Planning a Cross-Country Move

Step-by-Step Planning Timeline:

Start planning as early as possible, ideally 2-3 months before your desired moving date.

8+ Weeks Before Moving Day:

• Define Your Move & Budget: Confirm your moving date and destination. Create a realistic moving budget, considering costs for movers or truck rental, packing supplies, travel (gas, flights, hotels), potential storage, and initial expenses in the new location. Research if your employer offers relocation assistance.
• Research Moving Options: Decide if you'll hire full-service movers, rent a portable moving container (like PODS), or rent a truck for a DIY move (compare options here). Get initial quotes from at least 3 reputable companies for your chosen method. Check licenses (USDOT number for interstate movers) and reviews (BBB, Yelp).
• Declutter Extensively: Begin sorting through belongings room by room. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard (see downsizing tips). Less stuff means a cheaper and easier move.
• Create a Moving Binder/Folder: Keep all estimates, receipts, checklists, contacts, and important documents related to the move organized in one place (physical or digital).
• Research Your New Area: Start learning about your new city/state - neighborhoods, schools, healthcare providers, local regulations (see guide).

6-8 Weeks Before Moving Day:

• Book Your Mover/Truck: Finalize your choice and book your moving company, container service, or rental truck. Get confirmation in writing.
• Start Collecting Packing Supplies: Gather boxes (consider asking stores or using rentable plastic bins), packing tape, bubble wrap, markers, packing paper.
• Inventory Your Belongings: Create a detailed inventory list, especially if using movers or for insurance purposes. Consider taking photos or videos of valuable items.
• Notify Important Parties: If renting, give official notice to your landlord. Inform schools, doctors, dentists, and other service providers about your move. Request transfer of school and medical records.
• Plan Travel Logistics: If flying, book flights. If driving, plan your route, considering driving times, overnight stops, and road conditions. Book hotels along the route if needed. Arrange for vehicle shipping if necessary.

4-6 Weeks Before Moving Day:

• Begin Packing Non-Essentials: Start packing items you don't use daily (off-season clothing, books, decorative items, guest room contents). Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room.
• Transfer Utilities: Contact utility companies at both your old and new addresses to schedule service stop and start dates (see guide). Aim to have utilities on at the new place the day before you arrive.
• Change Your Address: File an official change of address with the USPS (USPS Change of Address). Notify banks, credit cards, insurance companies, subscriptions, loan providers, etc. (see guide).
• Service Your Car: If driving, get your car serviced (oil change, tire check, etc.).

2-4 Weeks Before Moving Day:

• Confirm Moving Details: Re-confirm arrival time, address, and contact information with your moving company or truck rental agency.
• Continue Packing Systematically: Focus on less-used rooms first. Keep essentials aside.
• Arrange Pet/Child Care: Plan for care for children and pets on moving day itself to keep them safe and reduce stress (pets guide / kids guide).
• Dispose of Hazardous Materials: Properly dispose of items movers won't take (paint, chemicals, propane tanks, aerosols).
• Return Borrowed Items / Retrieve Loaned Items: Return library books, borrowed tools; get back items you've loaned out.
• Transfer Prescriptions: Arrange to transfer necessary prescriptions to a pharmacy near your new home. Ensure you have enough medication for the transition period.
• Back Up Computer Files: Save important digital files to the cloud or an external hard drive.

1 Week Before Moving Day:

• Pack an "Essentials Box/Bag": This should contain items you'll need immediately upon arrival at your new home (and potentially during travel): basic toiletries, medications, phone chargers, basic tools (box cutter, screwdriver), snacks, drinks, important documents (moving contract, lease/deed, IDs), pet food (if applicable), a change of clothes for everyone. Keep this box separate and transport it with you personally.
• Finish Packing: Aim to have most packing completed. Label boxes clearly with "Fragile" if needed.
• Confirm Child/Pet Care Arrangements.
• Prepare Appliances: Defrost and clean refrigerator/freezer. Ensure washer/dryer are disconnected and prepared for moving according to manufacturer instructions.
• Withdraw Cash: Have some cash on hand for moving day tips or immediate expenses.

Moving Day!

• Protect Floors/Carpets at both locations if necessary.
• Meet Movers/Pick Up Truck: Be present to supervise loading. Review the Bill of Lading and Inventory List carefully before signing (if using movers). Ensure you have the driver's contact information.
• Do a Final Walk-Through: Check every room, closet, cabinet, attic, basement, and garage to ensure nothing is left behind.
• Leave Information for New Occupants (Optional): Consider leaving forwarding address info or manuals for appliances.
• Secure Old Home: Lock all windows and doors. Turn off lights (unless otherwise arranged). Leave keys/garage openers as agreed with landlord/new owner.
• Travel Safely: Keep your essentials box accessible. Take breaks if driving long distances.