Moving to a new place across the country is a big step. It’s exciting but it can also be a bit much to handle. With all the planning, packing and details to sort out, having a clear checklist can make everything feel way more manageable.
Starting fresh in a new city brings a mix of excitement and a few bumps along the way. To help make things easier, we’ve put together some simple tips and useful advice. If you stay organized and follow each step, your move will feel a lot less stressful — and you’ll be more prepared to enjoy this new chapter in your life.
Key Takeaways
- Begin early & make a moving checklist so you can handle things one step at a time.
- Keep all your important documents, quotes & details in one safe spot so you can find them easily when needed.
- Use helpful tools & resources to keep your move simple or less stressful.
Two Months Before Moving Day
Start Sorting Things Out
Grab a cup of coffee, play your favorite tunes and go room by room. Decide what you really want to keep and what you can sell, give away or throw out. For expensive or delicate stuff, see if it needs special packing or extra insurance.
Make a Moving Budget
Cross-country moves can cost a lot, so it’s smart to plan early. Think about the cost of hiring movers, buying packing supplies, moving your car and anything unexpected that might pop up. Most moves like this can run between $4,000 and $10,000. Use an online cost calculator to get a rough idea based on your situation.
Choose a Good Moving Company
Don’t just go with the first mover you find. Take time to compare a few, get estimates (preferably in person) and read reviews online. It’s better to spend a bit more on someone reliable than to deal with problems later.
Gather Packing Materials
Start collecting boxes from stores, friends or neighbors. You can also check places like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or local community groups for free ones. Don’t forget to grab packing tape, bubble wrap and some markers for labeling your boxes.
Six Weeks Before Moving Day
Make a Moving Plan
Write down a week-by-week list of everything you need to do. Include things like booking movers, packing up each room and changing your address. A checklist will help you stay on top of things.
Plan Your Travel
Whether you're flying or driving to your new place, sort out your travel plans now. If you need to stop somewhere overnight, book hotels or check Airbnb early so you get better prices and choices.
Stay Organized
Keeping things in order will help your move go a lot more smoothly — and with way less stress.
One Month Before Moving Day
With just a month to go, it’s time to take care of some important things!
Let Your Landlord Know
If you’re living in a rental, make sure to inform your landlord that you’re moving. Most rental agreements need you to give a 30 to 60 days' notice — check your lease so you don’t get hit with any surprise fees.
Go Through Your Stuff
Make a list of what you own — like clothes, kitchen items and electronics. This is also a good time to take pictures of valuable items in case you need them for insurance later. As you pack, sort out what to keep, give away or sell to make moving easier.
Change Your Address
Tell important places like your bank, credit card companies and any services you’re subscribed to about your new address. Also, don’t forget to update your address with the post office so your mail gets forwarded to your new place.
Three Weeks Before Moving Day
Just three weeks to go — now’s the time to handle the small but important stuff and stay on top of things!
Update Your Insurance
Reach out to your insurance companies and update your info. Your new home might need different coverage, so double-check everything to make sure you’re protected.
Tell the Right People
Make a list of who needs to know your new address — like your boss, your bank, insurance companies, credit cards and utility providers. Also, remember to transfer medical and school records or set up mail forwarding through USPS.
Pack Things You Don’t Use Daily
Start boxing up the stuff you won’t need right away — like seasonal clothes, books or decorations. Leave your everyday things (like toiletries and bedding) unpacked for now.
Taking care of these steps early will make your move a lot easier and way less stressful.
Two Weeks Before Moving Day
You're almost there! With just two weeks left, it's normal to feel both excited and a little stressed. Don’t worry — this list will keep you on track.
Plan for Pets & Kids
Moving day can get pretty hectic. It’s a good idea to ask a friend, family member or sitter to watch your kids or pets so you can focus on the move without any extra stress.
Double-Check Your Moving Details
Call your moving company and confirm everything — the moving date, time of arrival and any special instructions. This helps avoid any last-minute surprises.
Gather Important Papers
Collect things like your passport, driver’s license, social security card and other key documents. Keep them in a safe place, like a folder or small box, so they don’t get lost during the move.
Getting these things done now will help make moving day much easier.
One Week Before Moving Day
You’re so close! Just one week to go — now it’s time to wrap up the final steps.
Handle the Last-Minute Tasks
Pack the Must-Haves
Set aside important items like ID cards, passports, medicines and valuables. Put all key documents in a clearly marked envelope so they’re easy to grab when needed. If you’re driving, keep medications and other essentials in your personal bag to avoid losing them.
Take Apart Big Furniture
Break down any large furniture that won’t fit through the door or into the truck as-is. Put screws and small parts in labeled ziplock bags. Snapping a few photos before taking things apart can help when it’s time to put them back together.
