A cross-country move is an adventure for everyone involved (Photo credit: Monkey Business)
You’ve made the life-changing decision to move across the country. Your reasons may be myriad — a new job, a new partner, furthering your education — no matter the reason, this is a huge undertaking and takes a ton of planning.
Need to know how to move cross-country to your new home? This article has everything you’ll need to know and will answer all your most pressing questions.
- How to move cross-country and where do I begin?
- How do I stay on track?
- How do I create a budget for my move?
- How much should I expect the actual move to cost?
- How should I decide which method to use to move cross-country?
- What do I need to know about moving company quotes?
- How do movers calculate their costs?
- What about insurance?
How to move cross-country and where do I begin?
First, it’s best to familiarize yourself with your destination as much as possible before you arrive. If you have time before the move, visit your new home, and get to know the area. Locate the nearest amenities you’ll likely need upon arrival and a few emergency ones. Supermarkets, pharmacies, and your closest bank branch should be on this list. Find out where the nearest hospital with an emergency room is located, and a children’s hospital if you have kids. If you have pets, you’ll need to know where to find a veterinary hospital in case of mishaps.
It will be less stressful once you’ve moved into your new home if you have a general idea of where to find the things you need the most. It also doesn’t hurt to know where a few restaurants are located — pizza can come in handy after a long day of moving and sorting boxes.
While you’re visiting your new place, take many measurements. That sectional you’ve had for years may not fit into your new living space quite right. And don’t forget to measure the frames of the doors, as well. You don’t want to lug something thousands of miles only to discover you can’t get it inside. Once you know what will fit and won’t, you can assess your goods to determine which pieces will make the cut.
How do I stay on track?
The best way to stay on track is to create a moving schedule and stick to it as best you can. Life happens, but the sooner you can prep and knock some tasks off your list, the easier your move will go. If you’re moving across the country, it’s best to devote at least eight weeks of preparation to your task.
Get a binder to hold your tasks list and important documents like information about your new home, quotes for things you need to purchase, a contacts list for your employer, your insurance company, the mover, and receipts for big purchases like the moving company (if you’re using one). Your life in your current space will soon become chaotic as the packing process begins, and you don’t want to be searching for essential receipts, emails, or phone numbers. All the tasks below should be on your list of things to do.
To get an idea of what should be on your task list, check out this printable version from Move Buddha.
How do I create a budget for my move?
You may be questioning why you need to create a budget in the first place. Here are five great reasons:
1. A budget gives you a clearer picture of how much money you’ll need for each stage of the move, from the second you decide to go through with it to the day when all your items are safely inside your new home and several weeks beyond.
2. Once you have a starting budget, you can compare it to your current savings and estimate any shortfalls. Preparing the budget well in advance will allow you more time to secure the necessary funds.
3. You can ensure your budget includes some additional funds for unexpected expenses. Again, this may be hard to predict, but it doesn’t hurt to have another 15 to 20 percent on hand for unforeseen circumstances. If you’re driving your car across the country, it might need repairs. Due to the weather, you might need extra nights of lodging en route. It pays to be prepared.
4. Once you have accomplished your cross-country move, you’ll have a working moving budget that you can use to analyze what you did wrong and what you did right.
5. You can use your in-depth budget analysis results to offer quality cost-saving tips to friends facing a move themselves or if you ever undertake another cross-country move in the future.
Your budget is meant to include every step of your moving process. You may consider the obvious things like paying for the moving company, but what about the funds immediately after the move? You may not be working right away once you’re in your new home, and even if you are, unexpected expenses can add up.
Remember that you’ll need to replenish a fair number of groceries. What if you didn’t need a lawn mower or snowblower for your previous home, and now you do? Consider everything you’ll need for at least four to six weeks in your new home and include that amount in your budget. This goes for everything from new locks to LED light bulbs.
How much should I expect the actual move to cost?
Move Buddha created a moving cost checklist that will give you a solid idea of how much to expect your move to cost. You need to decide if you want to use a moving company or if you’re going to take on the task yourself. But here are some estimates for the different options, as well as how they pertain to the size of the home you’ll be moving.
