Ultimate Moving Guide

Making Such a Great Change in Life Can Bring Psychological Challenges

Changing the living location doesn’t come easy to any of us. But, while it sometimes may come unexpected, it is often planned and wished upon. Still, to be honest, in neither of these cases can we go through it without feeling overwhelmed, and that it’s taking a toll on us, both physically and mentally. Thus, our final goal should be to keep everything under control as much as we can, so we can have a stress-free move and start seeing this change as an adventure.

Fear of Moving is a Fear of Making Changes

Whether you have never moved before or you know how much work and stress a relocation requires, you may be experiencing a sense of fear. This feeling may be so overwhelming that it can become a phobia, known as tropophobia. Tropo in Greek means “way,” and Phobos is “fear” or “deep aversion,” and basically, it’s a fear of making changes. Change may be considered threatening to people, and many dislike changing the way they live or in their day-to-day routine.

When Stress and Anxiety Start to Be Overwhelming

Many parts of a relocation process can stack up the levels of stress and anxiety, from searching for a job to deciding how much money you will be able to actually set aside. Trying to find enough time to do everything properly while juggling your work and kids also amounts to anxiety. While some stress is good for keeping you alert and focused on the task ahead of you, you shouldn’t let it get the better of you.

It May Even Lead You to Depression

Lately, people tend to stay in one place for longer, and it’s only natural that, in those circumstances, they grow fond of their homes. After all, home is where the heart is, and our heart is usually where our friends and family are. Saying goodbye to both the place and people is why homesickness can grow into a severe depression. But, there are certain ways to cope with these feelings and overcome them before they take a physical toll on our health.

Things You Can Do to Make It Easier On Yourself

It’s only normal to be stressed while we venture into the unknown, but we must try to keep these negative feelings at bay. The first step toward protecting your own self from stress is to take care of these things:

• Stay organized. Start your preparatory steps early on to try and keep unexpected occurrences down to a minimum.
• Get enough sleep and keep in mind that you shouldn’t neglect your daily routines, such as a walk in the park.
• Eat healthily and regularly to give your body enough healthy nutrients to pull through. Relocations are hard work, and you’ll need strength.
• Cut down on caffeine, cigarettes, and alcohol. Relocation is actually a good opportunity to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
• Focus on all of the benefits of the move, like advancing in your career, familiarizing yourself with new surroundings, or if you’re moving for love, spending significantly more time with your loved one. Bring back the sense of adventure to your move.

These are all good starting points to make you feel a bit better. However, if you start noticing physical effects, such as different aches in your body ( chest pain and headaches,) or your sleep has been affected, you must react. Give yourself a break, and perhaps seek medical attention.

Saying Goodbye to Your Close Ones Can Be a Good Way to Cope

We can see how the fear of the unknown and saying goodbye can become sort of a background soundtrack of our relocation, but we shouldn’t let it be so. Just think of it this way – it’s better to gather your friends and family together for a farewell party and make John Mayer’s song “Moving on and getting over” the theme of this occasion than to look only at negative sides. The modern world has brought us many advantages, and with a good internet connection, you’ll be able to keep in touch with friends regularly. At the same time, they will continue to be your support system, even from far away.

The Additional Pros and Cons of a DIY Move

While the biggest pros of a DIY move are that you’ll set your own time and pace, while you’ll also avoid having people you don’t know in your house. If anything gets damaged or lost, you’ll be the first to know. But, there are certain downsides to it, besides driving on your own. All the tasks will be up to you to organize and finish, and things to take care of are just too many.

What to Expect When You Have a Relocation Ahead of You

Each move starts similarly if you want professionals to take care of it. Companies such as Cross Country Movers have an online quote form that you can fill out, and after that, the company’s agent will contact you. You will provide them with a detailed inventory and get a guaranteed quote, which will change if you decide to update your list.

On your move-out date, you will be notified by phone before they arrive. They will start packing the items on your inventory list, secure each box and label it with a barcode before they begin to load them onto the truck. Your furniture will be disassembled, and large appliances wrapped and secured for transport. You will get a time frame when you can expect your belongings to arrive.

