Sometimes, a new career opportunity takes you on a new journey across the country. Moving cross-country is a large endeavor that requires meticulous planning and preparation. Going into the trip unprepared or with inexperienced movers can not only cost you financially, but can lead to lost or damaged property and undue stress. With a few simple moving tips, the team at Ed's Moving and Storage is here to help prepare you for your cross-country relocation. We are here to help take the guesswork out of the big move, so you can feel relaxed and confident in a job well done.

●      Start Early

Although a big move may seem far away in the future, you cannot start preparing early enough. Start by creating a staging area in your home to hold boxes as you complete packing. Many choose a first floor room or the garage. Move through your home packing non-essential items first. Seasonal items, like clothing or furniture, can be packed away, as well.

 

Start acquiring all the boxes you can. During a move, you can never have enough boxes; people regularly underestimate the total number of boxes they will require for the move. Boxes should be sturdy and strong and able to support a fair amount of weight. If you tackle just a few small items a day, you can chip away at the big project. The worst thing to do is to wait until the last minute to start organizing a big move across the country.

 

Need assistance packing your belongings? Ed’s Moving & Storage provides full packing services.

●      Visit Ahead of Time

If possible, visit your new home ahead of time to establish solid moving logistics. If you are moving to a condo or apartment complex, be sure to meet with the property manager ahead of time to make sure freight elevators are in working order and that you have unrestricted access to move large items and furniture into your new home. Walk through your new home if possible, and make sure your existing furniture will be able to fit through tight stairwells, doorways, and turns.

 

Drive the route you will need to take to get to your new home to look out for any tight turns or trouble a large moving truck might have in the area. The more you know about your new city and home, the more you can share with the moving company. This will help create a smoother, faster move.

●      Stay Organized

Being organized the day of the move will help both you and your movers. As you pack for your big move, keep an inventory of items and how many boxes are dedicated to each room. That way, when you move into your new home, you can make sure all the boxes for each room are accounted for.

 

While it is helpful for some people to keep a spreadsheet of items, others prefer to have photographic documentation. Create a system to help assist movers with the boxes and furniture once you move into your new home. This could be big, bold labeling on each box, or a color or number system to designate which rooms certain items go to. Be sure to have an idea ahead of time of where all of your belongings will go. This will help speed up the move and eliminate wasted time thinking about where items should be placed.

●      Create a Go-To Box

Always prepare a box that contains your go-to essentials. Think of items you will need access to on the first night in your new home. Include items like paper plates, toilet tissue, or paper towels. Do you have an overnight kit so you can shower and brush your teeth? Maybe you will need minimal kitchen items to prepare a quick meal before you unpack all of your kitchen supplies? Go through a normal day and night at your existing home to try to imagine the minimum necessities you will need in your first day.

●      Make Pet Arrangements

Don't forget that pets are part of the family too! Before planning a big move across the country, be sure to have a sound game plan for what to do with your furry family members. Many people choose to travel with their pets and drive across the country. If you’re flying, make sure to check with your particular airline to understand the rules and regulations regarding pet travel.

 

Once you arrive at your new home, be sure to have a plan in place for your pet. Do you have a crate or carrier to keep him or her safe during the move? Perhaps a reputable boarding facility to watch your pet for a few days? Have your pet's food and water easily accessible. Making sure your pet is safe will help alleviate a great deal of stress during the move.

 

For over 50 years, Ed's Moving and Storage has helped countless people move to their forever homes, both near and far. Our team of professionals is dedicated to helping you have a successful and stress-free move.

 

We have a variety of services to offer, ranging from packing, to moving, to extended storage options. To learn more about how we can help you tackle your move across the country, request a quote today!