Your Checklist for Moving Cross Country

Wondering how to move across the country with ease? Whether you're moving for the first time or you're a seasoned pro, moving cross country can be overwhelming—not to mention expensive. On average, the cost of a cross country move ranges from $2,000 to $5,000+ depending on the size of your home, weight of your belongings, distance you're traveling, and whether you're hiring professional movers. This moving checklist sets you up with a realistic timeline—covering all the things you need to do for a stress-free and affordable move from beginning to end!

8 Weeks Before Moving Cross Country

• Explore your new neighborhood with sources like AreaVibes and Niche, or research nearby primary and secondary schools in your new area with GreatSchools.

• Decide whether to hire cross-country movers or arrange a DIY move with help from friends or family.

• Figure out the best mode of transportation for a hassle-free move. If you decide to ship your items and fly, book your flights at least two months in advance of your moving day to take advantage of lower prices. If you rent a truck, use our moving truck size calculator to choose the most economic rental.

• If you're driving across the country, make sure to service your vehicles. Have a professional inspect your personal or rental vehicle, and ensure your moving truck, trailer, or moving pod is attached to your vehicle correctly.

• Once you've chosen what type of move is best for you, create a moving budget. Include all moving expenses like gas, food, lodging, and cash tips for movers.

• If you're doing a DIY move, purchase moving items like floor mats, dollies, packing tape, and newspapers or bubble wrap.

• Request time off from work for the move.

• If you're moving from an apartment or house, be sure to check how far in advance you need to give notice before moving. Contact your landlord to confirm the timing.

• Make any last-minute doctor or dentist appointments for everyone, as well as any appointments for your pets. Be sure to research physicians in your new area and transfer your records.

6 Weeks Before Moving Cross Country

• Gather packing and moving supplies, like free boxes from grocery stores, department stores, family and friends—or online on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Nextdoor.

• Create a checklist for moving with all your belongings—like clothes, kitchen items, electronics, etc.—and take photos of them. This will help you keep track of everything in your home and how they should be grouped when packing.

• Declutter your home before packing, and donate or sell unwanted items to make room for new items post-move. Holding a garage sale for couches, dining tables, washers and dryers, and other bulky furniture, along with common household goods like clothes and toys, can help with this process.

• Once you've tossed out any old items, start strategically packing and organizing all the things you don't use or need on a daily basis—such as artwork, photos, and room decor.

• If you're asking friends to help you move, give them plenty of notice before the date, and do the same with scheduling babysitters if you need help watching the kids.

• Make note of which services and organizations to notify—including subscriptions, medical records, utility companies (gas, electric, cable, etc.), and more. Confirm that services at your new home will be up and running by the time you move in.

• Set aside a few days in your schedule for friends and family who live nearby. You'll want to have plenty of time to say goodbye before moving on to your next adventure!

4 Weeks Before Moving Cross Country

• Pay all outstanding fines and transfer or cancel any memberships that you have or want to get rid of.

• Update your voter registration and find your new polling place.

• Change your address for your car insurance. If you're moving out of state, you'll have 30 days to transfer your plates and get a new registration.

• Use up the perishable items in your freezer, and try to make meals with pantry items to lessen your moving load.

• If you're planning a cross-country drive, map out your route and book hotels or vacation rentals.

• Organize important documents—such as birth certificates, passports, medical records, and insurance forms—in one easy-to-access folder or personal safe, and be sure to keep it with you during the move.

• If you're moving with pets, get copies of pet records and make sure you have their ID tags, vaccine documentation, and registration.

• Get a head start on cleaning up your house or apartment. To help get your security deposit back on a rental, follow the cleaning specifications in your lease.

• If there's a gap between your move-out and move-in dates, consider renting short-term self storage to securely hold your belongings during the transition.

2 Weeks Before Moving Cross Country

• Update your bank information, cell phone provider, and other important information with your new address.

• Transfer and update your renter's insurance or homeowner's insurance as needed.

• Keep all your moving-related receipts—such as paperwork from your cross-country moving company and rental truck costs—in one place for your records.

• In case you've forgotten to change your address for anything, set up your mail to forward to your new address by picking up a forwarding packet at your local Post Office or filling out the form online.

• Research or set up trash and recycling services at your new home and cancel your current services.

• Notify government offices (like the IRS) of your new address. If you're receiving Social Security benefits, you must notify them of your new address as soon as possible.

• If you decided to hire professional movers, get confirmation of moving details from the company.

1 Week Before Moving Cross Country

• Grab a calendar and separate the remaining tasks on your moving checklist across multiple days to keep you from feeling overwhelmed.

• Transfer any prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new neighborhood.

• Put together an essentials box with all the items you'll need for the first night in your new home.

• Double-check with your new utility companies to make sure water, electricity, cable, and internet will be up and running in your new place.

• Remove all light bulbs from lamps you plan to move. This will save you from having broken glass in the truck or car come moving day.

• Pack glassware and dishes by carefully wrapping and securing each item to avoid breakage.

• Defrost your freezer and clean out your refrigerator. Keep any leftover food items, soda, or water in a cooler overnight to transfer on moving day.

• Clean your oven, microwave, sink, toilet, and other appliances the night before you move.

• Withdraw cash so you can tip hired movers.

• Drain oil and gas from any outdoor equipment you're transporting before placing it inside for the move.

Moving Day Timeline

• Prepare yourself for the day of the move by eating and staying hydrated. Depending on what time of year you move, be sure to dress properly or apply sunscreen if needed.

• Meet your professional movers or friends on time, and have a plan about what items should be prioritized for the move.

• Clear a pathway to the front door so you or your cross-country movers can easily move boxes out of your home. Use door stops or bricks to keep the door open.

• Make sure floors are protected as you move furniture out of your current residence.

• If you rent a moving truck without movers, pack it properly by disassembling furniture, distributing weight evenly, and loading necessities last.

• Keep a first-aid kit with you in the car, along with a bag of essential supplies for children and pets.

• Do a final walkthrough of your old home to make sure you haven't left anything behind. Note and take photos of any damage. If you're a renter, walk through your old residence with your landlord if they're available.

• Savor the last few hours in your old home, and look forward to your new chapter!

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Planning a cross-country move? Find helpful relocation resources on the Extra Space Storage Moving Hub. And if you need somewhere to store your items in between homes, we have conveniently located storage facilities throughout the nation. Rent a storage unit near you!

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