As the saying goes, the only constant in life is change. There’s no greater change than moving across the country. From packing up your belongings to navigating the logistics of long-distance travel, it requires careful consideration and planning. With the right approach, you can make your move across the country seamless, stress-free, and affordable.
Last year, I moved from Texas to Washington, and let me tell you, I learned a lot along the way. Now, you get to learn from my experience.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty details of how to move across the country. I’ll break it down into three easy-to-follow steps: planning the move, packing, and adjusting to the new location.
Without further ado, let’s get into it!
Planning the Move
The planning phase of a move across the country is critical. This stage lays the foundation for a stress-free move and can be broken down into five simple steps.
- Researching the new location
- Finding a place to live
- Choosing a moving method
- Budgeting for the move
- Transferring utilities
Whether you’re a seasoned mover or a first timer, having a clear and comprehensive plan in place will help ensure a smooth transition to your new home.
Let’s get into the first step: researching the new location!
1. Researching the New Location
Ah, the research phase. One of the most exciting steps in the moving process. This is where you get to learn all about your new home. From the cost of living, to the job market and everything in between.
There are plenty of resources for researching new places to live, here are some to get you started:
Top 5 Resources for Researching New Places to Live
Below are the 5 best resources for researching new places to live.
1. Online tools
There are many online tools that will make researching your new home much easier. From cost of living, to the job market, these tools make it easy to find all of the information you need!
Here are a few of my favorites:
- NerdWallet’s Cost of Living Calculator allows you to compare the cost of living between where you currently live and where you’re moving. Plus, it’ll tell you exactly how much you’ll need to earn to maintain your standard of living!
- Schooldigger.com helps you evaluate school performance and quality. They rank schools based on test scores, student/teacher ratios and ethnic makeup. Their database has over 120,000 elementary, middle, and high schools in the United States! If you have children, this tool will come in handy.
- Mynextmove.org is a great tool for researching the job market in the area you plan to move. When you land on the website, you’ll have the option to choose your career. From there, you can scroll down to the area where it says ‘Job outlook’ and explore local salary info, find jobs and look at the job outlook in your area!
2. online forums
The internet will be your best friend throughout the research process!
I almost exclusively used Reddit for all of my information gathering.
Reddit is a forum that allows you to ask real locals any questions you may have about the area. There are no limits to the information you can gather, unlike a standard Google search.
3. Local newspapers and magazines
Local newspapers and magazines bring the charm and character of a city to life. These resources are tuned into the pulse of the community, providing a wealth of information on events, festivals, local businesses, and organizations. Additionally, they provide a glimpse into the community’s priorities and values. This will help you determine whether the city will be the right fit for you.
But that’s not all, let’s not forget about real estate! Local newspapers offer a wealth of information on the local housing market, from property listings to insightful articles on the cost of living in the area.
3. Talking to people who live there
When searching for the perfect place to call home, talking to the locals can be a treasure trove of information.
By talking to locals, you’ll gain a unique perspective on what it’s really like to live there. From hearing about their favorite spots, to learning about the area’s community events, it will provide a rich and personal understanding of the community.
Additionally, they can offer valuable insights into the local economy, schools, and amenities, allowing you to make an informed decision about whether the area is the right fit for you. Plus, they can give you the inside scoop on the best places to live and work!
By taking the time to talk to the locals, you’ll gain a one-of-a-kind understanding of the area.
4. Visiting the area in person
When considering a new place to call home, visiting the area in person is an unparalleled resource. There’s simply no substitute for experiencing the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of a community first-hand. By taking a stroll through its streets and parks, you’ll get a feel for the daily rhythm of life in the area. You’ll also have the opportunity to sample the local cuisine, visit its shops and meet the locals.
Now that you know how to research an area, let’s get into what things to research.
8 Things to Research When Moving Across the Country
When researching a new location, here are some important things to consider:
- Cost of living: Research the average cost of housing, groceries, transportation, and other necessities to get a sense of how much you will need to budget for your move.
