Cross Country Move

If you’re gearing up for a cross country move, you’ve come to the right place. Although the prospect of completing a cross country relocation can be daunting, the task can be made infinitely easier with the professionals at Cord Moving and Storage on your side!

Our team of movers have an abundance of knowledge and all the necessary expertise needed to make long distance moving a breeze. Keep reading to learn more about how to orchestrate a stress-free cross country move with the help of Cord Moving and Storage!

Cost of Cross Country Moving

The cost of a cross country move can vary significantly depending on various factors. Of course, the primary factor is the distance traveled. The longer the distance, the higher the transportation costs will be. Additionally, the volume and weight of your belongings play a crucial role in determining the overall cost.

More items or heavier possessions will require more space in the moving truck, resulting in higher fees. You may also receive a higher quote for logistics determined during your in-home assessment, such as flights of stairs or further parking for moving trucks.

In addition to these factors, the type of long distance moving service you choose also impacts the cost. If you opt for full-service solutions, where professionals handle everything from packing to unpacking, the cost will generally be higher, compared to a self-pack option where you pack and load your belongings yourself. Additional services such as packing supplies, storage, or specialized handling of delicate or valuable items can also increase the overall price.

Packing for a Cross Country Move

Not sure how to approach the packing process for your cross country move? No worries, let our simple guide help you get the job done easily!

Start Early: Begin packing well in advance of your moving date. Cross country moves can be complex, so allowing yourself ample time to pack your items in an organized fashion will help reduce stress and ensure a smoother packing experience.
Declutter and Sort: Before you start on the packing process, thoroughly declutter your belongings. Decide which items you no longer want or need, and sort them into categories of donate, sell, throw away, and keep.
Gather Packing Supplies: Obtain plenty of sturdy moving boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and other necessary supplies. Be sure to use high-quality boxes in various sizes to accommodate a range of items and properly prevent them from getting damaged.

Pack Room by Room: The best way to stay organized as you pack is to move one room at a time. Clearly label each box with the room it belongs to and a brief but thorough description of its contents. This will make a big difference when it’s time to unpack.
Protect Fragile Items: Wrap fragile items, such as dishes, glassware, and electronics, in bubble wrap or packing paper. Fill any gaps in boxes with packing peanuts or newspaper to prevent shifting in transit. Alternatively, you can use soft items such as blankets or towels to keep your belongings securely padded.
Secure Furniture: Disassemble larger furniture pieces whenever possible. Keep screws, bolts, and other hardware in labeled bags, taped to the furniture itself or placed in a separate box. Then, wrap your furniture with moving blankets to prevent scratches and damage.
Pack Essentials Separately: Set aside a separate box or suitcase for essential items you’ll need immediately upon arrival, such as toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, important documents, and some basic kitchen supplies.

How to Find a Cross Country Moving Company?

When searching for a reliable cross country moving company, all it takes is a few simple steps to find the right movers for you. Keep reading to discover more!

Research and Gather Recommendations: Start your search by conducting thorough research online to identify reputable moving companies that provide cross country moving services. Read customer reviews, check ratings, and gather recommendations from friends, family, or neighbors.
Obtain Multiple Quotes: Reach out to at least three moving companies and request quotes. To properly determine the price of your services, each company will complete a thorough in-home estimate. During this time, you can also provide them with specific information about your move, including any additional services you require. Be clear about your needs to ensure accurate estimates.

Verify Credentials and Licensing: Before finalizing a moving company, verify their credentials and licensing. Make sure they are properly licensed and registered with the relevant authorities. You can check this information with the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Compare Services and Prices: Compare the services offered by different moving companies, including packing, storage, and any additional options you may require. Assess their prices to make sure they align with your budget. Additionally, look out for anyone who provides a suspiciously low estimate, as this could be a sign of a moving scam.
Read the Contract: Carefully review the moving company’s contract before signing. Make sure everything is carefully outlined without any missing sections. Pay attention to details such as the delivery window, any additional charges, cancellation policies, and liability for damages. Ask for clarification on any unclear terms or conditions.

Moving Day Checklist for a Cross Country Move

On moving day, it’s important to have a plan of attack to make the most of the busy day ahead. Be sure to check all the items off of your checklist for a successful and efficient relocation!

Confirm Logistics: Double-check the details with your moving company, including the arrival time of the moving truck and any specific instructions or requirements.
Prepare Essentials Bag: Pack a bag with essential items you’ll need upon arrival at your new home. This includes toiletries, medications, important documents, basic kitchen supplies, and at least one change of clothes.
Disconnect Utilities: Arrange for utilities at your current residence to be disconnected or transferred to the new homeowner or tenant. Make sure meter readings are recorded as well.

Secure Your Belongings: Lock up valuable items and important documents, along with anything else you’re transporting personally. Keep them separate from the items being loaded onto the moving truck.
Clean and Inspect the Property: Clean your old home before leaving. Do a final walkthrough to confirm you haven’t left anything behind and to check for any damages.
Lock Up and Hand Over Keys: Lock all doors and windows in your old home, and leave the keys as instructed by the new homeowner or landlord.
Be Prepared for Travel: If you’re driving to your new home, make sure your vehicle has been recently serviced and is in good condition for a long distance trip. Pack snacks and drinks for the journey, and if you have pets, be sure to have everything you need to accommodate them.
Arrive at the New Home: Once you arrive, inspect the property and ensure all utilities are functioning correctly. Direct the movers to the appropriate rooms, and supervise the unloading process.
Unpack Essentials Bag: Open your bag of essentials, and set up the necessary items you’ll need immediately, such as toiletries and kitchen essentials. Prioritize which rooms you start to unpack based on your needs.
Check for Damages: Carefully inspect your belongings for any damages that were sustained during the transportation process. Document any issues, and contact your moving company to report any claims within the designated time frame.
Update Contact Information: Notify relevant parties, such as your bank, insurance provider, and the postal service, about your change of address in a timely fashion.

Tips for a Successful Cross Country Move

Getting ready for a cross country can be difficult, but with the right know-how, it can be transformed into a simple experience. Make the most of your move with easy steps!

Plan and Prepare in Advance: Start planning for your cross country move as early as possible. Create a detailed moving timeline, gather packing supplies, and make necessary arrangements. The sooner, the better — it will make a huge difference in your stress levels to get everything taken care of efficiently.
Declutter and Downsize: Take the opportunity to declutter your belongings before the move. This will reduce the amount of items you need to pack and transport, saving time and money. Divide your belongings into categories: donate, sell, throw away, and keep.

Create a Moving Budget: Establish a realistic budget for your cross country move. Consider factors such as packing supplies, moving company fees, transportation costs, and any additional services you may require. Sticking to a budget will help you manage your expenses effectively.
Pack Strategically: Pack your belongings systematically, labeling boxes by room and contents. Keep essential items separate for easy access upon arrival. Pack everything securely to protect your fragile items and maximize space in the moving truck.
Arrange for Utilities at Your New Home: Ensure that utilities such as electricity, water, gas, and internet are set up and ready to go before you arrive at your new home. Coordinate with service providers in advance to avoid any downtime.