Moving across the country is a bit more detailed than moving to another city or down the street. There are more costs involved, and you will spend more time on the road unless you’re able to fly to the area you’ll be living. Fortunately, there are a few tips that you can follow to make the move easier so that you can enjoy this new chapter in your life.

What Are The Costs?

When you begin making your budget to move across the country, you need to factor in a few different things. Most of the time, it will take about $1,000 to get everything moved. If you have vehicles that are large enough so that you don’t have to hire a moving company, then you can save money. However, if you don’t have trucks or vans, then you can rent these vehicles so that you don’t have to hire movers, which can save you money as well. You should also factor in food that you’ll have to purchase while on the road as well as what you’ll pay for a hotel room if you plan on stopping to sleep at night.

Make A Checklist

Before packing anything or getting your belongings into a moving truck, you need to make a checklist. It should include all of the tasks that you have to complete in order to get everything turned on in your new home as well as what you’re going to do with your pets and what items you’re not going to take with you. Your checklist should include the things that you need to do each week as well as things that you need to do to get prepared during the few days before you move.

Hire Movers

If you’re planning on using a moving company, then compare a few different ones so that you can get the best rates and movers who have the most experience handling furniture and other items that you have in your home that are fragile, such as electronics. Find a moving company that offers insurance in case there are any issues with your belongings getting damaged during the move.

Take Inventory

While you’re packing clothes, toys, dishes, and other items in your home, think about what you really need to keep and what you can sell, throw away, or donate. Use the time that you’re moving to get rid of clothing that no longer fits or belongings in your home that are broken. Items that can still be used but that you don’t want can be donated to someone in need or sold so that you can make extra money for your move across the country.

Keeping Kids Happy

Moving across the country with kids can be a challenge. Explain to them why you have to go to a different home in another state. Talk about the benefits as well as what you can do as a family to have fun. Pack a few games and activities in your car to give your kids something to do while you’re on the road.