- Housing options: Research the housing options available in the area! You may choose to sign a lease before moving or find temporary accommodations while you search for a place to live.
- Job market: Investigate the job market in the area, including the types of jobs available, the average salary, and the cost of living.
- Local culture and attractions: Take a look at local cultural attractions, such as museums, theaters, and restaurants, as well as recreational activities and sporting events.
- Schools: If you have children, research the local school district and the quality of the schools in the area.
- Crime rate: Look into the crime rate in the area to determine the level of safety in the community.
- Transportation: Consider the public transportation options and the cost and availability of parking in the area.
- Weather: Research the local weather patterns and climate to determine if the area is suitable for your lifestyle.
- Healthcare: Look at the local healthcare options, including hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities.
By considering these important factors, you can ensure that your new location meets your needs and expectations.
2. Finding a Place to Live
Finding a place to live is arguably the most important aspect of planning a cross-country move.
When moving across the country, some people choose to buy a home or sign a lease ahead of time. While others, prefer to find a place to live after they’ve arrived.
The question is:
Should You Find a Place to Live Before or After You Move?
Whether you should find a place to live before or after you move is a personal decision that depends on a number of factors. These factors include budget, timeline, and level of familiarity with the new city or town.
Finding a place to live before you move can help ease any stress associated with the move. It can also help you to feel more secure and in control of the process.
However, finding a place to live ahead of time may not always be possible. In some cases, you may need to move quickly or you may not have the time to visit the new location beforehand. In such cases it may be a good option to find a temporary place to live, such as a hotel or an Airbnb, until you find a permanent home.
What Did I Do?
If you’re more of a planner, maybe you’re leaning in the direction of signing a lease before moving. But I chose to find a place to live after I moved (and scramble to find accommodations, how fun?!)
After arriving in Washington, my partner and I camped at a state park for 3 weeks while we looked for temporary housing. I know, not everyone’s cup of tea.
We ended up finding a month to month rental on Craigslist. We lived there for 3 months before signing a year long lease. This worked great for us since we didn’t own that much stuff. We just moved all of our things into the month to month rental while we looked for a longer term solution.
What you choose to do will have an effect on the moving method that is best for you. Let’s get into the best moving methods out there depending on whether you have found a place to live ahead of time or not.
3. Choosing a Moving Method
Once you’ve thoroughly researched the new location and are confident that it will be a good fit, it’s time to move onto step 3: deciding on a moving method.
This is one of the most stressful aspects of planning a cross-country move. There are so many options to choose from, and choosing the wrong one can be expensive and inefficient.
Let me start by telling you what method I chose for my move from Texas to Washington.
The Moving Method I Chose and Why
My partner and I wanted to turn our move into a west coast road trip. Which meant we had to travel light to keep our gas mileage low. So, we didn’t want to pack our car with all of our belongings. We decided to go for a POD instead.
A POD, also known as a Portable On Demand Storage unit, is a type of storage container that can be used for moving or storage purposes. They are typically made of steel or aluminum and come in various sizes to accommodate different storage needs. They are delivered to your home, you pack them up with your belongings, and then they are picked up and transported to your new location or to a storage facility.
Using a POD was a great option for us because it gave us more control over our move. After we loaded up our POD it was delivered to a Seattle storage facility at which point we had a month to pick it up before we were charged with a monthly holding fee. Luckily, we got to it in time.
The POD cost us around $2000. Pretty pricey, but it was really convenient for us. We were able to enjoy our road trip without having to tow a trailer or drive a clunky U-Haul.
This method worked great for us! But, it’s not the only option.
Below are some of the most popular cross-country moving methods out there.
5 Most Affordable Cross-Country Moving Methods
There are several affordable options available to help make your move as seamless and budget-friendly as possible. Each method offers its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
We’ll get into the nitty gritty so you can make an informed decision on the best option for your unique situation!
