Guide for Moving Cross-Country

Are you moving cross country? Here is what you should know before moving cross-country! 

Committing to move cross country can be a daunting task. Several details are often overlooked until it is too late, and it can be challenging to organize everything before the big day, especially if you are moving with kids. However, When you arrive in Raleigh, the stress behind moving will quickly be forgotten.

You already know that living in Raleigh has countless benefits, including plentiful jobs, beautiful weather, great barbecues, exciting breweries, and lush parks. In this guide, learn about 17 helpful tips and tricks that should be useful before packing up your belongings and making the cross-country trip. 

1. Should I Hire a Company to Ship My Car Cross-Country? 

Although this may seem an expensive endeavor, consider the cost of gas, hotels, restaurants, tolls, mileage, and wear and tear that will inevitably happen when driving your car 40+ hours cross country.

Depending on where you are moving from, shipping your car and buying a flight into Raleigh versus driving several thousand miles may be more cost-effective and less stressful. A few of our clients have done this and found it convenient when moving out of state. 

2. What Should I Know About Shipping My Car? 

Shipping companies transport vehicles on open or enclosed car carriers, which offer different options based on your needs and budget. There are a few differences between these two options:

Open Carriers

Open carrier is the most common method when transporting a car, and I'm sure you've frequently encountered these carriers when driving. An open carrier typically holds about seven to nine vehicles and is cheaper than enclosed carriers. The downside to this method is that because your car isn't enclosed, it will not be protected from inclement weather or debris.

Enclosed Carriers

This option is ideal for those with luxury vehicles, as enclosed carriers fully protect your vehicle from the elements. The downside is this transport method is typically considerably more expensive than the open carrier option.

3. Can I Ship Other Items Besides My Car? 

You can ship smaller items via USPS or larger items through companies such as uShip, which offers open and enclosed vehicle carriers. 

4. When Should I Book My Flights? 

Hopper is a great app to monitor flights and determine the cheapest time to move if you have some flexibility. It is recommended to book flights at least one to three months in advance before your move date to take advantage of lower prices.

This can come in handy whether you're moving to Charlotte, Boise, or anywhere in the United States. These two cities have seen huge population increases in recent years.

5. What Should I Know About Hiring Movers? 

Unfortunately, illegitimate moving companies lock items away in their moving truck and demand the customer pay several thousand dollars more than the initially quoted price. If the customer doesn't pay what the scammers ask, their items are removed from the truck and left on the curb.

This is, of course, an extreme case, but many companies like this are out there. It is important to read reviews on Yelp and thoroughly research before booking a company. Gather price quotes from several different companies – I don't recommend just going with the first one you find.

Some professional moving companies might be more expensive if you are relocating, but they might also have four or five movers included in the price, whereas cheaper movers might only have two movers, meaning the process will take twice as long. 

6. If I Decide to DIY My Move, What Options Are Available? 

If you don't have many items, renting a U-Haul and DIY, your move might be cost-effective. It is recommended to prepare for packing by buying or renting moving items such as dollies, packing tape, newspapers, and bubble wrap. Instead of spending money on cardboard boxes, look online for local plastic bin delivery companies in your area. This is a much more environmentally sustainable solution and is often more cost-effective.

In Raleigh, there are companies such as LendABox. Make sure to also take your car for a thorough checkup to ensure it is drivable. Let your mechanic know that you will be driving cross country so that he can ensure all necessary repairs are completed before the move.  

7. How Do I Stay On Budget? 

Apps such as Daily Budget are great for keeping track of expenses and staying on track if you want to save money on moving. If you prefer to write everything down, budgets can be purchased at an office supply store such as Staples or Office Max. Additionally, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word also offer great budgeting templates.

Every budget will vary, but if you choose to hire movers, here are some items you should include: moving company fee and tip for movers, moving insurance, fees for additional services (such as moving a piano, etc.), professional packing (if you choose to hire professional packers verses to pack yourself). 

If you are moving alone, items to add to your budget include the truck or U-Haul rental price, gas/mileage, insurance, equipment rental (such as a dolly, loading ramp, furniture covers, etc.), hotels, restaurants, and tolls. 

8. What Are Some Money-Saving Tips If I Choose to Move Myself? 

When renting a van or truck, ask the company how many miles to the gallon you can expect so that you can properly budget. You can also calculate the cost of fuel by using the AAA fuel calculator.

Moving insurance might be covered under your credit card company, so contact them before purchasing. Also, it is advisable to add a bit of a cushion in your budget to allot for the price of gas going up or any incidentals that may occur during the trip. 

9. What Is the Process Of Purchasing Moving Insurance? 

If your credit card company doesn't cover moving insurance, sit down with an insurance agent and carefully review what the insurance does and does not cover. Purchasing a more comprehensive plan might be worthwhile if you have several expensive items. 

