Whether you are hiring a professional cross country moving company or packing and moving your own possessions, there are some tips that will help you have a smoother, easier trip.
First, pack all of the contents of each room in boxes marked with the corresponding room it will go to in your new place. With any move, there are items that you will decide not to take, so have plenty of boxes and bags set out for donation, for sale if you are planning to sell anything, and to throw away. Mark each one clearly. Try to be unemotional when you dispose of anything that you are not taking with you. Your donations can be tax deductible, so be sure to keep your receipts.
If you are taking a large number of books, you might consider mailing them instead. The book rate is quite reasonable and heavy boxes will decrease your gas mileage as well as being difficult to pick up.
Planning Is Everything When Trying To Lower Cross Country Moving Costs
After the rooms are empty, check to be sure you haven’t overlooked anything on a shelf, a wall, or on the windows. Don’t forget to have your mail forwarded and newspaper delivery stopped.
Fill a box with basic cleaning supplies, including disinfectant wipes, paper towels, rubber gloves and other things you might need in your new place. You may want to buy some shelf paper and add that to a box so you will be able to simply place your dishes and glasses on the kitchen shelves when you unpack at your new home.
Since your move will take days, it is best not to take perishable foods with you unless you have a well-insulated cooler and ice. Take care not to pack any foods that contain mayonnaise, milk or other ingredients that spoil quickly and may not be safe to eat after an hour or two. High protein snacks like energy bars and nuts are good choices. Take plenty of water as well.
Check the weather forecasts along your planned route, and look into alternate routes in case you find roadblocks, extensive construction or any other type of potential cause for delay on the road. A road atlas can be a great help, even if you have a GPS system, since no GPS is infallible.
Also have all of your furniture broken down and ready for movers when they arrive as this cuts down time and intern cuts down costs of your across country move.