Best moving methods (if you have found a place to live ahead of time)
Here are the best cross-country moving methods if you have found a place to live ahead of time.
- Hiring a Freight Trailer: Hiring a freight trailer is another affordable option for moving across the country. Freight trailers are larger than moving trucks, so you can move more items in one trip. You are responsible for loading and unloading the trailer, but the company will handle the driving.
- Renting a Moving Truck: Renting a moving truck is one of the most affordable options for moving across the country. This option is best for people who are moving with a small number of belongings and don’t mind doing the driving themselves.
- Shipping Your Belongings: Shipping your belongings is a budget-friendly option for people who don’t have a lot of items to move. You can pack your belongings into boxes and have them shipped to your new location, easy peasy.
Best moving methods (if you haven’t found a place to live ahead of time)
Here are the best cross-country moving methods if you haven’t found a place to live ahead of time.
- Using a POD: A POD is a cost-effective alternative to traditional moving methods. PODs are delivered to your home, you pack them up, and then they are transported to your new location or to a storage facility. This option is great if you haven’t found housing yet. You can keep your things in their storage facility as long as you need to. Just keep in mind that there are monthly fees!
- Hitching a trailer: Hitching a trailer to your car is a great option if you don’t own too much stuff. You can rent or buy a trailer, load up the trailer with all of your belongings and simply drive to your destination. This is a great option if you haven’t found housing yet because you can drive and park the trailer anywhere you go.
Whether you’ve found a home ahead of time or not, these 5 moving methods are affordable options for moving across the country!
4. Budgeting Your Cross-Country Move
After you’ve decided on what moving method is best for you, it’s time to create a budget!
Creating a budget when moving across the country is essential for staying organized and avoiding unexpected expenses.
Here are some steps you can follow to create a comprehensive moving budget:
- Estimate transportation costs: Determine the cost of transporting your belongings, whether you choose to hire a professional moving company, rent a moving truck, or use a combination of both. Be sure to get quotes from multiple companies and compare prices.
- Factor in storage costs: If you need to store your belongings during the move, consider the cost of a storage unit. You may also need to factor in the cost of moving your items to and from the storage unit.
- Plan for living expenses: Make sure you have enough money set aside to cover living expenses during the transition period, such as temporary housing, food, and transportation.
- Consider miscellaneous expenses: Moving across the country can also include miscellaneous expenses, such as the cost of packing materials, travel expenses, and the cost of changing your address and other personal information.
- Make a detailed list: Create a detailed list of all the expenses you expect to incur during the move, and estimate the costs for each item. This will help you track your spending and make sure you stay within budget.
- Set a budget and stick to it: Set a budget for your move, and make sure you stick to it as closely as possible. If you find that you’re overspending in one area, try to make adjustments in another area to stay within budget.
By creating a budget and sticking to it, you can avoid financial surprises during your move across the country.
5. Transferring Utilities When Moving
Transferring utilities typically involves a few steps, including contacting your current utility providers, setting up new accounts with your new utility providers, and arranging for any necessary service installations or transfers.
Here’s a general guide to help you through the process:
- Contact your current utility providers: You’ll need to inform your current utility providers that you’ll be moving and provide them with your move-out date. You should also ask them to disconnect your services on that date.
- Set up new accounts with your new utility providers: Research the utility providers in your new area and find out what services they offer. You’ll need to set up new accounts for services such as electricity, gas, water, and internet/cable.
- Arrange for any necessary service installations or transfers: If you’re moving into a new home or apartment, you may need to arrange for the installation of new utilities. If the property already has utilities, you’ll need to arrange for them to be transferred into your name. In some cases, the landlord or property management company may handle this for you.
- Schedule service turn-on dates: Once you’ve set up your new accounts and arranged for any necessary installations or transfers, you should schedule turn-on dates for your new services. Make sure these dates coincide with your move-in date so you’ll have utilities when you arrive.
