Coast to Coast Moving: Your Guide to a Successful Move

Relocating across the country, whether from the East Coast to the West Coast, or vice versa, is a major life event. The thought of packing up your entire life and transporting it thousands of miles can be a daunting proposition. But don’t worry, with the right tips, careful planning, and professional cross country movers, your coast to coast moving experience can be simple, smooth, and even exciting.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about coast to coast moving. We’ll explore how to prepare for your move, declutter effectively, choose the best moving company, and manage your budget. We’ll also answer some common questions like, “How to get rid of stuff before a big move?” and “What should I not to take with me when moving?”. So, whether you’re moving from sunny Los Angeles to bustling New York City or from the historic streets of Boston to the tech hub of San Francisco, this guide has got you covered.

Planning Your Coast to Coast Move: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Find the Right Cross Country Moving Company

One of the most important steps toward your coast to coast move is finding and hiring reliable cross country movers. With so many options available, it’s important to do your research and compare quotes from a variety of different moving companies before making a decision. Look for moving companies that have a proven track record of successful coast to coast moves and positive reviews from happy customers. It’s also important to ensure that the moving company you choose is licensed and insured.

Many reputable long distance movers offer free quotes, so take advantage of this to get an estimate of your estimated moving cost. Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Choose a company that offers a balance of affordability and quality service.

2. Create a Detailed Moving Budget

Moving cross country can be expensive, so it’s important to create a detailed moving budget to keep track of your expenses. Your budget should include moving costs such as:

Moving company cost: This is the fee you’ll pay the moving company for their services. Expenses like truck rental, fuel, and labor are typically built into the quote.
Packing supplies: This includes boxes, packing paper, tape, and other materials you’ll need to pack and secure your belongings.
Travel expenses: If you’re driving to your new destination, you’ll need to budget for gas, food, and lodging.
Storage costs: If you need to store your possessions for a period of time, you’ll need to factor in storage fees.

By creating a moving budget, you can ensure that you have enough money to cover all of your expenses and avoid any unexpected financial surprises.

3. Declutter and Organize Your Belongings

Before you start packing for your cross country move, take the time to declutter and organize your belongings. This will not only make packing easier but also reduce your moving costs, as you’ll have fewer items to transport.

How to Get Rid of Stuff Before Moving?

There are several ways to get rid of unwanted items:

Sell: Host a garage sale or sell items online to earn some extra cash.
Donate: Give away items in good condition to charity.
Recycle: Recycle any items that can’t be reused or donated responsibly.
Toss: Throw away any items that are broken or unusable.

4. Pack Efficiently

Packing for a coast to coast move can feel overwhelming, but with a little planning, you can make it a breeze. Start packing well in advance of your moving day and label all boxes clearly. Pack essential items separately so you can easily access them upon arrival at your new home.

5. Prepare for Your New Life

Moving to a new coast means adapting to a new lifestyle. Research the climate, culture, and cost of living in your new location. Find out about local amenities, schools, and job opportunities. This will help you make a smooth transition and feel at home in your new city.

Factors That Can Affect Long Distance Moving Costs

Moving costs can vary significantly depending on several factors. These factors include the move distance, the amount of stuff you’re moving, the services you require, and the time of year you’re moving.

Move Distance

The move distance is a major factor in determining the overall cost of moving. The farther you’re going, the more expensive it is. Moving from the East Coast to the West Coast, or vice versa, is considered a long distance move, so you can expect to pay more than you would for a local move.

The average cost of moving from the East Coast to the West Coast with a professional moving company can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more. The final price will depend on the other factors mentioned below. To get an accurate estimate of your moving cost, it’s best to get quotes from several reputable long distance moving companies.

How Much Stuff You’re Moving

The more stuff you’re moving, the more expensive your move will be. This is because it will require a larger moving truck and more movers to transport your belongings safely and efficiently. If you’re on a tight budget, consider downsizing and getting rid of items you don’t need.

Services You Require

Many coast to coast moving companies offer a variety of services, such as packing, unpacking, and furniture assembly. These extra services can add to your coast moving cost. If you’re on a budget, consider doing some of these tasks yourself to save money.

Time of Year You’re Moving

The time of year you’re moving can also affect the cost of your long distance move. Moving during peak season (summer and holidays) is typically more expensive than moving during the off-season. If you’re flexible with your moving dates, you can save money by moving during the off-season.

What Not to Take When Moving Coast to Coast

When moving coast to coast, it’s important to be mindful of what you’re packing. Certain items may not be worth the cost of moving or may be prohibited by regulations.

Here are some things you should consider leaving behind:

Perishable food: Don’t pack food that will spoil during the long distance move.
Hazardous materials: Avoid packing flammable, corrosive, or explosive materials.
Plants: Most moving companies won’t transport certain plants due to regulations.
Large items: If you have large items that you rarely use, consider selling or donating them.
Valuable items: Keep valuable items, such as jewelry and important documents, with you during the move.

DIY vs. Professional Coast to Coast Movers: What’s the Best Option?

When it comes to moving, you have two main options: DIY or hiring professional movers. Each option has its own pros and cons, and the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.

DIY Coast to Coast Moving

Self moving can be a cost effective option for those on a tight budget. However, it requires a lot of work and planning. You’ll need to rent a moving truck, pack and load it yourself, and drive across the country. There’s also an increased risk of damaging items in the process when you don’t use professionals. But while DIY moving can be stressful, time-consuming, and risky, it can also be a rewarding experience.

Hiring Professional Movers

Hiring professional movers can be a more convenient and stress-free option. Professional moving companies will handle all aspects of your move, from packing and loading to transport and unloading. They also have the experience and expertise to handle fragile possessions, heavy furniture, or other large items and ensure that your belongings are transported safely. However, professional long distance moving services are more expensive than DIY moving.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to DIY or hire professional movers is a personal one. Weigh the pros and cons of each option and choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.

Tips for a Successful Coast to Coast Move

Looking for tips to help with your long distance move? We’ve got you covered:

Start planning early: Give yourself plenty of time to research coast to coast movers, declutter your belongings, and create a moving budget. Make a checklist of things you need to get done before moving day.
Get multiple quotes: Compare prices from different coast moving companies to find the best deal for your needs.
Read reviews: Check online reviews to get an idea of the reputation of different moving companies.
Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the moving services offered, what’s included in the quote, and the company’s insurance and liability coverage.
Be prepared: Things don’t always go according to plan, so be prepared for delays or other unforeseen circumstances.
Stay organized: Keep track of all your moving-related paperwork and documents.
Communicate: Keep your movers informed about your moving timeline and any special requests you have.
Take care of yourself: Moving can be stressful, so taking breaks, eating well, and getting enough sleep can make a big difference.

Making the Most of Your Coast to Coast Move

Moving cross country is a significant change, but it’s also an opportunity for a fresh start. Embrace the change and look forward to exploring your new city. Take the time to discover new places, try new things, and meet new people.

Your Journey Begins Here

Moving coast to coast can be a daunting task, but with the right planning and preparation, it can be a smooth and successful transition. By following the tips and advice in this guide, you can ensure that your move is stress-free and enjoyable.

Remember, the key to a successful cross country move is to start planning early, research your options thoroughly, and choose a reputable coast to coast moving company like Armstrong. By doing so, you can make your move a positive experience and start your new life with confidence.

Contact Armstrong today for a free quote and to learn more about how we can make your move easy. Our team of experienced professionals is ready to help you make your move a success.