How To Move Across the Country on Your Own

If you have your heart set on a cross country move, you're probably feeling equal parts excitement and dread. On one hand, you'll get to experience a whole new place, meet new people, and start fresh. But on the other hand, there's a lot of planning involved, which can be overwhelming and stressful.

The good news is that with the right preparation and budgeting, you can make your move much smoother. Here are some tips to help make your moving process easier, so you can start your new life with ease.

Set a Budget

Moving by yourself across the country can be expensive, so it's important to figure out your budget before you start to avoid getting blindsided. Make a list of all the costs associated with moving, such as transportation costs, storage fees, and packing supplies.

Once you've set a budget, you'll be free to focus on the more exciting tasks associated with your move, like finding a place to live and researching the local culture!

Decide Whether to Drive or Fly

Depending on the distance of your move and the time you have available, you may want to consider flying instead of driving. If you're strapped for time or moving long-distance, this could be a more viable option. However, if you're flying, you'll need to budget for the cost of flights, baggage fees, and a potential rental car when you arrive.

Driving can be more cost-effective, but with it comes the added challenge of having to drive long distances and finding a place to stay overnight. Make sure you do your research before deciding which option is best for you.

Set Up Mail Forwarding

Once you've picked your destination, make sure to set up mail forwarding so all of your important documents get sent to the right place. The process is simple—just fill out a form with your current address and your new address, and the post office will take care of the rest for you.

This step can be easy to overlook, but it's essential to make sure you receive all of your important mail and documents.

Pack a Travel Bag

When packing for the move, keep in mind that you'll likely need some essentials in the days after you arrive, such as clothes and toiletries. Pack a separate travel bag for these items so that you can easily access them without having to unpack your entire shipment.

Also, don't forget to bring important documents like your driver's license, Social Security card, birth certificate, and other legal paperwork with you when you move. The last thing you want is to realize you forgot these documents once you arrive at your new place!

Schedule a Cleaner

To help reduce stress, you may want to look into booking a cleaning service for both your current and new homes. Between the chaos of packing and unpacking, it can be hard to find the time or energy to clean, especially when moving by yourself. Having a professional come in to make sure everything is spic and span will help take some of the stress off your shoulders.

Book a Storage Unit

One of the most helpful things you can do before a cross country move is to book a local storage unit in your new city. This will give you peace of mind, knowing that all your belongings are safe and sound until you're ready to move them into your new home. In addition, it'll help save space in your new place while you're unpacking and getting settled.

Choose a Trustworthy Moving Company

It's essential to choose a reliable moving company for your cross country move to ensure that your first chapter goes off without a hitch. Look into reviews from previous customers before booking anyone, as well as any fees they may charge.

Your moving company should also provide packing supplies and help you create a packing plan to make sure everything is transported safely—and ensure none of your items have gone missing.

For Reliable Storage Units, Call Midgard Self Storage

When you're moving by yourself in a cross country move, you'll want the peace of mind that comes with knowing your belongings are secure. At Midgard Self Storage, we're here to provide reliable storage units to help you through this transitional period.

Our units come in various sizes to fit your needs, and you can access them 24/7 for added convenience. We want to help you make your move across the country an amazing experience, and that starts with reliable storage. Contact us today to learn more about our storage options and how we can help make your move a breeze!