Making a Cross-Country Move

Moving cross-country may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be – with the right help, of course. REMAX has teamed up with Colonial Van Lines to bring you some useful tips and tricks to ensure your move across the United States is as smooth as possible. 

Quick tips to a smooth cross-country move? Let’s start by staying positive, getting organized well in advance, and calling in reinforcements when you need them. This will help tackle your cross-country adventure and any smaller moving-day challenges that may arise. 

When you’re trekking hundreds or thousands of miles to your new home, there’s a lot to think about, from choosing between a road trip or a flight, to coordinating with movers and disassembling furniture, and everything in between. Together with the experts at Colonial Van Lines, REMAX is here to help you plan ahead.  

Planning Your Cross-Country Move 

If you’re making a big move, it’s recommended to start three to six months before moving day. This leaves plenty of breathing room for any adjustments along the way. Keep in mind that your timeline may change based on a variety of factors, such as the size of your home, how much stuff you have, and the distance to your new home. 

Start by asking yourself questions like: What’s coming along for the ride? What can we donate? Will we be moving ourselves or will we call in a professional mover? What essential paperwork needs to come along? Is there anything that we’re forgetting? 

Don’t leave anything to chance. Check out our comprehensive moving guide to make sure you’ve covered all your bases. Then, you’ll be able to start your cross-country journey with confidence. 

Quick Planning Pro-tips 

Smart budgeting can go a long way on a cross-country journey. Map out your finances, from moving fees and storage-pod services, to travel-related expenses like gas, flights and lodging. Knowing where to save and where to spend will help minimize unexpected and ballooning costs. 

Before you leave your current location, research your destination from a moving perspective. Find out about moving truck parking options, loading zones, and the best moving times. Consider whether a night-time or daytime move works better. 

Moving Company vs. DIY 

Before deciding whether to hire movers or make your own move, consider several factors. Do you have family or friends who are willing and able to help? Will you need some additional muscle-power for heavy items? Answering these questions now will help you avoid issues later. 

If the budget allows for hiring professional movers, many choose to take this route. Working with someone who has experience in long-distance moves can eliminate physical and mental strain, giving you more peace of mind during what can be a stressful time. 

Full service movers offer many different services. A full-service mover (like Colonial Van Lines) typically includes loading, transport, and unloading services, with optional add-ons like packing/unpacking, furniture disassembly/reassembly, packing supplies, storage solutions, specialty item handling, and commercial moving services—all customizable to meet your specific needs and budget.

Colonial Van Lines has been recognized as one of the Best Moving Companies of 2024 & 2025 by U.S. News & World Report, with special recognition for highly trained movers and discounted moving services. 

Those who choose to DIY can still make their move as easy as possible, with proper planning and some outside-of-the-box thinking. Have a detailed plan, establish a budget, recruit as many friends as possible, and hunt for deals where you can. Think creatively but don’t skimp on things like quality containers for fragile items or a truck big enough for all your belongings. With preparation and smart choices, moving yourself can be a relatively easy process.  

Moving Day Preparation 

At long last, moving day has arrived, and you’re about to reap the rewards of all your planning, packing and preparation. Another great tip to avoid being overwhelmed is to break your moving day into smaller, more-manageable steps. Let’s walk through a simple moving-day plan. 

The day is circled on your calendar – moving day! Take a minute to yourself, breathe and rest assured that you’ve got this.  After all, you’ve planned and enlisted the help you’ll need. While enjoying your breakfast (you’ll need the fuel!) review your moving checklist one last time. This will help you stay focused during what is sure to be a busy day.  

Next, coordinate with your moving team. Check in with your professional movers. Movers typically call with an arrival window, so be ready to take their call and provide any last-minute details they might need. If moving yourself, start planning which boxes or furniture pieces will get loaded into the truck first and. It’s recommended to start with heavier items if possible, and work your way to the smaller, lighter items.  

With the truck fully loaded, it’s time for one last walkthrough of your home – well, your old home. If the keys need to be handed off, make sure that is arranged before you leave. Now, take a moment to say “goodbye” and get ready for your new adventure! 

During the Move 

Many moving companies let you track your shipment, to make sure your arrival time aligns with your belongings. Life and weather happen, and you or your shipment may experience a delay. Have a back-up plan in place, in case you need to extend your shipment. 

Even if you’ve planned every part of your move, issues such as vehicle breakdowns, road closures, or emergencies can arise and impact your schedule. Remember: the difference between a big, glaring problem and a small bump in the road often comes down to having a back-up plan.  

As part of your back-up plan, consider the following:  

• Research extended-stay hotels or short-term rentals that offer flexible booking 

• Identify friends or family who might offer lodging if needed  

• Keep an “extended delay” bag with additional clothing and essentials  

• Understand your moving company’s storage options and policies if your new home isn’t ready for occupancy  

• Sometimes delays can work in your favor by giving you extra time to clean or prepare your new space 

Settling Into Your New Home 

Congratulations! You’ve arrived. After all the planning, packing, and issues to work through, you did it. You may find yourself shoulder-deep in boxes or enjoying a cup of coffee on your new porch – either way, it’s time to celebrate. Life doesn’t pause because you’ve moved, and you may have to go to work the very next day. Every unpacking experience is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. That said, here’s a simple strategy to help you stay organized:  

• Start big. Begin by arranging your larger furniture. Use a floorplan to guide where things go. This gives you a sense of structure and helps define your rooms.  

• Don’t rush the decor. Don’t worry about hanging artwork or placing decorations the moment you arrive. Once the furniture is in place, you’ll have a better idea about those final touches.  

• Confirm your utilities. Make sure internet, Wi-Fi, gas, electricity, and water are working and transferred into your name.  

• Explore your neighborhood. Check out local parks, events, or simply take a walk around. 

Moving can be chaotic, but it will be less so, if you plan ahead. With a plan, a positive attitude, and with a little help from your friends, you’ll be settled in your new home before you know it. Remember, take it one step at a time and don’t forget to enjoy the journey!