10. What Is the Cheapest Way to Move? 

That's what friends are for. Offer to buy pizzas and beer for a few friends willing to help you load up your U-Haul or car. I recommend having friends come over in small groups and only ask them to help you for two to three hours. Have one or two friends come by to help in the morning, another group in the afternoon, and – if needed – one more group in the evening.

Too many hands on deck will cause chaos and frustration and slow the moving process. Also, if friends know they are only needed for a few hours instead of a full day, they will be far more inclined to pitch in and help. Give them at least a month's notice (or more if possible) when asking them to help you move so they can hire babysitters.

If you have young children, schedule babysitters ahead of time to ensure that your little ones are safely out of the house while heavy furniture and boxes are being moved. 

11. What Else Should I Take Care Of Before I Move Cross-Country? 

Raleigh has fantastic doctors, dentists, veterinarians, and more. However, moving is stressful and time-consuming, and researching new doctors and dentists while moving cross-country can be an additional burden.

I recommend taking care of all doctor, dentist, and pet-related visits before moving if anything can't wait a month or two. Transferring insurance records and getting set up with a new Primary Care Physician (PCP) can sometimes take several weeks, so it is not worth risking it and waiting until you are moved into your new home to take care of important medical visits. 

12. What Are Some Document and Account-Related Logistics I Should Think About? 

Pay all outstanding fines and transfer/cancel gym memberships or other accounts in your current area. Update your voter registration and change your address for your car insurance.

When moving out of state, you will have up to 30 days to obtain a new registration and transfer your license plates. Keep all important documents, such as birth certificates, passports, insurance forms, moving documents, and medical records, in one folder or container to be accessible.

If you have a lot of frozen food in your freezer, try to use as much of it as possible and make meals out of the items in your pantry to make your move a bit lighter. If you have pets, get copies of their records, ensure that you have their ID tags, and get copies of their vaccines and registration.

If you rent your current space, get a head start on cleaning the house or apartment and spackle any holes to ensure you receive your security deposit back. 

One of the most important documents to update is your driver's license and registration. Take it from me when I say this is extremely important and should not be put off until the last minute.

13. What Should I Bring, and What Should I Get Rid Of When Moving? 

Raleigh has fairly warm weather year-round, even in the winter months. January, February, and March typically don't get colder than about 55 degrees. If you are moving from an area with a cold climate and own several bulky parkas, snow boots, and other winter items, you can probably donate or sell most of those.

Hang on to one or two jackets and a pair of boots if you plan on traveling to areas with cold climates in the winter, but you most likely will not need as many cold-weather items. 

14. Should I Buy New Furniture? 

Take careful inventory of the items you have in your house or apartment. Is that chair with the missing cushions you've had for seven years worth moving cross-country? Or the beat-up dresser with missing handles? Unless you own expensive furniture in great condition, buying new furniture might be easier, less stressful, and cheaper when you arrive in Raleigh. 

Unless you plan on renting a self-storage unit at a storage facility, buying new furniture once you arrive at your new home will ensure that you have enough space to fit your items.

But please don't throw your furniture away. More than 12 million tons of furniture are filling landfills, and there are many sustainable options for removing furniture than just throwing it in a dumpster. Bring your furniture to a local vintage shop, Goodwill, or any other local donation service.

Many donation companies will save you a trip and pick up the furniture, making it even easier. If you have trouble finding a donation company or shop that wants your items, try hosting a garage/yard sale or leave the items outside with a 'Free' sign attached to the items you're trying to get rid of. Chances are that someone will need them.

15. I'm Feeling Overwhelmed By Packing. How Can I Organize My Items? 

Several helpful apps and websites will come in handy when beginning the packing process. Magic Home Inventory app will help you catalog all your belongings by room. You can even estimate the weight and cubic footage so that moving companies can provide a more accurate moving quote. 

To keep yourself and anyone else helping with the move on track, Google Keep is a great tool to stay on top of checklists. You can create a packing timeline, moving to-do list, chore list, and more as the big moving day comes near. As you check off tasks in Google Keep, everyone with access to the document will receive updates to keep everyone on track.

Additional apps worth checking include MyStuff, Sortly, Home Move Pro, and Home Inventory. 

16. What Are Some Other Options to Get Rid Of 'Stuff'? 

Host a "Take My Stuff" party. Gather together any items that you want to get rid of, such as jars of spices, non-perishables, unfinished bottles of liquor, glassware, or any other items that you don't want to pay to move.

Invite your friends, make cocktails with the leftover liquor, and let them take any items you no longer use. Remember: one person's trash is another person's treasure.

17. When is the Best Time to Move? 

If your moving date is flexible, research the best and cheapest days in the month to move. Movers typically tend to be busiest at the beginning and end of the month, so if you fall somewhere between those days, you might be able to negotiate a cheaper deal with the moving company. 

It is also typically more expensive to move on weekends and in the summer months between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Final Thoughts on Moving Cross-Country

Moving cross-country takes a lot of planning but if you follow these steps, your move is guarenteed to be less stressful. For those moving to our local area, contact us today to be connected with an experienced Real Estate Agent.