Hey there, cross-country mover! The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.
The tricky part is figuring out how to take that first step. Especially when you’re planning something huge, like moving across the country.
Let's figure out what you need and how to get there. And if you are looking for the cheapest way to move cross-country, we’ll explore ways to do that, as well. Let the journey begin!
In this article:
- The Cheapest Way to Move Across the Country
- What Is a Cross-Country Move?
- What Is a Local Move?
- What You Need When Moving Across the Country
- Move Out of State Checklist
- How to Budget for Unexpected Moving Expenses
- How to Find an Apartment Across the Country
The Cheapest Way to Move Across the Country
The rest of Lao Tzu’s quote, “Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small,” applies here. (Well, sort of.) Planning a budget is never easy but doing it now will save you money later. For example, cross-country moving companies charge by distance and weight. The more stuff you’re moving and the more miles you’re traveling add up to … expensive. The average bill from cross-country moving companies is around $5,000, but it can exceed $15,000.
Keep costs down by moving as little as possible. Downsizing may seem daunting, but it will save you a ton (maybe even literally, depending on how heavy your furniture is). Determine the worth of your furniture. Then, call some moving companies and ask for general quotes to get an idea of what it will cost to move your furniture. Compare those amounts to the value of your furniture vs. the cost to replace it once you are settled into your new place. Is it more cost-effective to move your furniture or buy new after your move?
Even if you decide to keep most of your furniture, it’s still a good idea to purge what you don’t need rather than pay to move all of it. Start selling, donating, and giving away the things you don’t use or no longer want.
Once you know what you want to move, it’s time to get some written estimates from moving companies (aim for at least three estimates).
Don’t just go with the lowest estimate — this could end up costing you money if the company is less than reliable. You want to make sure the company you choose will deliver your furniture in a timely manner, undamaged. Do your research, read reviews, and watch out for moving company red flags.
Generally, there are three types of moving estimates: a non-binding estimate (where the actual price may differ depending on circumstances), a binding estimate (this is the actual amount you’ll pay), and a not-to-exceed estimate (the moving company guarantees it won’t go over this amount). Get these written estimates in person.
How are you getting to your new destination? If you do enough downsizing, you might be able to load everything into your car and hit the road. If you are planning to fly, you’ll have to ship your items via a moving truck or freight.
Add up your travel expenses (keeping in mind gas, hotel stays, and food when driving) and add this total to your overall moving budget. If you want to fly and ship your car, you’ll have to factor that cost in, as well. The cost to ship a vehicle, on average, is about $1,000 (much depends on how far you are going and what type of vehicle you have).
If you do plan on shipping your car, clean it out first. The items inside your car aren’t insured, and things could get damaged or go missing.
What Is a Cross-Country Move?
If you aren’t traveling from New York to California, are you really moving cross-country? Just what is a cross-country move, anyway? Most moving companies consider anything over 400 miles a cross-country move. Basically, that’s like moving from Georgia to Florida — so technically, you could just be moving to a neighboring state and moving companies would consider that a long-distance (or cross-country) move.
What Is a Local Move?
A local move is usually 50 miles or less. If you are moving more than 50 miles but are staying in the same state, that is considered an intrastate move. It’s important to note that local moves and intrastate moves would fall under local laws, where a cross-country move (or interstate move) would be governed by federal laws. If something is damaged during the move, this impacts how you’ll file a claim.
What You Need When Moving Across the Country
There are a few things you’ll want to have with you when moving across the country. You’re probably in for a long trip, so pack for it as though you are going on vacation. Take several days’ worth of clothing. If you don’t, you could get to your new home, only to find your moving truck is delayed two weeks. It happens. A lot. Don’t be stuck with one pair of pants.
Don’t pack important documents like your birth certificate and passport. Put these items in a waterproof container (you never know) and carry them with you. If you have a pet, make sure you have documents on current vaccinations and their ID tags. Keep a photo with you, as well, just in case your pet gets lost during the move. Make sure you have your chargers for your phone, tablet, etc. If you must pack your computer, disable all your passwords.
Make a checklist of everything you need to do before leaving, because it may be a very long time (if ever) before you return.
Moving Out of State Checklist:
__Collect medical records (including vision, dental, etc.)
__Inventory all your belongings (you will need this for your insurance if things are damaged/go missing)
__Turn off/disconnect all services
__Change your address with USPS and forward your mail
__Contact subscription services and loan and credit card companies to give them your new address
__Have your vehicle serviced/tires checked (if driving)
__Purchase plane tickets (if flying)
__Gather your scattered belongings (borrowed items, storage and gym lockers, dry cleaners, etc.)
__Fill prescriptions and make sure you have all necessary personal items
__Consume or donate perishable foods
__Contact utility companies
__Plan your route and reserve hotel rooms
__Set up reminders on your personal assistant device or phone to help you stay on schedule
__If you have children, you might also have to contact their school and pediatrician for records
__Set aside an emergency fund
How to Budget for Unexpected Moving Expenses
Hopefully, everything will go smoothly and you won’t need to use your emergency fund. But things happen when you’re moving, so plan for the unexpected. For example, your car could break down halfway through the trip. You might need to pay for an extra night in a hotel if the weather or traffic delays you.
Once you move, you might find that you need extra cash for other unplanned expenses. For example, some states, like Alabama and Georgia, charge an extra tax (called an ad valorem tax) to transfer your vehicle from another state. You may also have to file taxes in two states, if your resident state collects income taxes. You’ll file as a part-year resident for each state you lived in for the year.
How to Find an Apartment Across the Country
Moving to a place sight unseen is a little intimidating. Even if you were able to visit your destination beforehand, the visit likely was too short to provide all the necessary information you’ll need to determine where you want to live. While it’s a little trickier to move to a new place without seeing it first, it can be done successfully.
First, learn all you can about the city itself. The city’s website should have a section for new residents. This is a great place to find the basics, such as how to transfer your driver’s license, how to register your vehicle, and where to register to vote. Some cities provide information on neighborhoods, as well.
Check out the city’s social media pages to read about current events and ask current residents for tips and advice. Google’s street view is a great way to “walk around” and get a sense of what the area offers.
Use the local guides on Apartments.com to compare neighborhoods, rent trends, and school information. You’ll find the local guide under “Tools” on mobile and on the map if you’re using a computer.
Once you’ve narrowed down the neighborhoods you want to live in, it’s time to choose a few apartment communities. Save these (click the heart) and you can go back and compare them once you’ve found a few places that interest you. Look at the photos, videos, and floor plans provided in the property’s ad. Here’s a tip from the experts when trying to find an apartment virtually: contact the apartment community and ask them for video of the actual apartment, rather than simply viewing the model that’s featured in the ad. Once you narrow down your choices, schedule a few virtual tours. This will give you the opportunity to interact directly with the property manager, see the apartment, and ask questions.
Applying for an apartment online is a simple process if you know what to look for. Make sure you are dealing with a reputable apartment community or landlord and have a virtual walk-through before signing a lease.
If you’d rather wait and find an apartment once you get there, make sure you have a place to stay for a while until you get settled, such as a short-term rental, a friend’s couch, or an extended-stay hotel. Also, consider where your belongings will be stored if you are moving furniture.
Whether you’re moving a thousand miles or a few hundred, don’t let a long-distance move intimidate you. Just take it step by step.