- Check your final bills: Finally, make sure to check your final bills from your old utility providers to ensure that you’re not being overcharged. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the provider’s customer service department.
By following these steps, you should be able to transfer your utilities smoothly and avoid any interruptions in service.
Packing to Move Across the Country
Although packing up your entire life may seem overwhelming, it’s also an opportunity to start fresh.
Packing for my move to Washington was when I realized that I wanted to embrace a minimalist lifestyle. There’s nothing like unearthing every trinket and gadget you own to put things in perspective. I realized that I owned so many things I simply didn’t need. Some of which I didn’t even know I had!
I invite you to view packing as an opportunity to get rid of things that aren’t serving you. Since this blog is dedicated to minimalism, I’ve written plenty of articles on decluttering. A couple of my favorites are The Secret to Decluttering your Space and 12 Reasons Your Wardrobe Declutter Failed (& How to Fix It!)
Besides decluttering, here are 10 more tips for packing to move cross-country!
10 Tips for Packing to Move Across the Country
Below are 10 practical tips for packing to move across the country:
- Start early: Begin the packing process early to avoid last-minute stress. I recommend giving yourself 6-8 weeks.
- Separate your essentials: Include items you’ll need immediately after arriving at your new home, such as toiletries, bedding, and a change of clothes.
- Use high-quality packing materials: Invest in sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper to protect your belongings during the move.
- Pack strategically: Pack heavy items at the bottom of the boxes and lighter items on top. Use packing paper and bubble wrap to protect fragile items.
- Use space efficiently: Fill empty spaces in boxes with towels, linens, and clothing to prevent items from shifting during transport.
- Pack seasonal items separately: Items like holiday decorations or winter clothes can be packed separately and stored until the appropriate season.
- Organize items by category: Pack items by category, such as clothes, books, and kitchenware, to make unpacking and organizing easier.
- Label boxes clearly: Label boxes with the contents and the room they belong to, making it easier to unpack and organize in your new home.
- Use technology: Take photos of how electronics are wired to help with reassembly, and use apps like Sortly to keep track of items in each box.
- Pack a separate box for valuables: Keep valuable or irreplaceable items in a separate box that you’ll transport yourself during the move.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure that your belongings arrive safely and securely!
Packing FAQ: Commonly Asked Questions
Have more questions about packing for a cross-country move?
Below are some commonly asked questions. If you have a question that hasn’t been answered, drop it in the comment section!
Q: What Should I Pack First When Moving?
A: It’s a good idea to start by packing items that you don’t use regularly, such as seasonal items or items in storage. You can also begin packing non-essential items such as decorations and artwork.
Q: How Do I Pack Large or Bulky Items?
A: Disassemble large items like furniture whenever possible and pack them in sections. Use moving blankets or furniture pads to protect the items during transport.
Q: What Is the Best Way to Pack Fragile Items?
A: The best way to pack fragile items is to wrap them in bubble wrap or packing paper and place them in a sturdy box with additional packing material to prevent shifting.
Q: How Do I Pack Plants for a Cross-Country Move?
A: Plants can be difficult to transport long distances, so it’s a good idea to find a new home for them. I made the mistake of transporting my plants via POD and was welcomed by a mess of dirt and dead plants upon opening it. Not fun!
Q: How Should I Label My Boxes?
A: Label your boxes clearly with the contents and the room they belong in. You may also want to include any special instructions, such as “fragile” or “this end up.”
Q: How Can I Save Money on Packing Supplies?
A: You can save money on packing supplies by using items you already have, such as suitcases, duffel bags, and laundry baskets, to pack your belongings. You can also ask local stores for free boxes or purchase gently used boxes from online marketplaces.
Adjusting to the New Location
After weeks, or even months, of meticulous planning, packing, and moving, you’ve finally settled into your new home. The transition to a new location can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. You’ll have to adapt to a new environment, build new relationships, and navigate new cultural norms. This may sound exhausting, but, with the right mindset, it can be an opportunity for growth.
