5 Things You Should Know Before Your Cross-Country Move

Stuffing your life into boxes and moving across the country can be somewhat terrifying yet surprisingly liberating. While many are prepared for the heartfelt tears they’ll shed when they say goodbye to their current home and friends, there are so many things most people don’t consider. If you are planning for a long-distance move, here are five heartfelt truths you should know, as well as some practical tips. A long-distance move can quickly become overwhelming without proper organization. To lighten the load, many individuals opt for storage units Calgary, where they can securely store non-essential items and streamline their cross-country transition.

1. A Checklist Will Save Your Sanity

The first thing you should make before you even think about packing is a checklist. Then, after that, make a checklist for your checklist. It might sound ridiculous, but you’ll realize how important this is when you’re dealing with bubble wrap everywhere and can’t find the item you’re looking for. The best time to start this process is eight weeks before the move. Yes, you need that long if you want to walk through this massive life change with your sanity in check.

Break down the checklist into tasks per week. This can include canceling your subscriptions if they are region-specific, forwarding your mail, scheduling utility shutoffs and hookups, and even planning that goodbye brunch where you’ll bawl your eyes out with your friends. You can use a digital planner, a printable checklist, or even notes on Post-its for your checklist. It’s important that you don’t try to improvise, or you might end up eating cold soup with a butter knife on night one.

2. Purge Ruthlessly

You’ve not truly decluttered until you’ve done it at least three times. During a move, you’ll realize what item actually matters to you. This process of decluttering is important because each item you pack adds to your moving fee. So, it might be high time to part with that throw pillow from your college dorm days.

March purposely into every room with three piles: Keep, Donate, and Sell. There are different ways to get rid of these items, such as yard sales, OfferUp, and Facebook Marketplace. Apart from selling your belongings, you should try donating as a way to give back to others. Even if the item is large, organizations like Habitat for Humanity will readily come and pick it up.

3. Hire the Right Movers

While a local mover might provide exceptional services when hauling boxes across town, a cross-country move is a different monster. In this case, you need to hire a team that understands the nuances, timing, and logistics of cross-country moving.

To ensure you get the best long distance moving company, there are a few factors to look out for. This includes real-time tracking, transparent pricing, and professional handling of items. You can even read reviews, find out about their insurance, and check their credentials to put your mind at ease.

4. Finances Will Surprise You for Better or Worse

Do not make the mistake of assuming that the cost of living at your destination will be the same as where you currently live. Depending on the new location, you might end up having to spend less or more. One way to get yourself ready is to use an online cost-of-living calculator.

This tool can help you estimate how much you will need to spend at your new location on certain items. It’s also smart to check your credit score to ensure landlords, lenders, and utility companies won’t deny you their services. You should save moving cost receipts to get deductions if available if your move is job-related.

5. Something Will Go Wrong, but Laugh Through It

No matter how prepared you might be, something will still go wrong. You might think your box of work clothes was lost during transit, only to find it three days later in a corner. When such happens, don’t flip the switch. The trick is to stay flexible and calm. You can pack a bag of essentials with medication, chargers, a change of clothes, and snacks. With this, you can survive the days when everything is still chaotic.

Endnote

Moving cross-country is an adventure that can take you through different emotions. Yet, it’s something one should try at least once in their life. With the help of a reliable moving company and these tips in mind, you’re bound to survive it with memories that you’ll cherish for years to come.