For a rental truck (such as U-Haul), a one-bedroom home will cost between $2,000 and 3,000. Two to three bedrooms will cost between $2,500 and $3,500. Four bedrooms or more will cost $3,500 and up.
A freight trailer will cost between $1,500 and $2,000 for a one-bedroom home. Two to three bedrooms will cost $2,000 to $3,000, and four or more will cost around $3,500.
A moving container (such as a Pod) will cost between $1,500 and $3,000 for one bedroom. Two to three bedrooms will also cost $1,500 to $3,000. Four bedrooms or more will cost approximately $6,000.
Finally, a moving company will cost $1,500 to $3,500 for a one-bedroom home. Two to three bedrooms will cost $4,000 to $7,000. And four bedrooms or more will cost $8,500.
How should I decide which method to use to move cross-country?
So, which one should you choose? Think about your financial situation, the amount you need to move, and the number of people involved. A cross-country move for a single person in a one-bedroom apartment will look much different compared to a five-person family with small children and a four-bedroom house to pack up. The latter has many more parts to consider with added difficulty.
You may be a person who wants to be in control of everything, and despite the hassle, you want to cart your goods across the country yourself. If that’s the case, you’ll need to budget for insurance for the truck, the goods inside, the gas you’ll need for the entire trip, and all your moving supplies — think boxes, bubble wrap, and moving blankets to protect your more oversized items.
This budget should also include extra funds for unforeseen circumstances. Rental trucks can break down, and you’ll have to pay extra if you exceed your allotted mileage. Also, remember that rental trucks aren’t fuel-efficient, especially when you’re hauling heavy loads. If you’re towing a car, those circumstances will be exacerbated further. You will have to drive slower and may not stick to your initial driving schedule (read: extra nights needed in a hotel).
Meanwhile, a moving company will be a more expensive option, but they do this sort of thing daily. Therefore, they have the knowledge, expertise, and supplies to move smoothly. So, what do you need to budget for if you’re going this route? Beyond the cost of the actual move, you’ll need to pay for insurance and have some extra funds on hand if the move ends up being more than what you initially quoted.
What do I need to know about moving company quotes?
Wait — a moving company can charge you more than the initial quote? Unfortunately, yes. But there are several ways to prepare and potentially avoid this pitfall.
While you can quickly get a quote from most moving companies on their website, you should know this is a ballpark figure. You’ll want to be sure that you get a follow-up with an in-person quote. That way, the mover can inspect your belongings and thoroughly survey everything. This service is typically done for free but check with the company.
Remember that you shouldn’t go with the first mover you find. Get at least three different quotes before deciding. Talk to friends, family, and neighbors who have moved in the last few years. Go online and seek out reviews of the companies you’re considering.
Here’s something you should know: If you’re moving across state lines, your mover must follow the rules established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules say interstate movers must provide written estimates and that if you’re moving from within 50 miles of the mover’s (or broker’s) location, they must base the estimate on a physical survey of your belongings unless you waive the requirement in writing.
Now, back to those estimates and potentially paying more than what you were initially quoted. You should know there are several types of estimates you can receive. Companies will have different options, so ask if you don’t hear about the one you think suits you the most.
Nonbinding moving estimate: A nonbinding moving quote is a document with the mover’s best guess of your moving expenses. Although the bill may run much higher than the nonbinding estimate, your mover can only require you to pay up to 110 percent of the written quote at the delivery time. You’ll be billed for any remaining charges later.
Binding moving estimate: If the mover gives you a binding quote, the company must honor the price it provides you if nothing changes. If you only move the items listed on the inventory sheet, the final price should match what appears on the binding estimate.
Binding-not-to-exceed moving estimate: A binding-not-to-exceed estimate is the same as a binding estimate, except you’ll pay less than the quoted price if your items weigh less than what’s estimated.
Keep in mind that a nonbinding quote will likely cost less initially, but you are running the risk of those unexpected charges.
How do movers calculate their costs?
