Moving Cross-country

Moving from one neighborhood to another in the same town is stressful

, but not nearly as much as a cross-country move. After all, when you are staying in the same area, you can rent a small truck and take several trips, going back if you forget something. There is no sense of urgency to get it all done in a few hours. Not so when the move is much farther.

One of the first things you need to do when making a long-distance move is evaluate how much stuff you really have. This will allow you to get the best possible truck or service for your big day. You won't be able to make a second trip, so you need to be able to fit everything you intend to take with you.

Consider saving money by getting rid of things that are nearing the end of their useful lives. You can buy new ones when you are settled in your new home. Large items, like furniture, cost a significant amount to ship, and you may be better off financially to just buy new ones when you arrive if it means being able to get a smaller moving truck or if you can share space in your truck with another customer. You may want to make the same consideration about your vehicle if you will not be driving it to your new destination.

If you have valuable items, purchase replacement cost insurance as part of your moving package. This will pay for the cost of replacing these items if they are damaged or lost during travel. Do not buy any other form of insurance, because it will not provide enough coverage to replace your goods if they are damaged. Take pictures of your valuables so you have documentation as to what they were. If the truck is in a fire or suffers a theft, there will be little left after the fact, so you will need this documentation to get your insurance payment.

Plan for the items you will need while your belongings are in transit. Remember that there could be a few extra days if the moving truck is delayed for any reason. Bring enough clothing to get you through your responsibilities for a few days after the truck is scheduled to arrive. Remember that your washing machine and dryer will quite likely be on that truck and stay disconnected for a few days, so either plan to use the laundromat or bring sufficient clothing until you can use your own washer and dryer.

Finally, plan for your lodging and dining needs during the moving process. This is where the costs of your move can really add up. You may need to stop in a motel along the way or stay in one while you finalize the paperwork on your new home. Sometimes people who are making a cross-country move will use the time to see some sights along the way, sort of like a mini-vacation. You will also need to eat while your dishes are being transported and unpacked. If you have friends or family who can help, ask for their help, but plan sufficient financial resources to ensure that you can take care of food and lodging needs throughout the process.

by: Andrew Stratton

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