When the movers come close to your new home, you will get a call, and when the truck arrives, they will start to unload everything. All the boxes will go to their designated rooms, and the movers will reassemble the furniture. After they make sure everything is in order and check the inventory list, they will leave your home.

What Do Movers Consider as Non-Allowables

Before you start placing everything you own into cardboard boxes, suitcases, and bags and seal everything up, you should be familiar with items that cross-country movers won’t move. Most companies will present you with a list of non-allowables, and it usually consists of these items and materials:

• Explosive, toxic, poisonous, and hazardous materials such as weapons, gasoline, bleach, paints, and acids are considered dangerous and are among the items movers won’t move.
• Perishable foods are non-allowables since they might get spoiled in transport and cause damage to your other belongings. It’s best if you consume most of your food before the move-out day and throw away the rest.
• Pets and plants are something that you should transport by yourself. Temperatures in the truck’s cargo hold can become unbearable to a living thing.

Follow this list for some basic information on items that professionals won’t move, but also keep in mind that you should contact them for a more detailed list, so you can avoid any unpleasant situations on the move-out day.

Having No USDOT Number? Stay Away From These Potential Scammers

You can double-check any company through the government agency called Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA,) the US Department of Transportation (USDOT,) and the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA.) A reliable company should have a USDOT number and proper licenses, so if a mover doesn’t have any of those, it’s a red flag.

Be Wary Of Unrealistically Low Estimates

After you’ve decided on several companies (pick at least three,) you should phone them in to get a quote. Keep in mind that one of the common moving mistakes when it comes to scams is to settle for the lowest price. Sometimes, if something sounds too good to be true, it is usually a fat lie. An unrealistically low quote may mean that you’ll end up with hidden fees and costs that will just keep piling up.

Watch Out if They Want Money Upfront

Some companies may ask for a hefty deposit, which is a huge red flag, in the style of Bernie Madoff. You may end up with your belongings held hostage while they make neverending excuses why they can’t be delivered to you until you pay even more. And the other scenario might be that scammers receive your deposit and vanish with your money, never to be seen again.

Learn to Protect Yourself in Several Ways

Hearing about different scams in the relocation industry can make you think twice about hiring long-distance movers. Still, since it’s way easier to relocate with professionals, you should learn about the ways you can protect yourself just in case. Since you’ve probably already done thorough research, make sure the cross-country movers provide you with “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move,” which is an official moving industry rulebook.

It’s common sense not to sign a blank document, but make sure you sign only a contract where everything is listed in detail. Set aside some time and create a photo inventory – it will make it easier to file a claim if anything goes missing.

Here Comes the Money Talk – Do Your Budgeting Like a Pro

While it would be nice if we could teleport ourselves just like in an episode of Star Trek, while it costs us nothing, our relocations still must be done the old-fashioned way. That includes calculating all the costs and adding some more on top of that. From filling the inventory list to investing in cross-country moving services, you should start getting an idea of how much it will all cost you. Include the rates from your long-distance movers (don’t forget tips,) the price of materials you’ll need to pack everything up, down payment for the mortgage or lease deposit, as well as the costs of miscellaneous household items you might need. When you write everything down and get over the initial shock, try to cut a few things down so your moving budget can seem a little less scary.

Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night, and Don’t Start Packing for Cross Country Moving Without the Proper Materials

You can look at relocating the way Dylan Thomas wanted us to look at life, meaning that those who actually live out their lives will better see how it has been bright for them. And since packing is probably what we dread the most when it comes to moving across the country, it’s time to gather every ounce of bravery we have and venture on into each corner of our home. Trust us – it will pay off in the end when you get to enjoy the great new change after the move.

Decluttering as the Way of Life – or Take Each Item and Ask Yourself Does It Spark Joy

We’re serious here – purging your household before your move-out day comes close will help you in many ways. This is the perfect opportunity to adopt the famous Marie Kondo method, which made her book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” a bestseller – look at each item and ask yourself if it still has use to you, but also does it spark joy. This way, you will know which of your belongings should be discarded. The discarded stuff should be separated into three piles – “donate,” ”throw away,” and ”sell.” If you want to make decluttering a habit even after you move, take a look at the advice in the video below.

