How to Pack for a Cross Country Move
You can’t risk making any mistakes when you’re relocating across the country. The fact that your belongings will be changing multiple hands over the course of their journey means that you must be especially careful with how securely they’re wrapped and boxed for the journey. Plus, you can’t exactly hop across the street to pick up a few last things if you accidentally leave something important behind. While a moving company can help expedite your packing and unpacking process, there are a few simple steps you can take to make the experience easier.
Evaluate Your Priorities
Chances are that your home is piled with things you’ve collected over the years but never use. While it can be easy to just stuff everything into boxes to avoid the hassle of having to sort through them, taking a careful inventory of what matters to you can be a huge relief in the long run. Since the cost of a cross-country move is determined by the shipment weight, parsing through your items now can save you money on your relocation. For example, you probably won’t have use to a heavy down parka if you’re moving to Arizona, and the cost of buying a lovely new sectional in your new city could be cheaper than carting that weathered old couch halfway across the world. Weigh both the practical and sentimental value of everything, particularly heavier and bulkier items.
Don’t Cut Any Corners Where Supplies Are Concerned
Splurging on boxes designed for moving may cost a little extra, but what’s the point of saving a few dollars on packing supplies if your prized possessions reach their new destination damaged? Fragile items need special packaging. Whether you’re looking to move fine china or a priceless antique lamp, the boxes and crates you use for packing can make all the difference in the world. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or help from your moving crew. This is what they do for a living, and they can provide you with the knowledge you need when you’re in doubt.
But Be Judicious with Your Box Use
While items prone to damage deserve special care, that doesn’t mean you have to treat everything like a priceless antique. Holding on to shoe boxes is a great way to keep your footwear organized while still minimizing the space they take up, and underwear and socks are a great alternative to the traditional but costly packing materials you’ll find at retail outlets. And not all your clothing needs to be individually boxed. Dressers, chests, and anything else with a drawer can create a natural means for moving your apparel without having to go through the process of packing and unpacking.
Plan Like You Would for a Vacation
It can sometimes take weeks for your belongings to arrive from across the country, so plan on taking the essentials with you that allow you to get settled in before the moving crew arrives. You’ll want a few changes of clothes along with all your essential cosmetics and toiletries. Also, make sure that you have everything you need for work set aside and ready to go. Plan to treat the first few weeks like a trial vacation in your new city; it will help ease any anxiety associated with your transition.
Label Your Boxes Carefully
Unpacking your things is just as big a hassle as packing them, but a little organization can prevent you from trekking back and forth from one corner of the house to the next. The method that works best depends on your preferences but organizing boxes according to category or room are usually an effective route to go. All labels should be clear, large, and printed on multiple sides for easier identification. Try using colored labels to easily spot boxes that belong to a particular room. For example, you could use pink to label the boxes for your daughter’s room or blue to indicate bathroom items.
To request a quote on a full-service move or on partial or specialty packing services offered by our moving partners, contact us today! Use the quote form provided to request a free estimate, and we’ll connect you with top cross-country moving companies who are ready to provide you with the services you need.