Boxes in Living Room

Moving is an exciting experience. Not only does it offer you the possibility for better job opportunities, but it provides you with a change of scenery. It offers a fresh start in a new town, one in which you will make new memories with your family. However, moving is also a big undertaking, one which can be rather stressful.

Moving requires a great deal of planning and organization, as well as time and effort. You must pack up all your belongings and move them to a home in a new city. It becomes even more challenging when your new home is across the country.

When moving to a new home that is located hundreds or thousands of miles away, it is important to make the transition go as smoothly as possible. We have 10 tips for helping to make your cross-country move an easy one.

1. Plan Ahead.

One primary difference between a cross-country move and one that is across town is the distance. This means that everything must be transported in one trip. It is not as easy to make multiple trips between homes, if you forget something. Therefore, it is important that you plan ahead to give yourself plenty of time to pack up all your belongings.

How soon should you start preparing for your move? When it comes to moving, the sooner you start on your To-Do list, the better. Prepare now, so that you are not scrambling to get things done at the very last minute. There is so much to do. You must hire a moving company, make travel arrangements, and book auto transport services. Remember that you also must take care of utilities and complete a change of address form.

2. Make A Checklist.

Checklist

Regardless of where you are moving to or how far away it is, there will be a long list of things to do. When moving, the number of tasks that need to be accomplished can be overwhelming. To stay organized and remain on track, make a checklist. This will keep you on schedule and help reduce stress.

Furthermore, separate tasks by deadline, or when they must be completed by. Set up goals for what you would like to accomplish each day and each week leading up to your move-in day.

Decide the best way you stay organized, whether that be using technology or printed material. There are several apps that you can download on your phone to keep you organized in addition to using the calendar on your cell phone. If you prefer tangible material, then make your own printed checklist or use an online template.

3. Set A Budget.

It is important to note that moving across the country is more expensive than a local move. To reduce stress and avoid “sticker shock”, take some time to calculate the exact costs to move to your new home. Set a budget, and establish a plan on how you will stick to that budget.

If you plan on hiring a moving company, request an in-home consultation to estimate moving costs. You can search around and compare pricing by getting several quotes from different companies. Remember that pricing will vary depending on distance and the size of your home (which determines labor needs and truck size).

When it comes to auto transport, most companies offer a free quote form on their website. However, like companies, not all quote forms are created equally. National Dispatch makes it very easy to get a quote in seconds, without putting in any personal information.

If you are moving for a new job, find out if your new company offers a relocation package. They may be willing to cover some or all of the costs associated with your move.

4. Determine How You Are Moving.

Two Workers Adjusting Sofa

There are several options available to you when it comes to moving to a new home. Primarily, you have two main options: the Do-it-yourself option or the professional option. If you choose to Do-it-yourself, then you must pack everything in your car and drive across the country. Alternatively, you could rent a moving truck, but this method also requires an extensive amount of drive time. Car shipping is the perfect option if you choose to rent a moving truck, as you will also need a way for your car to reach its destination.

If you choose to hire a full-service moving company, then everything will be done for you. All your belongings will be loaded and unloaded for you. This is very similar to how auto transport works. By hiring a car shipping company, all the hard work is done for you. This gives you more time for more important matters, instead of being stuck behind the wheel for hours at a time.

5. Get The Right Supplies.

Do not underestimate the cost of packing supplies. To properly protect your household goods on their journey, you must have the appropriate boxes, tape, and packing material (Bubble wrap, packing paper, etc.). All these supplies can add up, especially when you think about how much stuff you have to move.

It is important to pack your belongings in sturdy boxes that will hold the weight of your items and can handle being loaded and unloaded. However, there are some ways that you can save on packing supplies. If you know a family member, friend, or co-worker who recently underwent a move, ask them if they have any supplies to spare. You can also find inexpensive, or even free boxes, at your local liquor stores, banks, offices, schools, and manufacturing plants. Check around. You could end up saving a lot of money.

Instead of investing in packing paper, bubble wrap, and newspaper, use what you have. You can wrap breakables in towels, sheets, or any other cushioned material.

6. Throw Out Unwanted Items.

Garage Storage

When you start to pack your belongings into boxes, you may come across some things that you do not want or need anymore. Pack only the items that you see yourself using in the future. Get rid of the rest by donating the items to charity or by organizing a yard sale. Not only can you make a few bucks off the stuff you sell, but you will have a lot less to carry to your new home.

