Preparing for cross country moving? A smooth, stress-free move is something we all want. But you might be wondering is moving that way even possible? The answer is yes, of course, it is possible. However, you need to be well organized prepared for it. In order to make a strategy, you will have to make a moving checklist. Our US Moving Experts team is here to help you figure out what you need to be doing before, during, and after your move takes place. So, with our ultimate moving checklist, there will be no reasons for worries. Moreover, you will have everything done before your big moving day comes.
Preparations for cross country moving
Across country moving is a complex process, indeed. There will be so many tasks for you to do, and most of them, unfortunately, on a tight schedule. For that reason, you need to get ready on time. Certainly, your belongings would not just appear in your new home. And that is why you need our comprehensive moving checklist. In fact, moving can be simple and easy is you have a plan. All you have to do is to break down the tasks to smaller ones. This way you will see the difference between rush and stress-free moving process. The best recommendation you can get from our cross country movers Chicago is to go step by step when preparing for a long-distance move. That is the only way to skip headaches and hustle.
8-12 weeks before cross country moving
Perhaps it is too early to start? No, it is not. Too many tasks require enough time to conduct every single one. It is important for you to start planning ahead for every aspect of your move.
- Research your cross country movers. This will give you plenty of time to compare the prices, make plans, decide if you will pack or have a professional move you, etc. Also, schedule in-home estimates with a reputable moving company such ours. So contact us and be free to ask all that you are interested in.
- Fly arrangements in advance will also result in budget savings. The longer you wait to book flights, the higher the price will be. On the other hand, if driving, you will want to make sure your vehicle is in good condition.
- Set up your change of address. You can do this up even to three months in advance. So there is no sense in waiting until the last minute. Additionally, depending on your transportation across the country, it may be a good idea to put your mail on hold while you travel. It means that you will have it forwarded when you get there.
8 weeks before you move
- Ensure your cross country movers have been secured. So check its license, insurance and registration at FMCSA. We recommend having this settled at least 6-8 weeks before your move.
- Declutter your current home. It is a must. Consider having a garage sale or selling some of the unused items that you don’t use anymore. Nonetheless, it may seem like it takes some time, but it will increase the organization’s efforts of your move and save time and clutter once you’ve moved in.
- Set aside time for final appointments, meetings, and gatherings. Because when you tell your friends and family you are moving across the country, you will become the most popular person in town. As well as that make time for goodbyes as well as packing.
- And don’t forget to schedule or cancel any planned doctor or dentist appointment.
6 weeks before you move
- Get utilities in order on time. Call your current electric, gas, Internet, and TV providers to let them know the date you will be leaving. At the same time, remember to call the utility providers in your new location to make sure that everything is up and running when you arrive.
- Purchase moving supplies and materials you’re missing. Consider what you are going to need according to the type of items you own. Try to reuse packing supplies from the previous move. Additionally, what you have to know is that some moving companies will provide shipping supplies you may need. Ask them if there is something you should purchase.
- Label and pack your items starting with the least-used items in your house.
- Take pictures of your most precious items. Besides, create an inventory list of any extremely valuable or fragile personal items. And then talk with your insurance and moving companies to find what type of protection they offer. Opt for additional coverage if it is necessary.
3 weeks before you move
- Gather your most important documents such as medical records, automobile, and home documents, bank and insurance records, passports, and any forms of identification. Make sure they are placed together, handy to access before, during, and after the move.
- Clean your current home or apartment before moving to make sure it is ready for the next family.
- Create a particular list of services, subscriptions, and companies that have your address and schedule a change of address. Keep this list with you after the move to double-check when you are moved into your new place.
Moving Week
- Transfer any prescriptions for family members, but also your pets. Make sure to cancel any local memberships before you leave. Call insurance companies, credit cards, banks, and other institutions to update them with your new address. Arrange to have your locks changed in your new home.
- Pack and prepare your first night bag. This bag should contain everything you need for your first night in your new home. It should contain clothes, snacks, medicine, toiletries, and anything you would need for a restful first night without unpacking.
- Call your new utility company for your new home to make sure electricity, water, and Internet access will be ready upon arrival.
- Now when you are ready for cross country moving, remember to check the entire checklist once again.