How To Move Across the Country

Planning a relocation from California to Florida? Need help relocating from the East Coast to the West Coast? No matter where life takes you next, cross-country relocations can be a challenging task.

If you're currently learning how to move across the country, you'll find that hiring a reliable moving company is your best bet in achieving a stress-free relocation. In this guide, we’ll provide you with tips and tricks you can use to plan your cross-country relocation. Here’s everything you need to know:

Before Your Move: Tips

DIYing your cross-country move can be expensive and time-consuming. When you invest in professional help, you can ensure your belongings are safe and protected during transit.

Here are some more tips to help you plan and learn how to move across the country:

Purge and Declutter

Did you know most cross-country moving companies charge by the pound? Donating, recycling and throwing away items you no longer use can help you get organized. It's also an easy way to save money on the overall cost of your relocation.

Investigate Moving Companies

You'll want to compare quotes between at least two to three cross-country moving companies. This will ensure you find the best moving services, pricing structure and movers for your unique move. When comparing quotes, you'll want to:

Decide which pricing structure is right for you
Read the fine print and look for hidden fees, extra charges and surcharges
Explore the different moving services available
Check the references for the long-distance movers
Check for certifications and insurance

Organize, Pack, and Create an Inventory

When learning how to move across the country, packing is arguably the most important task you'll need to complete before moving day. You want to ensure your items are safely packed and organized for transit. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

Invest in sturdy boxes, packing tape and bubble wrap
Pack room by room
Clearly label your boxes
Create an inventory list to stay organized

Visit our moving resources for more packing tips and packing calculators.

Pack Essentials

Whether you're traveling by plane or car, you'll need to have an essentially only bag you can easily access during your travels. This essentials-only bag should contain items you and your family will need to use during your first few nights at your new home. This way, you don't have to open up all your moving boxes the first night in your new place.

When packing an essentials-only box, consider setting aside clothes, toiletries, bedding and toys for the kids. You'll also want to have documents, photos and family heirlooms in one box that stays in your possession.

During the Move: Tips

We get it. Moves can be stressful. Of course, it’s natural to worry, but when you prepare yourself and have planned thoroughly, there’s every reason to expect a positive moving experience. During your move, you may want to employ these helpful tips:

Provide Movers With Clear Instructions

When your movers arrive, be sure to provide them with any special instructions for moving specialty items. Your movers should already have a clear route to your destination in mind before they begin, but be sure that they have your contact information so that they can reach you if needed.

Be sure to also let the movers know how you’ll be traveling. This is especially important if you’re flying because you might not be within reach until your plane lands.

Go Over the Contract

Before your movers begin loading up, you might want to go over the contract with them. Be sure that no additional fees will be added. You should know all the fees upfront before the day of the move.

Communicate With Your Movers

Always communicate with your movers while your belongings are in transit. Your movers will let you know if they experience delays caused by road construction or inclement weather.

At North American Van Lines, all our customers get access to our state-of-the-art tracking and communication system. With this tool, you'll always know where your belongings are in real-time.

After the Move: Tips

Once you arrive at your new destination, it's time to unpack and make your new house your new home. If your move was well-organized and your movers placed furnishings and labeled boxes in the correct rooms, you’ll find settling in to be a more convenient experience.

Here are some after-the-move tips you can use to stay organized:

Unpack With Your Inventory List

Use your inventory list as you unpack your belongings and settle into your new home. Check off each item you unpack from your inventory list. That way, you can take all the items into account.

Anything lost or damaged during the transport is an issue you’ll want to address with your moving company. A high-quality moving company will have a clear process for making claims involving lost or damaged items.

Leave a Review

Had a particular kind of experience with your moving team? Help other people who are planning a move by leaving an online review of your moving company. If you’ve had a positive experience, let others know so that they can more easily select quality movers to assist with their move, too.

Choose North American Moving Services for Your Cross-Country Move

Ready to learn how to move across the country? Let North American Van Lines lead the way.

Our cross-country movers will help you plan, pack and relocate your belongings across the country. Everyone on our team is trained, certified and insured to handle moves of every size. We also have experience with auto transportation services and storage units. Let us know how we can help, and we'll handle the rest.