Tips For Prefect Cross-Country Move Planning

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We have all been there - you are exploring a new place on vacation, and something about it makes your heart sing. You are already planning your next trip back. It feels familiar; you like the vibe, and something about the location feels very familiar to you, and you know it is time for a big change - the cross-country move. 

Short moves are generally easier to plan, while cross-country moves need a little more time. Here are the tips you need to make sure you plan your move to perfection.

Research

Spending a week in the location isn’t long enough to give you real information. For those who don’t have a workplace they need to attend or children in school - the impulse to move might take over, and you could be on the road before you know it. For the rest, research is a must. Start looking for moving quotes from Allied Movers, and start looking at house prices, schooling, job opportunities, and crime rates. 

And be sure to read blogs and look for influencers and people who live there to start to get a deeper understanding of the lifestyle and area. And above all, go back a couple more times for as long as possible.

Everything Must go

Well, almost everything! When it comes to cross-country moves, they are expensive, and before you know it, the costs can skyrocket. The best way to avoid this is to only move when you absolutely cannot do without and things you can’t part with. Everything else can be sold or donated. Call in friends and family to help you with listing the items on the internet, garage sales, dump runs, and more. 

Not only will it lighten the load and make it a lot cheaper to move, but you’ll make a small nest egg for when you start unloading at the other end. It’s a great way to pay for that first-night take-out, too.

Double Check, again

It cannot be stressed enough that a single check of the boxes and house you are leaving is not enough. Millions of people leave behind sentimental items, boxes that they need, money, documents, and more. Because even a double-check isn’t enough. 

Everyone who is actively taking part in the move (who is old enough) should have a checklist, and as you prepare to close the door one last time, check cupboards, drawers, cubby holes, and more. 

Take it room by room, and even once the door is closed, check around the front of the property or wherever the van was loaded up. Boxes very easily go missing. On a side note - make sure that they are labeled with what is in them and where they should be going in the new place. 

Unpack on a room-by-room basis when you get to the other, but smart unpacking will mean you have the kettle, toilet paper, and somewhere to sit - plus snacks almost immediately! And once you’ve moved, this is the post you’ll need: Ten Tips for a Relaxing Home After Moving - HotMamaTravel.

In conclusion, orchestrating the perfect cross-country move requires meticulous planning, foresight, and a touch of flexibility. By implementing the tips shared in this guide, you are not just moving your belongings; you are navigating the journey toward a new chapter in your life. As you embark on this cross-country adventure, embrace the opportunity for growth, exploration, and a fresh start. Remember, a well-planned move is not just about reaching a destination; it's about crafting a seamless transition that sets the stage for a fulfilling and exciting future. Happy moving!

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Amanda Keeley-Thurman, HotMamaTravel

Written by Amanda Keeley-Thurman

Amanda is a Southern California mom of two who believes family travel should be fun, honest, and just a little bit spicy. She's been exploring the world with her kids since 2015 and sharing every real, imperfect adventure on HotMamaTravel.

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