Moving across the country is an exciting new chapter in your life, but it will also be one of the most stressful. Between packing, researching moving companies, and coordinating how you’ll get your entire family from one side of the country to the other, planning will be crucial.
But there are ways to limit your stress and help you look forward to your upcoming life change. Here are the best tips for moving across the country.
Research Your New Location
Tax rates, car registration, and industries vary from state to state. Before you begin packing up your life, research your new home state. If you’re not moving for work, find out if your career has a thriving industry there. If so, employ the help of a recruiter to look for a new job.
Knowing what part of the city fits your budget and lifestyle can also be challenging. Reach out to friends or family who live there or even a real estate agent who can walk you through the neighborhoods in your new city.
Moving Company Quotes
Be sure to get moving quotes from more than one moving company. When you decide on a company, check out reviews and make sure they’re licensed to prevent getting scammed. You can also use pods to save costs on moving, but this route can be more labor-intensive on your end.
Also, be sure to keep receipts of any moving expenses. If you’re moving for work, you’ll be able to use it as a tax deduction.
Ship Your Car
Shipping your car instead of embarking on a long road trip with kids and pets is another option to make your move easier. Leased vehicles would benefit from shipping to save on mileage. Shipping your car and flying to your new city can also lessen the stress of your move.
Before you commit to shipping your vehicle, be sure to conduct research and ask questions to find a reliable transportation company, just as you would for a moving company.
Purge Belongings
One of the best tips for moving across the country is to purge belongings. The less you have, the less you have to pack and unpack. Plus, moving companies often base their quotes on weight. Donate clothes you haven’t worn in a year and anything else that you don’t use. When the day arrives, be sure to pack a moving day bag that has all your essentials together.
Moving is undoubtedly a stressful experience. But the more organized you are at the beginning of your move, the more time you’ll have to relax and explore your new home!