This article originally appeared on canvanews.com

Are you planning to relocate across the country any time soon? In truth, moving across the country may seem daunting, but it should be easy with proper planning and management. To make your journey more exciting, you need to have a checklist as the first step.

You should include all the necessary details- from start to finish- in the cross-country move checklist.

Some of these details include the following:

Parking supplies

Sufficient moving trucks

Make time to clean your old home

Having budget estimates concerning every aspect of the cross-country move

Whether this is your first cross-country move or you seek to revamp an existing move to make it more memorable, the cross country move checklist outlined below can go a long way in quickly preparing and navigating your journey. Make your upcoming cross-country move a breeze by following the guide below.

8 Weeks Before The Move

If you are planning on moving across the country but are unsure where to start, eight weeks is ample time to explore all the potential areas that align with your passions. You can begin the search in your neighborhood or nearby school but read on to discover some tips to make the most of your move.

If you want to learn more about your neighborhood, you can use relevant sites and reviews. You are more likely to become acquainted with information about local amenities and even crime rates, thus making you aware of what to expect while traversing your chosen community. Suppose you plan a do-it-yourself (DIY) move.

In that case, this is the perfect time to consult friends and family members. Consulting local moving companies can aid in simplifying the movement, as you get to compare quotes and prepare ahead of time. You will also need to consider the mode of transportation in which your goods will be hauled.

Booking flights in advance would be prudent if you intend to ship some of your belongings. Doing this saves you time and money and prevents you from stressful moments. Should you consider the road as a mode of transport, ensure that a professional mechanic inspects your vehicle. Trailers or pods should also be attached safely before commencing your cross-country move.

Keep the Following Things in Mind

Start packing early

Packing your belongings early is an essential part of making your journey seamless. You will have plenty of time to determine what is necessary and what should be left behind as outlined on your cross country move checklist.

Create a packing plan

Preparing a packing plan will help you stay organized. Make a list of what you intend to pack, and indicate the dates you plan to do so. Following your packing plan ensures you leave nothing behind when the time comes.

Research moving companies

Moving companies are a convenient way to travel around the country. Ensure you research these companies early enough. Also, get quotes from several service providers and decide which suits your needs best. You can also read reviews to determine what customers say about their services.

Rent a storage unit

A storage unit comes in handy when you have items you don’t intend to carry. It is the ideal place to keep your things until you are ready for them.

Notify the relevant authorities and essential people about your plans

Some significant stakeholders in your life include your bank, your employer, and your child’s school. Don’t forget to notify your post office and change your utilities to your updated address.

Plan an essentials bag

When moving day approaches, you will need to pack the items you most need during the first few days in your brand-new home. Some of these items include clothes, toiletries, bedding, and medication.

Clean your home before leaving

You don’t want to leave your old home in disorder. Ensure you do a thorough cleaning so that new tenants can occupy the premises with ease. You can also hire a professional cleaner to do the cleaning for you.

Say goodbye to your friends and neighbors

Saying goodbye to your neighbors and friends is a thoughtful gesture that shows that you appreciate them. You can organize a throw-away party and picnic with them in the park. Whichever way you see fit, this is a better way to create lasting memories before you commence your journey.

6 Weeks Before The Move

There are a few things that you need to do six weeks before the move. First, start preparing by gathering, packing, and moving supplies. Also, create a cross country move checklist that outlines how your belongings should be grouped.

It is critical to declutter your home during this period to maximize efficiency. If you have items you don’t need, this is the appropriate time to sell them or donate them.

After decluttering your home, you should be ready to move, having obtained all the necessary supplies. Whether you do it yourself or involve family members and friends, you can have a seamless transition into your brand-new home if you set aside time to ensure everything is organized.

Things to Keep In Mind

Pack and organize early enough

Avoid waiting until the last minute. If you haven’t started packing, this is the right time to make packing easier.

Create a moving budget

Make a list of all the expenses you think you will incur because cross-country moves can be expensive

Notify your employer of your plans

Notifying your employer in good time is ethical. Doing so also makes them prepare to have a replacement once you move.

Hire a mover

Suppose you are planning on hiring professional movers. In that case, it only makes sense to begin your search at this time. Consult friends, read online reviews, and get quotes to compare prices upon getting a few companies that pique your interest.

Transfer your utilities

Make sure you contact your current utility providers (gas, water, electricity, and trash) to notify them about your move and when they should turn off your services.

Pack your car with the complete essentials

When the day to move arrives, pack all the essentials you will need to use during the first few days in your new place.

4 Weeks Before The Move

To begin with, make sure that you pay all fines and cancel all membership plans you may have. Also, update your voter registration and locate a nearby polling station near your new home. Another task you must undertake is to change your car insurance address.

In addition, ensure that you use any perishable items in your freezer. Try to prepare meals that won’t be packed during this period. You must also map out your route to spot hotels on your way.

Of the utmost importance, ensure you store your credentials and relevant documents like insurance forms, passports, and certificates in one location for easy access.

Keep In Mind The Following

Finish packing

Remind your employer

Change your address

Cancel all utilities

Pack a moving survival kit

Hire a moving company

2 Weeks Before The Move

Ensure that your bank information and other critical accounts, like your cell phone provider, are up to date and in line with your updated address. Next, you will want to update your homeowner’s insurance.

Last but not least, be sure that you set up your recycling services for your upcoming home before canceling your recycling services in your old home. In addition to that, notify the IRS about your change of address.

Keep The Following In Mind

Ensure you have a list of pending activities

Finish any pending packing

Ensure you change your address

Notify all utility companies about your move

Organize your transportation arrangements

Say goodbye to your friends

1 Week Before The Move

You should transfer all prescriptions to your new home’s local pharmacy one week before moving. This will save you the trouble of accessing medication once you arrive at your new home

Put together essentials like pajamas, toiletries, and cooking utensils in one box to make you feel settled upon arriving at your new home

Other Activities Include:

Update your utility companies with your updated contact information.

Clean your refrigerator

Move light bulbs from lamps

Double-check that everything is ready

Schedule final appointments with your internet and cable providers

Keep The Following In Mind

Check the packing list

Your essentials bag should be ready

Transportation

All addresses should be changed

Say the final goodbye to friends and family

Moving Day

Moving day can be tedious, but proper planning can make it easier. Ensure that you eat healthily and stay hydrated to prepare for the day. Dress appropriately, depending on the weather.

Make sure you arrive on time to meet your professional movers or other persons helping you move. Have a list of the items that are to be moved first as guided by your cross country move checklist.

Also, ensure an easy path where the movers can move large boxes. Do this by clearing a pathway from your front door to the moving truck. Lay down mats and towels to ensure that floors don’t get scratched.

Finally, make a thorough walkthrough around your old home to ensure that you haven’t left anything behind. If damages occur during the move, take photos and videos so they can be addressed later.

Keep The Following In Mind

Remember to check the house

Be prepared

Move safely

Have an alternative

Be organized

Take breaks

Reduce Anxieties By Using A Comprehensive Cross Country Move Checklist

If you are planning to move a long distance, sometimes you may feel overwhelmed by the prospects of seeing new places, learning about different cultures, and getting acquainted with new friends. Certain anxieties ensue in the process of planning to move. Still, with the help of this comprehensive cross country move checklist, you can minimize any indecisions you may have before moving.