Whereas local movers charge by the hour, a company moving your cross-country will base your quote on the weight of your belongings. But remember that plenty of variables will affect your move’s final cost. The size of your home, any additional stops, the time of year, distance, and location will all be considered.
Certain circumstances will mean additional fees. Make sure to talk to your mover about every service that requires an extra cost, and they add everything to your final written quote. So, what are some of these services?
If movers must carry items up or down stairs, they’ll likely charge an additional fee. One flight is typically included, but this isn’t always the case. If your old or new house has stairs, ask if the company charges a stair fee and ensure this fee is included in the written estimate.
If movers must carry furniture and boxes a long way from your house to the truck, you can expect them to charge a long-carry (or long-haul) fee. The written estimate should specify the maximum distance the movers will carry before this fee applies. If it doesn’t, ask the movers to specify this distance in writing.
If a large moving truck or semi-truck can’t park close to your house, the moving company will need to use a smaller truck or van to shuttle items from the home to the truck or vice versa. Ask the moving company about the size of its pickup and delivery trucks. If power lines or lack of parking will prevent the truck from getting to your home, ask about the fee for a shuttle service and factor that into your final cost. A company with a slightly higher rate per pound might be cheaper in the long run if it uses a smaller truck to pick up and deliver shipments.
Most moving companies offer packing services. You’ll pay a premium for this option, but it may be worth the price if you have limited mobility or you’re looking for a less stressful move. All fees for packing services and materials should be listed on the estimate. You can have the company box everything or only specific items. Some moving companies charge per item, while others charge per hour.
Discuss this with the moving company in advance if you need to move any other cumbersome items (a piano would qualify here). If you choose a smaller or independent mover, they may not be capable of handling these items, and those that are will likely charge an additional fee. These items should be listed on your moving inventory with a special note if there’ll be an extra charge for moving them.
If something unexpected happens and you need to suddenly change the date of your move or decide to take more items than you originally planned, you might incur additional fees. Though most companies can accommodate last-minute changes, these adjustments might mean a company has to change strategies about timing and require additional movers to help.
It’s often appropriate to tip the moving crew, and a standard tip is about $20 to $40 per day per mover. Adjust this amount based on the quality of the service provided and the time spent at your house.
What about insurance?
Regarding your budget, prepare for insurance to eat up a significant chunk.
Movers must accept liability for your items while they have the shipment, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be reimbursed for replacing an item if it is damaged during the move. Your written moving estimate should specify the moving insurance coverage the mover will provide. If you can’t identify it, ask right away.
Full-value protection moving insurance means movers are typically required to handle an issue in three ways: They can pay for a damaged item, repair it, or replace it. The exact cost of this insurance will vary by the mover. With full-value protection, movers are allowed to limit their legal responsibility to loss or damage to items of “extraordinary value”, meaning items that are valued more than $100 per pound. Make sure you talk to your mover about the exact limitations and get everything in writing.
Limited-value coverage, also called released value coverage, is based solely on the weight of your items. The company must legally accept liability for interstate moves at 60 cents per pound per item. Let’s say you have an antique bedroom set, and one of the dressers weighs 65 pounds. If the movers drop it and it’s damaged, they will reimburse you a whopping 39 dollars. You’ll need to talk to the company before the journey and the fine print on your written estimate or other paperwork to understand your protection.
Several third-party companies offer moving insurance. This option costs extra, like purchasing full-value coverage from your mover. You’ll need to declare an overall value and select a deductible amount for these policies. Read the guidelines carefully and check online reviews to choose an insurer with a good reputation.
Remember: Different laws and regulations come into play with long-distance moves across state lines. If you want more information on the legalities of interstate moves, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation FMCSA website on moving.
Go slow, breathe, and think
The biggest favor you can do for yourself during a cross-country move is to start as far in advance as possible. You must give yourself enough time to consider everything that needs to be accomplished. Trying to perform such an enormous task in haste is a recipe for disaster. Go slow, stay organized, do your research, and tackle a little bit every day. Moving is bound to be chaotic but can also be one of the most memorable moments in your life. And don’t worry — those boxes will get unpacked eventually.
