subject: Moving Cross Country? Heres What You Need [print this page] Moving across our beautiful, wide country is no laughing matter. If youre serious about it then chances are youll stay there for at least five years the process aint cheap and you dont want to have to keep going back and forth; its best to choose a home and stay there for a while. So to help you prepare for this epic journey, here are some things youll need to consider.
1. There comes a time in your life when you have to throw things away. I know, that jacket with the fringe that you loved in high school is cool, but honestly are you ever going to wear it again? If you havent used it for the past year or more, chuck it. The things that youre keeping should be essentials and if there are any valuables, then you should insure them before you send them. Replacement cost insurance is the only kind of insurance thats worth getting, because all of the others depend on weight, which aint no help if youve got a bunch of loose diamonds that need to travel three thousand miles.
2. Keep track of boxes by marking which box belongs to which room. If youre really determined, you can make a checklist of what went in each box. If you want to keep the same general layout of a room, photographs are helpful. And if something happens to one of your boxes (knock on wood) you will know what was in it and approximately how much it was worth.
3. When it comes to movers, shop around. Because this is a big move, you probably dont want to ask your friends for help. Professionals wont scrape the walls of your new pad, and will be more willing to go the distance literally. Dont be afraid to bargain, and always be nice to your movers, you never know if they may steal or dent a wall to get back at you for not keeping your soda cold.
4. Auto transporting is another item. You can take a road trip yourself, but it can be a lot of added work getting ready for something so epic. Hiring an auto transporting company is a good idea. These companies are efficient and affordable. You can take some pictures of your car before the move if you arent sure about how it will be treated. Just dont forget that once you arrive at your new home you may need to rent a car for a few days, or learn how to use the new public system of transportation, because it usually takes about 10 days for a cross country shipment.
Once you have these items checked, take a deep breath. Its almost over, now all you need is to actually go through with it. While it can be a lot of work, and it can get stressful, remember that there are so many new opportunities ahead, it should be fun!