It is also important to keep in mind that moving companies often base their estimates on weight or the amount of space that your belongings will take up. This is because more items mean more labor and a bigger truck. To save money, sort through your belongings. Make piles for what you are “keeping”, “donating”, “trashing”, and “selling”.

7. Pack With Care.

Due to the distance involved in a cross-country move, your belongings will be on the road for a longer period of time than if you were moving, locally. Therefore, it is even more important to ensure that your belongings are packed safely, so that they arrive damage-free.

Here are a few tips to follow when packing your boxes:

Tape down the bottoms and sides of each box.
Pack fragile items with newspaper, bubble wrap, or packing paper.
Fill in empty spaces, so that the items cannot easily move around.
Label boxes containing fragile items with “FRAGILE”.

In addition to taking these safety measures, create your own labeling system. Write on the outside of the box what it contains. It is also a good idea to label which room it is going to. You can even make your own color code system to make the move easier and faster.

8. Clean Your Home.

Cleaning Products

Cleaning is essential before moving to a new home. If you are like most people, you have probably put off giving your home a deep cleaning for quite some time. Go room-by-room to complete a thorough cleaning before moving out. This is important if you plan on selling your home. It will be ready for future residents. Leave the home in the condition that you would like your new home to be in.

It is also important to clean the home to which you will be moving to. Cleaning will ensure that your family feels at home in the new place. Clean the kitchen, vacuum the floors, clean the bathrooms, and wipe down the cabinets and shelves.

9. Choose The Best Time To Move.

Most industries have a peak and off-season. This is true for moving and auto transport companies, as well. The peak season tends to fall during the summer months, between May and September. This is when children are out of school, and the weather is ideal.

What does this mean for you? This means that there is a higher demand for auto transport and moving companies to move their belongings. These companies will book up faster. The costs may also be higher due to the increased demand and lower availability.

What can you do? If possible, book services during the off-season to save yourself money. However, if you are moving for a job, you may not have a choice of when you move. In these cases, it is important to book auto transport services, as well as any moving company services, well in advance. This will ensure that you get what you are looking for before they all book up.

10. Stay Positive.

Light Bulb - Think Positive

The most important tip is to remain calm and stay positive. A cross-country move has its challenges. With those challenges comes stress. It is important to remember that moving is a process. Instead of focusing on the frustrations of a move, look forward to making memories in your new home.

Keep in mind that shipping your car is one way that you can save yourself a lot of time and stress. Instead of traveling hundreds, if not thousands of miles, to your destination, have your car transported with the help of National Dispatch. With our door-to-door auto transport service, your car will be picked up from and delivered directly to your home.

Hop on a plane. In the meantime, your car will be shipped to your new home, safely and quickly. You can be rest assured that everything is taken care of.

National Dispatch

At National Dispatch, we are dedicated to providing quality auto transport services at an affordable rate. We ship cars anywhere in the United States for more than just residential moves. We also provide car shipping services designed for corporate relocations, vacations, dealership trades, and much more. For more information on our corporate relocation services, read our Corporate Relocation Guide.

Below, you will find a list of some of the car shipping services that we offer.

Open Auto Transport: This is the primary method of transport via an open-air carrier. These carriers can hold up to nine vehicles at one time. You may request top-loading (at an added fee), as an extra safety measure. Top-loading is when the car is positioned on the second level of the carrier, out of contact with road elements and debris. Learn more about Open Auto Transport.
Enclosed Auto Transport: With this method of transport, the car is loaded onto an enclosed carrier. An enclosed carrier shields the vehicle from road elements and weather conditions. This method is recommended for high-value vehicles, such as luxury, exotic, and classic cars. Learn more about Enclosed Auto Transport.
Door-To-Door Shipping: This service provides added convenience. Instead of having to drive to a designate pick-up and drop-off terminal, the car will be delivered directly to your home. Learn more about Door-To-Door Auto Transport.
Guaranteed Shipping: Do you need your car shipped as soon as possible? We offer guaranteed shipping for those on a strict time schedule. Contact us for more information.

National Dispatch has years of experience in the auto shipping industry. Relax, and have peace of mind knowing that your car is in the best hands. Book auto transport services, today.

