Cross Country Moving
The sheer distance involved with cross country moving necessitates a large amount of preparation. For individuals and families who are planning on relocating to a different state across the country, you have several options to consider: full-service moving companies, flying and shipping, self moving with a trailer, or truck rentals. By clearly defining your moving needs and budget, you can determine which option or combination of options will best suit your move. This article will highlight key steps to help you figure out the angles involved with cross country moving.
The Inventory
Make an inventory listing all of your belongings you intend to move, including vehicles and furniture. From here, you can start making inquiries to determine how much it would cost you to have these items moved. Will it cost more to ship your leather couch or to buy a new one at your new home? Also, take this time to single out your undesirables for a yard sale. This is a great way to recoup some of your moving expenses and rid yourself of items you no longer want to keep. If you're planning on driving, list out all of the related costs involved with a road trip, including lodging, meals, and fuel.
Flying Home
If you don't have a fixed date for your moving day, check the cost of airfare to see what kind of deals you can find. You can simultaneously look into an airline's luggage allowance. Some airlines permit up to a hundred pounds of luggage. This can be useful if you wish to transport some of your necessary, everyday items while the rest of your belongings are being shipped by a full service moving company or a storage unit shipment service.
Driving Home
It's not uncommon for a family to transport their own belongings via a rental truck or towing a trailer. There are a few considerations you need to keep in mind for self-service moves though. Some of these include how long it will take for you to reach your destination and whether or not your vehicle is in any condition for the long drive. If you're planning on towing a trailer, does your vehicle have adequate horse power to haul it across that distance? What about the different elevations, climates, and terrains? These are just a few questions you should ask before you undertake a cross country move.
On The Road
Map out your route and note down the phone numbers of major hotel chains or motels along the way. If you have a GPS unit, you can program hotel addresses and restaurants into your route. As a precautionary measure, check the weather forecast for an idea of the conditions you'll be driving in. You may need chains for your car if your route includes driving through a mountain pass. Rest stops are critical for a cross country move, but take care not to tarry too long. The obscure, rural places require some caution on your part, especially at night. Take care of business and move on.
