clear pathways and remove obstacles for the movers.
Protect floors and walls from damage.

Keep your essentials box in your car and make sure all important documents and valuables are with you rather than packed in the moving truck. Have a moving day kit with snacks, water, and any last-minute items you might need.

During: Moving Day, or Moving Week If You Are Moving Long-Distance

It’s the day! Let’s make it go well.

1. Supervise the Movers:

Be present to oversee the loading process and answer any questions the movers might have. Supervise the handling of fragile items. Use your phone to take an inventory of items as they are loaded onto the truck.

2. Final Walkthrough:

Do a final walkthrough of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind. Check all rooms, closets, and storage areas to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything. Take photos of empty rooms to document the condition of the property for any security deposit returns.

3. Secure Your New Home:

Upon arrival at your new home, do a walkthrough there to ensure everything is in order. Make note of any damages and report them to your moving company as soon as possible. Verify that all utilities are functioning and that your belongings are placed in the correct rooms.

Keep a checklist of the last tasks to complete on moving day. Here’s a start:

Turning off lights
Locking doors
Taking exit photos in case you need to show the condition you left the house in for any reason

Step 1 of After: Unpacking and Settling In

Make Your New House Feel Like Home

You’re here! Okay, let’s get comfortable first, in the most efficient way we can.

1. Unpack Systematically (1st week after move)

Start with essential rooms like the kitchen and bedrooms.
Set up your bed first for a comfortable place to rest.
Focus on one room at a time to stay organized.

2. Organize as You Go (2nd week after move)

Arrange your belongings thoughtfully to suit your new home and lifestyle.
Use storage solutions like shelving units, closet organizers, and drawer dividers.
Take your time to create a comfortable and organized space.

3. Meet Your Neighbors

Introduce yourself to your new neighbors to build a sense of community. Attend local events or join community groups to get involved.

Unpack a few boxes each day to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Using labeled boxes makes unpacking easier and takes the guesswork out. Set up a space to rest early in the process, like a place to read or a comfortable living room.

Step 2 of After: Post-Move Tasks

1. Update Your Address Again (1st week after move): Ensure all mail is being forwarded and double-check that all important entities have your new address.

2. Explore Your New Area (2nd week after move): Get familiar with your surroundings by exploring local services, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and medical facilities. Take some time to visit nearby parks, restaurants, and shops to make your new location feel like home. Use apps like Yelp to find the best places to visit.

Pro-tip: Yelp has many more lists and reviews than just restaurants. They create lists for public parks, barbers and salons, specialty stores, and many more kinds of businesses.

3. Leave a Review: Share your experience with your moving company to help future customers make informed decisions. Your feedback can be very helpful to others planning a similar move.

Consider leaving reviews on multiple platforms to reach a wider audience. We welcome and respond to all reviews; if you used us, please tell us how everything went!

Moving to a new place far away can be a lot of work. However, if you plan well and stay organized, it can also be an exciting experience.

Thank you for using our guide. We hope it’s been very helpful to you. Feel free to call or write to us on Facebook if you have any questions. And above all, good luck with your move!