If you need car transport services, cross-country or otherwise, we encourage you to use our online quote form. No personal information is required. Just four simple fields of information. If you prefer to speak with an auto transport representative, call us at 800-321-2051.

Moving Time Does Not Have To Be Stressful

As a member of the armed forces, Mike has just been told that he is being relocated from his home in Charleston, South Carolina to “The Golden State”, California. As a husband to a beautiful wife, Linda, and a father to two young daughters, this move will be a difficult one. The family must pack up all their belongings and move across the country, where the children must start a new school and make new friends.

It is apparent that moving to a new home across the country can be stressful. If you are in the military, moving may be a more frequent occurrence. However, this does not make the process any less distressing.

If you are in the armed forces, like Mike, or relocating to a new home with your family, we, at National Dispatch are here to assist you. We have created for you a list of the common stressors associated with the moving process and tips on how to create a stress-free move, including suggestions on what to do with one of your most valuable belongings, your car.

Why Is A Move Stressful?

Moving to a new home is an exciting experience, but it is also a stressful one. Everyone in the family must re-adjust to life in the new house.

There are many unanswered questions. What will the new neighbors be like? What does the community have to offer, in terms of events, activities, etc.? Will the children like their new school?

Below you can find a few reasons why moving is stressful for all family members:

Labeling, labeling, labeling. All belongings should be packed into boxes and then labelled so that none of your possessions are lost in the move.
It’s an energy-sucker. It requires physical effort to move from one location to another, or you must pay for the assistance of others. Even if you pay a moving company, you still must unpack your belongings yourself.
There’s an endless To-Do List. When you move to another state or even another city, there is a long list of tasks that must be taken care of. You must worry about establishing accounts for utilities, updating car registration, and receiving your mail.
Settling in takes time. It takes time to become comfortable in your new home. You have to get back in the swing of things.
Think of the children! If you have children, they must leave their old friends behind and make new friends at a new school. This can be stressful on the parent of a child, as well.
What if I lose something? During the move, you may constantly worry about losing a prized possession.
What about the car? The car is valuable for the family. It gets you to and from work and takes the children to school. You may wonder, “How am I going to get my car all the way across the country?” and “If I do not drive the car, who am I going to trust?”.

This list is not to deter you from moving, because more often, than not, it may be inevitable. Moving should not be looked at in a negative fashion. Instead, it should be viewed as a new journey for your family. This list is to show you what to expect in the days before, during, and after your move and guide you in relieving stress associated with the move.

Creating A Stress-Free Move

It can be frustrating and overwhelming knowing that you must pack up all your belongings and move them to another home.

Below are some ways that you can reduce the stress associated with moving:

Have a positive attitude. This is a number one priority. When you are happy, you create an inhabitable environment for stress.
Organize and de-clutter your life, starting with your closet. Throw away all the items in your wardrobe that you are never going to wear again. Then, move on to the rest of your house. Do you really need to hold on to that high chair? If your child is getting into their teenage years and you are not going to have another child, consider donating it to someone who might use it. It will be one less thing to carry to your new home.
Ask your friends and family for help. The more, the merrier. The less tasks on your To-Do list, the less stress that you feel in the moving process.
Give yourself enough time. I think that this goes unsaid, but do not wait to pack everything the night before. This will only add stress and make you grumpy. Then, everyone in the family will be in a bad mood come move-in day, creating a rough start to your brand-new journey.
Upon moving in, get involved. Volunteer at your child’s school, or join an exercise program at the local fitness club. These are both great ways to get out into the community and meet new people.
Make sure your belongings are taken care of. Not only should you package all items with care, but you should take special note of where you pack important documents, such as passports, social security cards, and birth certificates. If you have children, you want to make sure that you do not leave behind their favorite toy or security blanket. Protecting your belongings are key, because you do not want to worry the whole plane ride if you forgot something at your old home.

As we talk about passports, birth certificates, and children’s toys, we have forgotten to mention one important valuable, the family car. How do we get the car across the country? What do I do if I do not want to or cannot drive it to my new home? These questions and more will be answered in the following section.

Shipping The Family Car

Why Use A Car Shipping Company?