Use or Give Away Food
Go through your fridge and pantry. Eat what you can in the final days, give away sealed food to a local food bank and toss anything that might spoil. If you’ve got a lot left, consider cooking a goodbye meal with friends or neighbors.
Clean Up the Place
If you’re renting, doing a deep clean can help you get your full deposit back. Tackle one room at a time or hire professional cleaners if that’s in your budget.
Getting these final things done now will make moving day a lot smoother and way less stressful.
Two Days Before Moving Day
You're almost done! With just two days to go, it’s time to take care of the final few things. Here’s what you should focus on in the last 48 hours:
Pack a “First-Night” Box
Put together a box with all the essentials you’ll need right away — like toiletries, a fresh change of clothes, phone chargers, any medications and important documents. Keep this box easy to spot and reach. It’ll save you from digging through boxes on your first night.
Clean Out the Fridge
Empty your fridge and freezer completely. Toss any leftover food and give everything a good wipe-down. Unplug it at least 24 hours before moving to avoid leaks or smells.
Give Your Neighbors a Heads-Up
Let your neighbors know about your moving day. It’s just a kind gesture to help them prepare for things like blocked driveways or extra noise. It also helps keep things friendly and avoids misunderstandings.
Go Over Moving Plans Again
Touch base with your movers, friends or family who are helping out. Confirm the date, time and anything specific they need to know. A quick check-in can prevent any day-of confusion.
Do a Final Check Around the House
Walk through every room, closet and storage space to make sure nothing gets left behind. It’s also a nice moment to say goodbye to your place and get in the mindset for your next adventure.
Move-Out Day
Being ready ahead of time will make moving day go a lot more smoothly. Here are some important things to do:
Check Your Moving List
Go through your checklist one last time. Make sure every box is packed, labeled and ready to load. This helps catch anything you might’ve missed.
Do One Last Walkthrough
Before the movers show up, take a quick walk around your place. Look in every closet, drawer and storage spot to be sure nothing’s left behind.
Take Photos of Important Items
Snap pictures of your valuable or breakable stuff before it’s moved. If anything gets damaged, these photos will help if you need to file an insurance claim.
Talk to Your Movers
When the movers arrive, show them which things need extra care. Give them any special instructions and thank them for their help. Stay nearby in case they have questions — but let them do what they do best.
Track Your Moving Expenses
Keep an eye on your spending. Note down costs like gas, hotel stays, food or anything else along the way. This helps you stick to your budget.
Final Check Before You Leave
Make sure all doors and windows are locked, lights and appliances are off, and the trash is taken out. Take one last look around, say your goodbyes and get ready to start fresh in your new home.
After the Move
You made it! Your cross-country move is done. Now it’s time to settle in and make your new place feel like home.
Check Your Stuff
As your boxes and furniture come in, take a moment to check everything. Look for any damage or missing pieces. If you took photos before the move, now’s the time to compare and make sure nothing got lost or broken.
Set Up the Basics First
Start by putting together your bed and setting up your couch. Unpack your bedding, toiletries and anything you’ll need to feel clean and comfortable. After a long moving day, you’ll be glad to have a cozy spot to rest.
Unpack One Room at a Time
Take it slow and go room by room. Begin with the kitchen and bathroom since those are the most important. To make unpacking easier:
- Start with the bigger items
- Stay organized as you go
- Use your checklist to track your progress
This way, you won’t feel overwhelmed and things will come together faster.
Update Your Address
Let your bank, insurance company and credit card providers know your new address. Also, double-check that your utilities — like water, gas, electricity and internet — are working as they should.
Get Familiar With Your New Area
Take a walk or drive around your neighborhood. Find the nearest grocery store, park and public transportation stops. Say Hi to your neighbors and start getting to know your surroundings — it’ll help you feel more at home and part of the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to move across the country?
It depends on a few things — like how far you’re going, how much stuff you have and whether you’re moving on your own or hiring help. If you're doing it yourself, it could take several days. With a moving company, it might take a week or even longer. Don’t forget to plan time for packing, driving, loading & unloading and getting settled.
When should I start planning my move?
It’s best to start at least two months before your move. That gives you plenty of time to research movers, book services, gather packing supplies and go through your belongings. The earlier you start, the less stressful things will be later on.
What’s the cheapest time to move across the country?
Moving is usually cheaper between late fall and early spring, when fewer people are relocating. During this time, moving companies often offer lower prices and more flexible scheduling. Try to avoid summer and holidays — that’s when rates are highest. Always get quotes from a few movers so you can find the best deal.