Whether you’re moving across the street or across the country, moving can be stressful. With all the planning, packing, and logistics, there are a lot of details to organize. But when you’re moving long-distance, it’s even more important to stay on top of the details. After all, if you’re moving from San Antonio to El Paso, you can’t exactly run back to get something you forgot!
As professional movers, we understand the challenges of cross-country moves, and we’re here to support you. Whether you’re moving with family, pets, or a mountain of belongings, here are some pro tips to help keep yourself organized during a big move!
1. Start Planning Early
Planning is the name of the game when it comes to a low-stress move. Sometimes life throws you a curveball (like new PCS moving orders if you’re an active service member), and timelines can be tight. Now, a great moving partner can help you work out the details, regardless of the timeline. But in general, we recommend starting the process two months before the move. With this time to plan, you can save money and feel more in control over the details.
So what’s the first step?
- Create a Moving Timeline
- Make a list of to-dos like booking a mover, purchasing packing supplies, and notifying utilities of your move well in advance.
- On a calendar or moving app, set realistic deadlines to complete each to-do.
- Make a Checklist
- Write down every step of the process, from packing room by room to changing your address.
- Break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This can help keep you from getting overwhelmed.
For your convenience, we’ve created this free, downloadable moving checklist to help you stay organized!
Planning early sets you up for success and helps minimize last-minute surprises during cross-country moves.
2. Declutter Before the Move
After you’ve created a game plan, it’s time to start downsizing and decluttering. Clearing out unnecessary items means less to pack, but it can also reduce moving costs and stress.
- Take a Room-By-Room Approach
- Look at each room and identify items you no longer need.
- Sort your belongings into categories: keep, donate, sell, or discard.
By letting go of unneeded items, you’re optimizing space, getting a head start on packing, and preparing for a fresh start in your new home.
3. Create an Inventory of Your Belongings
While you’re decluttering, start sorting, grouping, and inventorying items that you plan to keep. This gives you a head start on packing and helps you keep track of items you’re taking to your new home. Here are some tips to get started:
- Detailed List
- Make a list of items in each room (with descriptions).
- Use spreadsheets or mobile apps to catalog your possessions. You can even take a video on your phone to document as you walk through.
- Labeling Strategies
- Assign numbered labels to boxes and record corresponding lists.
- Take photos of high-value or fragile items for extra documentation.
An inventory helps you plan cross-country moves and can make unpacking at your new destination much more efficient. As part of a free virtual quote using your smartphone, you can get an itemized inventory of your belongings.
4. Hire Professional Movers or Choose a DIY Approach
One of the biggest decisions of your move is whether to hire professionals or handle it on your own. Every move is different, and there are pros and cons of each based on your budget, timeline, and comfort level.
- Professional Movers
- Get multiple quotes from different movers and read reviews to choose a reliable company.
- Professional teams bring expertise and can significantly reduce your workload.
- DIY Approach
Renting a truck may be more cost-effective if you prefer a hands-on approach.- Consider the physical demands and scheduling constraints of managing cross-country moves yourself.
Understanding the pros and cons of each option helps you make an informed decision that aligns with your needs. But even if you’re leaning towards a DIY move, consider getting a free quote from a professional mover. It doesn’t cost anything and you might be surprised to learn it’s in your budget!
Always be cautious of moving brokers! These companies sell your move to third parties and don’t handle local or cross-country moves themselves.
5. Pack Strategically
Next, it’s time to start packing. Organized packing is key to making your move smooth and efficient, and it helps ensure that your belongings arrive safely at your new home. Packing can be a big job, but here are some ways to break it into easier steps:
- Pack Room by Room
- Tackle one room at a time. This can help you stay focused, and it also makes unpacking easier!
- Keep similar items together, and label each box clearly with its contents and destination room.
- Protect Fragile Items
- Use quality packing materials such as bubble wrap, pillows, and sturdy boxes.
- Mark boxes with fragile items clearly to alert movers or remind yourself during unpacking.
Having a good packing strategy helps you keep your items safe and cuts down on the time spent sifting through boxes once you arrive at your new home. If you’d rather leave the stress of packing to the pros, consider a mover with packing services.
6. Plan for the Drive
Cross-country moves require careful logistical planning. Whether you’ve hired a mover or are taking a DIY approach, here are some tips to make the trip more comfortable:
- Route and Rest Stops
- Map your journey and plan stops for meals, rest, and sightseeing.
- Book your accommodations in advance if the trip will last multiple days.
- Packing Essentials
- Pack a bag with snacks, a change of clothes, important documents, and a first-aid kit.
- Include entertainment options and essentials for family members and pets.
A well-thought-out travel plan can help you stay on schedule and keep everyone comfortable during cross-country moves.
7. Keep Important Documents Accessible
It’s important to keep your personal, financial, and moving-related paperwork easily accessible — not packed in a box where they’re hard to find. By keeping these documents safe and close at hand, you prevent stress and gain peace of mind.
- Make an “Essential Documents” Folder
- Create a folder (physical or digital) for items like moving contracts, IDs, and insurance policies.
- Keep copies of vital documents in a secure location or cloud service.
- Keep Documents Accessible
- Keep a separate travel bag with important paperwork so that you can access it easily during stops.
- Make sure documents are up-to-date to avoid last-minute confusion.
Staying on top of important documents makes sure you’re prepared and ready for whatever comes your way.
8. Have an Unpacking Strategy
You’ve planned, packed, and traveled, and now your time planning cross-country moves is complete. You made it your new home — congratulations! Now it’s time to settle in! Having an effective unpacking plan can make your new space feel like home much faster.
- Prioritize Functional Spaces
- Begin with functional spaces (like bedrooms, the kitchen, and bathrooms).
- Use your inventory list to check off items as they’re unpacked.
- Room-By-Room Organization
- Unpack one room completely before moving on to the next. This helps keep your efforts focused and efficient.
- Make sure utilities are turned on, and set up furniture to stay comfortable. After a long move, it’ll be nice to have a couch or bed to rest on!
By having an unpacking strategy, you can start settling in right away.
9. Settle Into Your New Home
Speaking of settling in, it’s time to start making your house feel like home and getting to know the neighborhood. Here are some steps to jump right in:
- Get Acclimated
- Explore local community centers, shops, and parks to build connections in your new area.
- Give yourself time (and grace) while you adjust. It sometimes takes a minute to settle in!
Here at Scobey, we know cross-country moves aren’t just about moving boxes — you’re moving your whole life! And as you’re moving in, you might find that you need a referral for services. Do you need an electrician? A painter? Is the water heater not working? As a moving partner with referral connections, we may even be able to help connect you with resources like these in your new community.
Cross-Country Moves: Staying Organized Like a Pro!
Staying organized is a way you can set your move up for success, and we hope these tips help you plan your move with confidence! From making a checklist and decluttering to strategic packing and unpacking, an organized approach brings you closer to a smooth, low-stress relocation. Here at Scobey Moving & Storage, we’ve helped thousands of customers have streamlined, organized moves. Whether you’re moving across the street or across the country, we’re here to support you on your journey.