Throw a Par… We Mean a Garage Sale Like a Boss

Organizing a garage sale is not that hard, but it takes a few tricks to pull it off successfully. First of all, if you have decluttered on time, you’ll be able to pick a perfect date for a sale. Make sure there aren’t any other events taking place in your neighborhood so that more people could attend. Your event should probably be held between 8 am and 5 pm.

The other key to a successful sale is to advertise it properly. Put up signs all over, and you might even host an event on Facebook. Call in other family members, and even a few friends, because people who usually attend sales love multi-sellers.

Make sure the pricing is reasonable, and you can divide items into single ones and bulks and price them that way. If you have never organized a garage sale before, you can see some good advice in the video below.

Contacting Utility Companies Should Be a Priority

Amidst all the chaos where you wouldn’t know where you’re headed if it weren’t for that checklist, calling the utility companies may be something that isn’t even in the far corners of your mind. But, let’s get to the point – contacting them is important, and contacting them on time above all else. This should be done to avoid two things: a) the next owners receiving a more than a hefty electricity bill because you left the air conditioning on, and b) you arriving at your new home, tired and sweaty, only to realize there’s no warm water or electricity at all. These two scenarios should both be out of the question, so don’t let utilities be among the things you forget to do when you move.

You Are Not Through With Notifying, Yet

Besides the most important agencies, providers and institutions, there are a few others you should notify when moving. First, inform the Department of Motor Vehicles and update your vehicle registration. You may even receive a new driver’s license. The next is to inform the voting district you’re moving to, so you can update your voter registration, although some states automatically update it when you change your information with the DMV. And if you are a user of any social benefits, make sure you notify the Social Security Administration.

On the less formal side, most of us use sites like eBay, Amazon, and similar online retail sites which have a one-click checkout, so you should update the address there, too. Finally, in the end, don’t forget to notify and say goodbye to your friends and family.

Your Fragile Belongings Won’t Require You to Serenade Them, but They Need Special Protection

Perhaps the most stressful part of any packing is securing breakables. Cracks of glass will move at 3000 mph when it breaks, but we believe you’d rather not confirm that fact in practice, especially when it comes to your favorite punch bowl (you’ll need it for the move-in party.) So, how to pack fragile items and avoid damage in transport? It’s the same as packing glasses and also packing the plates – with care and proper materials. You’ll need to use a lot of packing paper to fill in the gaps, so nothing moves around the box and damages itself or others, but you can cushion the boxes with peanuts or even soft household items. Wrap each item securely with bubble wrap or packing paper, and place them into smaller to medium-sized boxes for easier carrying.

How to Pack Electronics so You Can Have Your Toys Ready and Set as Soon as You Unpack Them

We may freely say that our TVs have become the modern hearths of our homes, where we gather with bowls of popcorn to watch Netflix or yell at them during a good game. But, to be able to use our electronics the moment we unpack them, we should make sure that no harm comes to them. The best possible way to make sure electronics are unscathed is to place them into their original packaging.

Take Extra Steps to Ensure Your Valuables

We may consider different things like valuables, from jewelry to antique furniture, and it will require different approaches to prepare for transport. Keep in mind that jewelry and similar items should be kept with you at all times (perhaps it’s best to place them into that bag of essentials,) while larger pieces should be taken care of by professionals when they pack a moving truck. Cross Country Movers offer you custom crating as a means of protecting these kinds of items. You can also see some more packing hacks in the video below.

Want to Start House Hunting? Let’s Get Down to Business With These Simple Tips

Many of us dream of a new house. Whether it has a bigger yard, more bedrooms, or it’s in a perfect neighborhood, in our minds, it’s our perfect residence. But before we start our search, we should check our credit score and how much we’ll be able to set aside for a downpayment.

