How to Move Across the Country Like Moving Across Town

A new job. … A bad romance. … Because it’s there. … The reasons for moving across the country vary as much as the people who do it. Whatever your reason, there’s usually a lot of stuff that needs to make the journey with you. Moving long distance can be logistically daunting, not to mention expensive.

We’ve rounded up some tips to help you haul your goods from Point A to Point B.

Ditch as Much as Possible

Will those Ikea shelves survive the journey? Do you really need clothes you haven’t worn in three years? A long move can be a good reason to finally clear out all the clutter you’ve accumulated. Be picky, more than you would for a local move. Plus, what works in your current home may not fit or look right in your new place. If you have the time and patience, hold a garage sale to sell all the items you don’t need, or post them on Craigslist. Save the cash you earn for buying new furnishings for your new place.

Inventory What’s Left

Staying organized wards off so many potential headaches. You’ll have a better idea of how many boxes to get, what size you’ll need (for moving yourself, or for hiring movers), and you’ll be able to easily pinpoint anything missing when you unpack at your destination.

Set Your Budget

Some estimates suggest a modest cross-country move will cost around $8,000. Movers might offer a discount during the off-season, October through April – it’s worth asking. There are other ways to cut moving costs. You can pack yourself, hire movers just for the heavy lifting, or go fully DIY with generous friends and pizza. If you’re moving for a new job, your employer might help cover the costs. If not, some of those costs may be tax-deductible.

Research Alternatives

It might be worthwhile to ship goods via airline or Greyhound. Those baggage fees you loathe when going on vacation can seem pretty reasonable when compared to the cost of hauling boxes by land. One woman shipped seven boxes on Southwest Airlines, including shuttles to and from the airport, for $310 – almost $300 cheaper than the U.S. Postal Service. Greyhound Package Xpress will carry larger pieces on buses for lower fees, but beware — while some customers rave about the service, there are stories of lost goods never reclaimed.

Pack Tightly

Movers and shippers charge by box, not weight. So it behooves you to put as many items as possible in one container. You’ll still need to be careful with your valuables, of course.

Have Fun

Try to build in some extra time and pick a route that includes a few places you’ve always wanted to see, or revisit. If you’re driving, state and national parks are good options for scenery and the chance to stretch your legs. If you’re flying, see if you can snag a long layover and treat yourself to some time in a new city.

Give It Time

You took your inventory, set your budget, packed your goods, and planned a route. However pets, children, the weather, road work if you’re driving, or flight delays if you’re flying, are just a few of the things that could hamper your plans. The longer the distance and the more parts to your move, the more opportunity for delays. Build in plenty of extra time, and some extra cash, so bumps along the way don’t derail you.

Bonus

If everything goes smoothly, you’ll have extra time to relax and unpack at your destination, and maybe pamper yourself a little. You deserve it. Long-distance moves are tough.