Cross Country Movers

Tips on Choosing a Cross-Country Moving Company

Moving cross-country is a difficult task to take on by yourself. While DIYing your move may seem like the most affordable option, hiring movers can be a comparable option for many individuals. To ensure you're prepared to relocate 500, 1,000 or even 2,000 miles away, you'll need to find a trustworthy partner to help you with your cross-country moving needs.

Here are five tips you can use to find the best cross-country moving company to work with:

Read Reviews and Customer Testimonials 

Customer reviews and testimonials can help you build trust and confidence with the cross-country movers you plan to work with. You can learn more about other customer's experiences to decide whether or not they would be a good fit for you.

Check Permits and Licenses

Cross-country moving companies need DOT and FMCSA authorization. These permits and licenses are required to transport belongings across state lines. You'll also want to ensure the cross-country movers are bonded and insured. 

Compare Quotes

You'll want to gather quotes from at least two to three cross-country moving companies. This way, you can easily compare the prices for moving services and find the most affordable option for you.

Review Cross-Country Moving Services

To ensure your move is as seamless and stress-free as possible, you’ll want to guarantee the cross-country movers are capable of helping with every aspect of your move. Some services most moving companies offer include packing and loading, transportation and fragile-only packing. If you're moving over 500 to 1,000 miles away, you may also want to check for affordable auto shipping services or storage solutions.

Check for Flexibility

To ensure you only pay for what you need, you want to make sure the cross-country moving company you choose to work with offers flexible and custom moving plans.

Should I Hire a Cross-Country Moving Company?

Absolutely. Working with a cross-country moving company can help you get settled without stress. They will help you save time, money and energy in the long run. Cross-country moving companies are also required by law to provide two levels of valuation to protect your belongings while in transit. 

How Long Does It Take to Move Across The Country?

The transit time for cross-country moves can vary. Most cross-country movers can be completed in two to five business days. However, this will depend on how far you're moving, the time of the year and traffic patterns. If you're on a strict time frame, discuss your time frame and limitations with your cross-country moving company. 

How Much Does a Cross-Country Move Cost?

The cost of a cross-country move will vary, depending on where you're moving, the moving services you need and what you need help moving. Most cross-country moving companies charge by the pound. To save on your overall move, consider downsizing and decluttering.

Cross-Country Moving Services

At North American Van Lines, we offer various cross-country moving services. All of our services are customizable. After requesting an online quote, a relocation specialist on our team will connect with you to discuss our cross-country moving services. Some services they may recommend for your relocation include:

Full-Service Packing

Our cross-country movers are here to help you pack, load, transport and unpack your belongings. With our full-service packing, everything is taken care of for you from start to finish. Our movers are also trained and insured, so you can rest assured knowing your belongings are in good hands. 

Auto Transportation Services

Not sure how you plan to relocate your spare car, boat or motorcycle during your cross-country move? Want to avoid adding extra miles to your odometer? We offer safe and secure auto transportation services at affordable rates. Our cross-country movers can typically complete an auto transport in five to seven business days. If we don't meet our agreed-upon in-hand date, we'll get you a rental car free of charge.

Storage Solutions

We have storage units available across the United States. Our units come in various sizes and are climate-controlled. We also offer short and long-term rates.

10 Steps to a Successful Cross Country Move

Preparing for moving cross-country takes much more than deciding whether you’ll pack your belongings yourself or have the moving company do it. The most successful, least stressful moves result from careful planning.

Follow these steps to get started:

1. Declutter. Everything you move will cost money, so about 6–8 weeks before the big day, go through items like clothing, books and other items to decide if some can be sold or donated. Furniture you don’t want can be listed on a neighborhood app or marketplace, with the added bonus that someone may pay you for something you don’t need and haul it away in the bargain. The cash you make can even help defray your moving costs.
   
   
2. Itemize and organize. Take stock of what you can go ahead and pack for your cross-country move, such as books, small kitchen appliances you won’t need, knickknacks and other items. Label every box clearly with the room and the contents. Take photos of valuable items and procure any additional boxes and packing materials you’ll need.
   
   
3. Prepare for your new home. About 4 weeks before your move date, start making arrangements to have the utilities and cable turned off at your old home and on at the new one. If you’ve been renting your current home, clean it as you pack so you have the best chance of getting your full deposit back.
   
   
4. Close, cancel and transfer. About 2 weeks before moving day, fill out a change of address form at the post office or online. Have your car serviced if you plan to drive it across the country. Cancel your local memberships (gym, golf, etc.).
   
   
5. Keep your valuables and necessary items close. As safe and conscientious as our movers and drivers are, it’s still a good practice to carry valuables such as jewelry, fragile items and small antiques with you. Of course, you should also bring suitcases packed with whatever you and your family will need while traveling.
   
   
6. Budget and prepare for unexpected expenses. You never know what might happen when moving. Car troubles, weather delays and surprise repairs to your new or old home are all too common. An emergency budget will give you peace of mind and help you prepare for the unexpected during your cross-country moving experience. Keep in mind that northAmerican will never charge more than the price you agreed to, so that’s one less thing to stress about!
   
