1. Get Organized

The first step to making any move a success is to get organized. The sooner you start, the better. This is especially true if you have to hire professionals, like movers and car shipping companies. Once you have a date for when you're moving, sit down and make a list of everything you need to do. Creating a checklist will help you keep track of all the steps in your move.

You can divide tasks into four phases:

• Months before the move - These are things you can do long before your move, including meeting with closing agents and starting your packing plan.

• Weeks before the move - These are things that need to happen a few days before you're scheduled to leave. This includes having someone check on your house, researching and booking car shipping companies, and booking flights or accommodation.

• A day before the move - These are things to do the day before you leave. This includes making last-minute arrangements and getting rid of anything extra in your house.

• Moving day - These are things to do on the day of your move. This includes checking that you have everything with you, double-checking the paperwork you need, and getting to your flight on time.

As you work your way through the list, tick off completed tasks. You can even break larger tasks into smaller chunks so they don’t seem so intimidating.

2. Get Your Finances in Order

Moving across the country takes money. If you are tight on funds, getting organized financially is the number one thing you should do when planning a long-distance move. Follow these tips to get your finances for your cross-country move:

Create a Budget

Putting together a moving budget will help you stay within your means. Create a list of the expenses you'll have to pay for, including costs for travel. Then put together a plan to cover each expense, including how much you'll pay and when. Getting your finances in order will ensure that you have the money to cover all your expenses.

Start Saving

If you don't have enough money to pay for your move, then start putting some away now. You can open a savings account to start gathering the money you need. You can also cut back on your spending to free up money for your move or put extra in your savings account later when you get it.

3. Have a Packing Plan

Packing is another important task on your moving checklist. Having a packing plan is the best way to ensure that you only pack the things you require and do it promptly. Here are some tips for creating a packing plan:

Decide What to Keep, Pack, or Donate

Not everything in your current home is worth taking with you. So, start by going through each room and figuring out what to keep, what to donate, and what to throw away. If you're not sure if something is worth keeping or discarding, go around each room with a trash bag and just toss things you don't want.

Sort and Pack Your Belongings

Next, sort and pack each room until everything is gone. Start by dividing your belongings into rooms, then figure out what's in each room. 

Before you pack anything, make sure that it's clean and as undamaged as possible. Then put all your belongings in boxes and label them accordingly. Be sure to label each box with the room it's for and indicate if items are fragile. Using colorful tape or markers makes it easier to tell what's inside each box.

Having a packing plan and method ensures that you'll stay organized, save time, and make the moving process as easy as possible.

4. Decide on a Method of Transportation

There are various ways to transport your belongings when you're moving across the country:

• Hire a full-service moving company. These companies do everything for you, from packing and unpacking to loading and unloading. While this option is more expensive, you'll save time because you won't have to lift a finger. 

• Drive a rental truck or UHaul trailer. These are the most popular options, but they aren't for everyone. While it is a cheaper option, you'll need a truck or trailer, gas money, and a big chunk of time.

5.     Compare Shipping Services 

Once you've decided on a method of transportation, it's time to compare shipping services. Here are some things to look for when comparing companies:

• Packaging. Some moving companies provide boxes for you to pack your belongings, while others make you buy them. If you choose a company that provides boxes, make sure they're of good quality. If you have to buy the boxes yourself, invest in strong, sturdy ones that can hold a lot of weight.

• Moving insurance. When you ship your belongings, make sure the company has insurance in case anything happens to your belongings during the trip. It's a well-known fact that movers don't insure your items, so look for a shipping company that offers insurance. 

• Customer service. When you contact moving companies, ask about their customer service and how they treat past clients. If previous customers weren't satisfied with the company, you probably won't be either.

• Costs. Go through your moving checklist and make a budget. Figure out how much money you're willing to spend on your move, then ask each company for a quote. The more money you're willing to spend the faster the move will be. However, keep in mind that you get what you pay for. 

The Bottom Line: Get Ready for Your Cross-country Move

With these five tips, cross-country moving will be a breeze. Save yourself time, money, and stress by preparing well in advance.