Imagine this, you are sitting in a car, driving, for a total of thirty-seven hours, while your family is flying in an airplane to your new home in California in about four hours. You must stop for gas, pay for a hotel to sleep along the way, and have money to eat. How exhausting and stressful does this situation sound? This would be Mike, who is moving from South Carolina to California, if he did not hire a car shipping company, instead.

If the above situation does not stray you from driving yourself across the country, below are a few reasons why a car shipping company is the way to go:

It is easier. The professionals will come to your home, pick up your car, and load your car onto the car carrier. Essentially, all of the hard work is done for you.
Less miles, less wear, less tear. Let’s take Mike’s situation, for example. If you were to drive from South Carolina to California, that would put approximately 2,600 miles on your vehicle. More miles means more wear on the tires. This is less than ideal.
Worry-free. You no longer should stress about how you are going to get your car to your new home or what would happen if you got into an accident on this long journey across the United States.
What about the money? If you were to drive across the country, you would have to spend money on a variety of expenses, such as a hotel room, food, and gas. Instead, put that money towards car transport.

Why Use National Dispatch?

After outlining the reasons for choosing a car shipping company, you may be convinced. However, you may ask, “How do I go about choosing the right one for me?”. Check out a few reasons why National Dispatch is unique in the auto transport industry:

Company-owned fleet. Not all car shipping companies own their own trucks.
Get an instant free car-shipping quote anytime. No personal information is needed for the free quote. All we need is the vehicle make and model, pickup location, and delivery location. You will receive your quote in seconds!
Dedication to Customer Service. We care about our customers, and receive business from repeat customers frequently.
Pick-up and delivery is in a Timely Manner. We do all of the heavy work for you, and door-to-door service is provided.
We transport a variety of vehicles. We ship motorcycles, classic cars, and other vehicles (running and non-running).
Relocation anywhere within the United States. No matter where you are moving within the country, we are happy to assist you.
We offer both Open and Enclosed Auto Transport Services. We offer open and enclosed transport options to suit your needs. Your vehicle can be shipped in an enclosed trailer, free from dust, grime, and elements of the road.

Knocking Out The To-Do List

Now, we have identified the common stressors associated with moving, ways to alleviate stress during the move, and how to ship your vehicle. What about that long To-Do List that we mentioned earlier? We have outlined for you a few important places and people that need to be notified upon a change of address.

Below you will find a list of companies and services to notify:

Utilities: This includes the Water Company, Supplier of Electricity, Telephone and Internet Provider, and Cable or Satellite TV Provider.
Updating your Medical Records: If you are moving within range of your current doctors’ offices, you can notify them of your change of address. If you are moving to another state, then you will need to find another physician. When looking for a new doctor, check to see if the new physician accepts your insurance and meets your needs as a health-care provider.
Voter Registration: If you intend on voting in the next election, you will need to update your address.
General Subscriptions: You can forward your mail to your new home for a period of time. However, you will eventually need to update the address for any magazine subscriptions, etc.
Finances: If you have credit cards, you will need to update the billing address on your account to ensure that you receive statements. This will ensure that you pay them on-time, without late fees.
Car-related: It is important that you update your car registration and driver’s license upon moving. There is a limited amount of time to do this. You can go to http://dmv.org for more assistance on this process. However, we have listed a few points to consider when updating this information for your vehicle.

Here are a couple of points to keep in mind when updating your driver’s license and car registration:

Time is of the essence. Many times the DMV gives you 30 days to update your driver’s license, but in some states, such as California, you only have 10 days.
There are numerous ways to accomplish the task. You can update your information in-person, online, or by mail. This makes it fast and easy.

Thank You

We hope that these moving tips will prove to be useful to you in the future and that you choose us, at National Dispatch, for all your auto transport needs. Best of luck to you in the moving process, and I hope that it is a stress-free experience.

At National Dispatch, we would also like to extend a sincere thank you to all active duty and retired military personnel. Your service, sacrifice, and courage is incomparable and thus deserving of recognition.

National Dispatch is here to help alleviate some of your stress. If you are moving across the country, like Mike, or simply want to ensure that your vehicle is taken care of in the move, go to https://www.nationaldispatch.com/ to receive a free instant car shipping quote or call us at 800.321.2051.

Posts Tagged ‘Cross Country Move’

Cross-Country Move: What You Need To Know