Adjusting to a new location can be broken down into three steps! Meeting new people, exploring the area and finding a job.
Here are some tips for making this transition seamless!
1. Finding a Job After Relocating
For many, finding a job is a top priority after moving across the country. Besides just earning a living, it’s also a great way to make connections in your new community.
Here are some tips to help you find a new job:
- Research the job market: Check online job boards, newspapers, and networking groups to get a sense of the job market and the types of jobs available.
- Update your resume and cover letter: Make sure your resume and cover letter are up-to-date and tailored to the types of jobs you’re applying for.
- Network: Join local professional organizations, attend industry events, and connect with former colleagues who may have contacts in your new city.
- Use online job search resources: There are many online resources available to help you find jobs in a new city. So, don’t limit yourself to just one platform. Some of my favorite platforms are barefootstudent.com, coolworks.com, craigslist.com, indeed.com and linkedin.com!
- Be open-minded: Consider jobs that may not be your first choice, but can help you get your foot in the door and make connections. When I first moved to Washington I worked at a dairy farm, a chiropractic clinic and a restaurant before finding my dream job! If it pays the bills, give it a shot.
- Be persistent: Finding a new job can take time, so be patient and persistent in your job search efforts.
- Look into remote opportunities: If you moved to a small town, consider remote opportunities! This will help expand your search and increase the likelihood of finding a job quickly.
Remember that you don’t have to find your dream job right away. Instead, use your move as an opportunity to try something you’ve never done before!
2. Exploring Your New Home
Exploring a new area is a thrilling experience, especially when you know that it’s your new home. The best way to explore is to keep an open mind and a sense of wonder.
Start by taking a leisurely walk through your new neighborhood, making note of the unique features and hidden gems that catch your eye. Head to local attractions to get a sense of the city’s history and culture. Visit the local markets and festivals to meet new people and find new favorite spots. Take advantage of the city’s public transportation options to travel to new neighborhoods and discover new places to explore. Ask locals for recommendations, as they often know the best spots to eat, drink, and play.
Exploring your new area with a sense of adventure and a willingness to try new things will help you quickly feel at home in your new city. There’s nothing quite like exploring a new area with the knowledge that it’s your new home, and the potential for exciting discoveries is limitless.
3. Meeting New People After Relocating
Meeting new people is essential to building a support system and feeling at home in a new city.
Here are some tips for meeting new people when you’ve moved across the country:
- Join local clubs or organizations: Joining a club or organization is an excellent way to meet people who share your interests. Look for clubs or groups that cater to your hobbies, such as a running club or book club.
- Attend community events: Attending community events such as festivals, fairs, and farmers’ markets is a great way to meet people in your new community. These events offer a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where people are often open to making new connections.
- Take classes or workshops: Taking a class or workshop in something you’re interested in is another way to meet new people. Check out local adult education classes, or look for workshops in your field or hobbies.
- Volunteer: Volunteering for a local organization or charity is an excellent way to meet people while doing good in your new community.
- Connect through social media: I know I know, meeting friends through social media, how very Gen Z of me. But, social media can be a great tool for connecting with people in your new area. Look for local groups or pages on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to find events, meetups, or other opportunities to connect with like-minded people.
- Join a friend ‘dating’ app: Did you know that dating apps aren’t just for romantic relationships? I’ve met some of my best friends through Bumble BFF. Just have an open mind and see who’s out there!
While meeting new people can be daunting, putting yourself out there is the first step towards building a new network of friends!
In Conclusion
Moving across the country is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning and preparation. The key is to start planning early, stay organized, and remain flexible throughout the process. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your move is as stress-free as possible.
Remember to take your time, prioritize your needs, and enlist the help of friends, family, or professionals when needed. Good luck with your move, and happy travels!
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