Preparing for a move across the country can be a stressful experience. However, if you take the proper steps ahead of time to plan and prepare for your move, you should be able to eliminate most of that stress. If you have the groundwork in place a month or so before you actually move across country, you can simply get in your car and drive or hop on the airplane and be worry free about your move. If you are driving across the country to your new home and need to take a break to rest for the night, check out websites like Choice Hotels and Marriott Hotels and Resorts.

Moving Estimates

It is likely that you will be hiring a moving company if you are moving across the country. If that is what you plan on doing, call a few moving companies at least two months before the move so you can get estimates on the cost. A reputable moving company will be able to come to your home, take a look at your belongings and give you an idea of what it would cost to move you. Some companies will even pack your belongings up for you and load them into the truck, which saves you a lot of headache and backache. If hiring a moving company is not in your budget, you should obtain estimates for a truck rental.

Sorting Your Belongings

It is going to take you awhile to settle into your new home after the cross country move. You are going to stress yourself out if you have to dig through dozens of boxes before you find the particular item that you are looking for. That is why you should sort your belongings into three categories. Category one is for your most important items that you will need immediately after the move. Category two is for belongings that you know you will need, but not until a few weeks after you have settled into your new home. Category three is for items that you want to throw away, sell or give to charity. If you use a moving company, the less belongings you bring with you, the cheaper your move will be.

Records and Change of Address

If you have any children that are in school, contact the school at least two weeks before your move to let them know you are moving. They should be able to forward your child’s records to his new school for you. You should also contact your doctor at least two weeks before you move so you can pick up your medical records. One of the most important things to do in preparation of moving across the country is filing a change of address with the post office. Do that at least one week before you move. The post office will need your new address so they can forward your mail for you.

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