Whatever it may be that you need and wish for, make sure you put it on a checklist. While you won’t be able to find a home that has it all, you can come close to your dreams if you start hunting on time. The other house hunting tips include hiring a good real estate agent and narrowing the area down to the neighborhoods that suit you best (one with good schools, parks, short commutes.) When you start visiting each abode with your realtor, take quick photos to inspect them later at home.

Renting an Apartment Shouldn’t Be Rushed

Renters move more than owners, and they move mostly because of the rent prices and the need for a larger space. Some steps to renting an apartment may be similar to house hunting, as you’ll need to make sure you have a good credit score. You’ll also need to gather documents to apply for a lease, and these are your ID, a recommendation letter, bank statement, and proof of insurance. You can look for a suitable condo on sites such as HotPads, and some even have virtual tours you can take.

No Two Moves Are the Same, but They Can All Be Tackled Effortlessly

An average American moves almost 12 times in their lifetime, and each relocation has its unique sides and circumstances. There are many factors that can affect our relocation and make it harder than it should be, such as moving during coronavirus. However, no matter what the circumstances are, there’s a solution to every obstacle to make the relocation process less demanding and stressful.

How to Avoid Losing Your Mind When You’re Moving With Kids

Whether you’re moving with a newborn or your kids are a bit older, the whole process will be demanding. Bringing an infant into a new abode will only require you to baby-proof the house and make sure the trip to the new address goes smoothly, while the parents of toddlers will have more on their plate. However, if you take the necessary steps to prepare both yourself and your kids, they may even consider it fun. Make sure you talk to them when you decide to move and reassure them that they will make new friends. Give them some tasks to do (such as packing up the toys) to feel included. When the moving day comes, make sure you have a babysitter or a family member to look after them. Look at some tips for relocation with kids in the video below.

Relocating With Elderly Parents? Arm Yourself With Patience

You know that there’s a saying that we’re so busy growing up that we forget our parents are growing old? As they get older, they tend to lose patience more quickly, but that’s why we’re the ones that have to adjust. This is even more important when you have to go through a stressful situation such as moving across the country together. Before you start making plans for the relocation, make sure you talk to them and explain. Although they won’t be able to assist you much with all the hard work, they will probably have peace of mind if you keep them informed.

Moving Your Office Is Doable With These Easy Steps

Not all moves are residential, but if you are an entrepreneur that’s planning an office move, it can be done effortlessly with the help of a reliable cross-country moving company. Start by figuring out your budget and picking the right location. You should also consider the layout of your new office space, and don’t skip speaking to your employees about it. The most important step will be to find the right company that can relocate your business to another address. Cross Country Movers has a team of highly trained individuals who will handle your commercial move in a jiffy.

Your College Days Are Over, Now It’s Time to Venture On

All brand new graduates leave their campuses with a big smile and a heart full of anticipation because, after all, this is the next huge step in one’s independent life. Deciding to live on your own requires you to take certain preparatory steps. First, you should choose a city that may suit your lifestyle and look for work opportunities suitable for college graduates. The next step should be budgeting to the last detail and considering whether you can find yourself a roommate, to split the costs. Don’t forget to look for some small apartment ideas to make your abode stylish with a personal touch.

Think Whether an Open or Enclosed Trailer Better Suits Your Needs and Your Budget

You’ve made up your mind to relieve yourself from driving duties and have chosen a shipping company. And now it’s time to pick between different types of carriers. It’s always good to have options, especially when it comes to services from a cross-country moving company, since it will affect your overall budget planning. But first, you should know what the main differences are between these two types of trailers.

Make Happiness and a Sense of Adventure the Recurrent Theme of Your Moving Day

The big day of your move-out is here, and perhaps you’ve woken up with a sense of tension. But there’s no need for it if you’ve gone thoroughly through each preparatory step. A recurrent theme of this day should be a quote by Abby Clements from Amelia Grey’s Fireside Dream: “Sometimes in life, you just have to take a leap of faith.”

