How to Move Cross Country: The Cheapest and Best Options

Moving cross-country may seem like a daunting prospect. However, there are steps that you can take to ensure your journeyand that of your possessions is as smooth as possible. This short guide aims to give you the tools required to make the process less stressful and save you money in the long run with the best way to move cross-country.

By working out your options before you leave, you get the best deal and the peace of mind knowing that your valuables are in safe hands. Whatever reason you have for moving, whether it's an exciting new job, to be closer to loved ones, or something else entirely, you'll want to make sure that you're saving as much money as possible to kickstart your new life in the best way.

Planning and Preparation: The Calm Before the Move

Once you know that you’ll be moving, it’s time to start planning how to move cross-country for cheap – even before you pack a single box. 

• Make a list of each step in the process and the timeline of when it needs to be completed. 
• Consider the little things, like having the utilities shut off in your old home and turned on in your new location or switching pharmacies for prescriptions. 
• Write everything done in a cross-country moving checklist and put it in a moving binder where every family member knows the location. 
• Place all important documents and receipts in the binder, so they are not lost in the chaos of packing.

Declutter and Pack Like a Pro: Lightening Your Load

To make the moving process more straightforward and less stressful, it helps to have a plan for packing. Create three mental lists for all the stuff and label everything you have as either Take With You, Throw Away, or Sell/Donate. It can be challenging to determine which items go in the second and third categories, especially if you’re sentimental or the type of person to find a use for everything. The following tips can alleviate many of the challenges of sorting, packing, and moving.

• Only take what you need - Letting go of your possessions is difficult at the best of times, never mind when you've got a big move on the horizon. To reduce the price you pay to move cross country, you need to be ruthless. Do you really need to take the tattered old chair that you've had for over a decade, or can you get a new chair at your destination? By meticulously going through everything you own and preparing to take just the things you need, you can potentially shave thousands off your bill.
• Sell your bulky items - The biggest things are the most expensive to ship and can often cost about the same to transport as they would to buy again. Using sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace to sell your furniture can help you to cut down the prices you pay for moving and also help you recoup some of the costs towards your new furniture. It's best to do this as soon as possible as leaving things until the last minute could mean you end up letting yourself be lowballed by potential buyers, being forced to pay to take it to landfill, or even end up having to take it to your new home with you.
• Donate to charity or friends and family – If you can’t or don’t want to take certain things with you but they don’t sell, you can donate them to friends and family or a reputable charity. You can even join Facebook groups for people or list them in various online marketplaces as free. You’ll be surprised at what you can eliminate to save the hassle of moving stuff you don’t want. It’s the easiest way to move cross country with less stuff you don’t need.

Choosing Your Moving Partner

There are three options on how to move cross country:

• Hiring a professional moving company
• Using a container service
• DIY (do-it-yourself)

The option you choose depends on how much time and money you have to devote to moving and how hands-on you want to be. Hiring a professional moving company alleviates a lot of stress transporting in your belongings, though it comes at a premium cost. You can designate as much of the actual moving process to the cross-country movers as you want, with companies providing packing and unpacking services in addition to transportation.

A container service allows you to do all the packing at your convenience. The portable storage units are placed on your property and remain there until you have them packed and ready to transport. You can take as much time as you need and only pay for the storage you use.

The third option, DIY, is the least costly in terms of money, but it may be more expensive for your mental health. You have to handle all aspects of moving, including transporting your entire house to your new home. While it may seem like the best way to move cross country, it’s often not as simple as you might wish.

Trusting people you don't know with everything you own is a major commitment. As such, it's vital that you do your research before choosing a cross country moving company. Doing this provides you with the peace of mind you desire as well as reducing the likelihood that something will happen to your possessions. Word-of-mouth recommendations are invaluable, so check in with people you know who have just moved home and see if they can help guide your choices.

Discover everything you can about potential long-distance movers before you even contact them for a quote. This means reading online reviews and checking out their prices before you contact them for a quote. Keep an open mind and shop around and you're almost certain to find a quote that beats the first quotes you find.

A company that offers a packing service can save you considerable time and effort, but this comes at a cost. If you have a bit of wiggle room within your budget, this is something that you should definitely consider, as it will reduce the amount of time that you dedicate to the moving process. Making sure that your prized possessions are adequately protected should be your priority, so don't be afraid to double check with your shortlisted firms that they'll take appropriate steps.

Choosing an established business is a must. The longer a company has been in business, the more time they've had to perfect their craft. Working closely with a business that has had the time to settle into its niche can help ensure you get the best possible service out there.

Moving Day and Beyond: The Final Stretch

Prepare for moving day and the move to the new home. Get up early that day and have everything you’re taking packed in the car. You’ll want a box of personal items to take with you until your other belongings arrive. This box should contain clothing for at least a week, toys for children, medications, a first-aid kit, personal care items, and other things you will need.

Once your items arrive at the new house, unload the boxes in the correct rooms. If you’ve labeled everything, knowing what to unpack first will be easy. As tempting as it is to unpack in each room, start with one room and complete it before moving on. Choose the most important room, which could be the kids’ bedroom, the kitchen, or the living room.

Settling In and Making It Home

Now that you’ve arrived at your new house, your goal is to make it feel like home. You may want to paint the walls before you unpack to personalize the space. Once the room is furnished, you can decorate it to make it your own. 

Take this time to get to know your new neighborhood. Find out where the closest park is to walk the dog or take the kids to the playground. Discover the local pizza delivery place or ice cream shop.

To make your move easier and more stress-free, trust Allied Van Lines to transport your belongings. We are well on our way to approaching over 1,000,000 successful moves in the United States over the past 15 years. With over 95 years of experience, we are the number one choice for your cross-country move. Wherever you are, we're never too far away. Call us today for a custom quote or to learn more about our moving services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to hire movers for a cross-country move?

The decision to hire a cross-country moving company depends on your budget and needs. Hiring professionals can alleviate much of the stress and issues that come with a major move, allowing you to focus on other things, such as getting your family settled.

How do I choose a reputable moving company?

Look for a moving company with many years of experience in the type of move you need, such as cross-country or international. Read testimonials and reviews and look up the company with the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any issues. Talk to people you know who have used moving companies.

How far in advance should I start planning my move?

It’s best to start planning your move as soon as you know you’re moving. Ideally, two to three months is necessary for a smooth and streamlined process. Plan everything out with a timeline that includes any hard deadlines.

What is the average cost of a cross-country move?

The cost of moving cross-country depends on several factors, including how much you have to transport, how far you must transport it, and what method you use for transportation. You can get a quote from Allied to find out how much it will cost to move your belongings based on the various criteria.

How can I ensure my fragile items survive the move?

Take the time to pack everything securely, using bubble wrap and packing blankets to protect each item separately. Fill all boxes and packing cartons completely with no spare room for movement. Mark boxes as fragile so movers know to handle them with care. Most importantly, hire experienced movers who know how to protect items in packing, unpacking, and during transit.