Uprooting your world and embarking upon a cross country relocation is one of the most stressful events in life.
The opportunity of a new job, new home, and new beginning can be, but relocation is as stressful as divorce or losing a loved one.
Take a deep breath, channel that inner Zen and review these useful techniques to take the anxiety out of the situation.
1) Lighten the Load
The average cost of a cross country move is about $4,500. Movers charge by the amount of stuff they haul. So, it is best to repurpose, share, or otherwise dump things you don’t need.
Purge your home of unwanted items. Hold a garage sale, donate to a local thrift store, or just give away old furnishings, unwanted clothes, unread books and items that won’t advance your new life. Less is more!
2) I Plan, Therefore I am.
Take inventory of your stuff. Take pictures or videos of your valuables. Take note of any scratches of damage to your furnishings. Obtain all the necessary boxes, boxing tape, blankets and bubble wrap needed to pack up your items.
3) Do Not Waste Time.
There is no place for procrastination in the world of cross country moving. Get busy as soon as you know a move is coming. Contact at least three moving companies to compare costs, examine the company’s history and reviews. A few minutes of research and planning can save money, stress and time.
4) Hire A Pro for Your Cross Country Relocation
Don’t scrimp on a cheap and unreliable mover. While it’s great to save money, not all movers are created equal. Your life is being moved, so balance a company’s quality and reputation against the cost to your wallet.
5) Create A Sensible Schedule For Packing.
Start packing, boxing and preparing at least a month in advance for your cross country relocation. Begin with packing up the rooms you don’t use, like the extra bedroom, garage attic or basement. Once that’s don’t, focus on the smaller items, like paintings, china, decorations and delicate items that need extra protection or some bubble wrap. Save kitchen items, glasses, etc. for the end of your organization. Focus on bathroom items and bedding on the last days before the big move.
6) Plan Your Route
Take the initiative and examine the journey ahead. Are you driving or flying? Are you moving with kids or animals? No matter the options, it’s smart to book hotels in advance. Examine the road ahead. Are there decent restaurants along the trip, or are you going to feast on fast food? Consider unexpected issues, like limited hotels or gas stations along your expected journey. The same goes for any flights you might need to arrange. Take action as soon as possible. Remember, haste makes waste.
7) Insurance for Your Cross Country Relocation
Before you commit to a moving company, look into what is covered by the company’s insurance plan. Again, not all companies carry the level of insurance. Consider obtaining your own protection for any items lost or damaged in the move. Get details from your moving company and examine just what is and what is not covered.