There’s One Bag That Can Save Your Life, or Make It Easier At Least

When it comes to long-distance moving tips, not many are as important as the bag of moving essentials, or as some may call it, a first-day survival kit. It kinda sounds like post-apocalyptic terminology, but that only means we all watch Walking Dead regularly. While the moving day isn’t the end of the world (it’s quite the opposite, it’s an adventure!), you’ll be able to pull through it with much less stress if you pack one bag with these items:

• Basic toiletries. Imagine you walk into your new abode, a bit tired and sweaty from the long road but happy. It’s a new place, and you’re going to call it home! But first thing’s first, you have to get to the bathroom, only to realize there’s not even one roll of toilet paper. To avoid this nightmare scenario, take a bag (box, suitcase, sack, anything works) and throw in bathroom items such as toilet paper, towels, soap, shampoo, anything you might need for a couple of days.
• Kitchen utensils. Imagine the world where you wake up without our favorite dark beverage to kickstart us for the day (we know we couldn’t.) That’s why you should pack some things from the kitchen to prepare a quick meal (a few pots and pans included) and coffee, so you start the day off on the right foot.
• A change of clothes for all the members of the family. No need to elaborate further, as no one likes to be in the same clothes and underwear for days.
• Clean sheets and a pillow. It’s to make the first few nights bearable.
• Chargers! For heaven’s sake, don’t forget them, no matter if you have kids and need to charge their tablet or for your phone. Either way, if your battery ran low, you would start to panic.
• Medicine. This is something we always keep close to us, but amid all the chaos, you may misplace them somewhere, so make sure you pack them in this bag.
• Important documents and valuables. IDs, passports, and similar identification should be kept by your side at all times during the move, and this goes for money and valuables as well.
• Lots of water and snacks that you’ll need along the way, and there may not be too many stops when moving across the country.

An overnight bag with essentials is an ultimate hack for all those who want to organize their move like pros and not spend the first day searching for local shops. See the first-hand tips for packing your essentials in the video below.

You’ve Moved. Now What?

Finally, it’s all over! And now you can enjoy your new house. Ah, but it’s not the time to relax just yet, because there are some things to do after moving, too. You need to know that the truck with your belongings will most likely arrive in 21 business days, so use that time to focus on other things and prepare your new home. If you notice that you keep receiving mail addressed to the previous owners, visit your local USPS offices and find out what’s the best way to stop getting mail for previous residents.

There’s Plenty to Do Around Your New Abode Before Your Stuff Finally Arrives

After you’ve stepped over your brand new doorstep full of excitement and brought in the basics that have traveled with you in the car or on a plane, you’ve probably walked around your new place to have a good feel of it. You should probably clean your apartment before moving in (the same goes for a house) and decide if you would like the wall colors to be changed. You can also label the rooms so the movers will know where to unload the boxes when they arrive.

If You’re Satisfied With Your Movers, Make Sure You Leave Them a Tip

No relocation is easy; they are demanding and tiresome. But, if the moving professionals have done everything in their power to make sure everything went smooth, make sure you tip the movers for a job well done. The amount is up to you, but it usually goes from $20 to $60 per person.

Unpacking Can Also Be a Breeze if You Set Your Mind to It

The time needed for you to unpack will depend on the amount of stuff you’ve brought with you. If you’ve moved into a smaller apartment, you probably have some furniture pieces on your new apartment checklist, and you’ll have to figure out some creative storage ideas to place all your belongings without being overcluttered. But, no matter the size of your home, it’s best if you have a system for unpacking, as well as a timeline you’ve given yourself. An important tip is to start with the rooms you use the most, such as the bathroom and the kitchen, and then move on to other rooms.

You Don’t Have to Feel Lonely, Making Friends Is Not That Hard

If you have moved to a new state, where you don’t know anyone, it can make you feel a bit lonely. But making friends in a new city is not hard, especially if you are an extrovert. You can go and grab a drink with your colleagues after work or invite your new neighbors for a cup of coffee in the afternoon. It’s even easier to find like-minded people if you start visiting book clubs or joining various classes. You can hear some good advice in the following video.