Moving on Up: How to Move Across the Country Without Going Broke (Or Insane)

When you’re dealing with the stress of a move, it can feel like you’re juggling far too many tasks at once. After you go through the hassle of prepping your home for sale and finding a buyer, now you have to focus on moving yourself.

When you’re relocating down the street or across town moving seems doable. People that are planning on moving across the country may have a different view on the subject.

It’s estimated that over 39 million people moved in the United States in 2017, and a good chunk of them have to deal with a cross-country move. 

If you want to know how to move across the country with as little stress as possible, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a quick guide on how to have an efficient and fast cross-country move. 

How to Move Across the Country the Right Way  

Moving doesn’t have to be stressful regardless of where you’re going. Whether you’re moving across the street or across the country, you can have a stress free move as long as you have the right plan.

Planning is the key to a stress-free move. When you have the right plans in place, moving can feel effortless.

Be sure to keep these things in mind.

Get Your Timeline in Order

If you’re moving somewhere local, you can knock major tasks out in a weekend. You may need to take a day or two off work to pack, or you can choose to pack gradually over a few weeks.

Cross country moves usually aren’t that relaxed. You can’t plan to do things “whenever you get to them”; you need to be on a tight timeline to handle everything. 

Think about how long it’ll take you to pack everything, get things shipped to your house, and arrive at your destination. Be realistic in your planning, and try to give yourself as much time as you need.

Pack With Care

Proper packing is essential for any move, but it’s particularly important for people moving across the country.

Whether you’re moving items yourself or hiring someone to do them, your most precious possessions will be in transit for a while. They could slide around the back of a moving van or be stuffed in a trunk.

Secure your items with plenty of packing material, and try to pack them in a way to allows for as little movement as possible.

Weigh the Benefits of Driving and Flying

Driving and flying are one of the biggest debates when it comes to moving across the country. When you make your decision to do either, cost and time will be your biggest deciding factors.

If you have money to spare, flying may be your best option. It’ll cost money to purchase plane tickets and hire a moving company to handle your things, but it can save you a lot of time if you’re in a pinch.

If you have time to spare but are tight on money, plan on driving out to your new home. You can still hire movers to handle your big items, but you can easily transport some of your smaller possessions. 

Don’t Forget Your Car

If you have one car and the time to drive it out to your new home, you don’t have to put much thought into how to transport it. If you have multiple vehicles, though, you need to figure out how to transport them. 

If your spouse, friend, or loved one isn’t prepared for a cross-country drive, don’t force it on them. Having a reluctant and possibly anxious person drive your car across multiple states won’t be good for anyone involved.

Search for the phrase “shipping car across country” and find professional car shipping services near you to transport your vehicles. They’ll be able to move your vehicle with ease and give you peace of mind.

Next Steps

Now that you know how to move across the country, you may need help finding a place to live. 

If you’re looking for a deal finding a house being sold by an owner may be a great way for you to save money. Check out our post on houses for sale by their owners and see if they’re right for you.