   
7. Look into cross-country moving services. Interstate moves can quickly become complex undertakings. However, with a full-service cross-country moving company by your side, you’ll be prepared to approach every aspect of your relocation with the utmost confidence. The cross-country movers at North American Van Lines are the best in the business. We’ve helped thousands of individuals and families manage the ins and outs of long-distance moving with ease. No matter what you need, we're here to lend an extra hand.
   
   
8. Consider your moving costs. While DIY moving can save money, it will certainly cost time and peace of mind. Many people are surprised by how much work it takes to safely pack, ship and unload everything they own while also managing the logistics of transitioning to a new home. While some cross-country moving companies may charge exorbitant fees, northAmerican offers custom moving packages to ensure you only pay for the services you need.
   
   
9. Look into auto transport and car shipping services. Driving yourself on a cross-country move will put thousands of miles on your odometer. Auto transport services make it easy to move your car from point A to point B without planning a big road trip with kids, family or pets. Plus, they’re more affordable than selling and buying a new car in a new state!
   
   
10. Create a checklist. Maintaining a moving checklist will help you stay organized throughout the process. Your checklist should include not only your personal belongings, but other tasks like transferring subscriptions, clearing out your storage unit, transferring utilities and notifying your children’s school about your upcoming cross-country move.
    
    

Clearly, a cross-country move is no simple task. To ensure you’re prepared for the big day, check out our Moving Resources page for a moving checklist, how-to’s and other tips to make any move easier. Contact North American Van Lines today for more information about our cross-country moving services and to receive a free estimate. Our professional cross-country movers are here to help.

How to Prepare for a Cross Country Move

Planning for a cross-country move can be a time-consuming task, but the more preparation you put in, the more smoothly your transition will go. Start prepping early to spare yourself the stress of rushing as the moving date approaches.

Start with a Budget

Cross-country moves can get pricey. You'll need to consider the cost of moving supplies and travel expenses. Compare quotes from cross-country movers to find an acceptable price range. Once you’ve set a budget, you can start selecting affordable services that align with your needs. 

Declutter and Pack

A simple way to make moving cross-country easier is to eliminate items you no longer need or use. Before you start packing, consider donating, selling or throwing away items you no longer need. This will help you save on moving supplies and keep yourself organized.

Gather Important Documents 

Passports, social security cards and other important documents should never be packed into a moving truck. Instead, gather these documents in a safe container (a firebox is a good option) and keep them in your possession throughout the cross-country move.

Plan for the Road Trip

If driving to your destination, plan out the road trip in advance. Research and book accommodations along your route before moving day. Of course, if you’d rather avoid the hassle and expense of a long road trip, auto shipping remains one of the most popular cross-country moving services. These services can help you save money on gas and avoid putting unnecessary miles on your car. 

Switch Your Utilities and Change Your Address

Notify your services and utilities a few weeks before your cross-country move to avoid gaps in service when you arrive at your new home. You'll also want to change your address and get your mail forwarded. 

Why Choose northAmerican for a Cross Country Move?

There's a ton to consider when moving across the country, from switching utilities and calling your kids’ schools to changing your address. As one of the leading cross-country moving companies in North America, we proudly offer affordable, comprehensive logistics services for relocations of every size and distance.

For over 90 years, North American Van Lines has helped individuals, families and businesses move from coast to coast. Our professional cross-country movers are trained and experienced in every aspect of moving. When you partner with northAmerican, you’ll enjoy peace of mind throughout the moving process. All you need to do is sit back, relax and get excited about your new home. 

Contact us today for a free estimate.

Cross Country Moving FAQs

What is the cost of moving cross-country?

The price of your cross-country move will largely depend on the volume of belongings you need moved and the number of services you choose. We offer everything from full-service packing to fragile-only packing; we even sell quality packing materials so you can do the packing yourself. We also offer storage, vehicle shipping and specialty moving services (such as piano moving). As a leading national moving company, we can offer many more affordable cross-country moving services than our competitors, allowing you to tailor your move to your needs and budget. For an exact price on your cross-country move, get a quote today!

How long does a cross country move take?

The transit time for your move will vary depending on how far your old home is from your new one, but generally, a cross-country move takes 2–5 business days once the moving van is loaded.

Can you provide moving services anywhere in the country?

Absolutely! As one of the largest cross-country moving companies, North American Van Lines has agents throughout the U.S. and Canada. And, to extend our reach, we work with trusted third parties when necessary. We want you to stress less about the move and focus on making the transition easier for yourself and your family.

Why should I hire a cross country moving company?

Moving anything by yourself can be very challenging, and moving across the country even more so. At the very least, you’ll probably need someone to help you load your belongings onto trucks and unload them at your destination. A professional moving company can provide a seamless experience, including packing services and storage options, and even help you get settled without stress.

What is the cheapest way to move cross-country?

The cheapest way to move across the country will always be DIY. Still, it's an intimidating task that can often be more expensive than hiring a mover once you factor in packing, driving, unpacking, decluttering, etc. We offer a convenient Quote on Demand form that allows you to estimate your costs of moving across the country with North American Van Lines.

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