Part One: You

In their lifetime, the average 30-year-old has moved six times. We’d be naive to dismiss the difficulties associated with moving, especially across the country. It’s a laborious process, but rewarding in the end. Hence, this cross-country moving post is separated into two parts. In this first part, we’ll address you and in the second part we’ll address the movers.

While the majority of moves share many commonalities, those shared traits take on different forms when the move is across a continent versus across town or down the street. Considerations are a little weightier and the planning process has more dubious potential pain points. Let’s get you on the right track for your move.

Make a list, check it twice

Gone are the days of throwing things in the back of a moving truck and shipping out to your new home. A cross-country move is already burdensome enough (physically, financially, you name it), so taking stock of everything you own is important. Think of it like inventory. What can you take personally? What should be hired out? What do you need? What don’t you need? Making this list can help inform these decisions, among millions of others, during the moving process.

Pack smart

Pack everything you can and do it yourself. Moving companies will gladly pack things for you for an additional fee. However, if you’re moving across the country, self-packing is a great way to save and have a semblance of control over the process. Use your list, and pack the things you know you’re able to handle yourself. Even coordinating the list with packed boxes will help you organize when you arrive at your new home.

Know when you need help

Piggybacking off the previous point, part of packing smart is knowing when to hire professionals. Let them strain their backs, it’s what they’re there for. Anything overly heavy, awkward, or delicate, leave to them. Don’t worry yourself with moving things that will strain you more than you already have been. You’re allies, know when to bow out and let them take over. Oh, and enlist the help of friends. You already have a network of helpful folks who are there for you, so it never hurts to ask. Just realize that they are not professionals and cannot be expected to fill that position, but they can certainly help.

When you find a new home and it’s across the country, your movers and you are a team. But, it starts with you and the initiative you take in guiding the moving process. Movers don’t go out of their way to find you and guide your choices, so you need to be proactive in seeking the other half of the dynamic duo. Remember, you control this process, exercise prudence and use your voice.