Photo by Meru Bi

Originally Posted On: Five Ways to Make Your Cross-Country Move as Stress-Free as Possible (menwhoblog.com)

If you’ve decided to move to the other side of the country, your life is going to change. Whether you’re moving for work, family, or just because you fancy something different, there’s a lot to look forward to. New scenery, experiences, and friends will all make your new life worthwhile. It’s an opportunity for a fresh start in life.

But as well as being exciting, it can be a nerve-wracking prospect too. Leaving your friends and family behind, the comfort of your old job, and the familiarity of town in which you’ve lived your whole life. It’s scary, but all good things in life come from escaping your comfort zone. You likely have a good reason for wanting to move. Instead of spending the coming weeks fretting about your decision, there are several thighs you can do to make the transition as smooth as possible.

To help you get set up in your new home and make the most of your life change, here are five excellent tips for moving across the country.

Decide on transport logistics

The biggest logistical challenge in moving across the country is how you are going to get all your stuff there. The easiest solution is to hire a moving company to transport all your belongings from door to door. This is by far the most convenient option for you, as they will do all the heavy lifting and you are free to focus on getting yourself there in one piece. However, it does come at a substantial price, and you’ll need to consider documenting and insuring your possessions in case something breaks or goes missing en route. Alternatively, you could move your belongings by yourself, but this will be a bigger job for you. You may need to hire your own van or call in a favor from your loved ones to help you. You could always sell or donate the majority of your stuff and buy all new things once you arrive.

Moving your car is one of the most difficult decisions. Do you drive it across the country and inflict several hundred miles of wear and tear on your beloved vehicle? Or do you opt for a shipping company like carsrelo.com to move it for you? If you do decide to drive, you can turn the trip into a fun adventure, enjoying the sights and scenery of rural America on your way.

There are several choices to weigh up, but once you make this decision, the hardest part is over.

Declutter

The less stuff you have to move, the easier the entire process will be. Rather than spending time and money transporting a load of items, you don’t really need, take some time to go through your home and declutter. Be strict with yourself and get rid of anything that isn’t essential. If you’re worried about waste, you can also donate items to charity or sell them. And if you decide later on that you made a mistake, you can always buy a replacement in your new destination. Once you get started with the decluttering, you’ll find it difficult to stop.

Pack strategically

How you pack will have a big influence on the smoothness of your move. Throwing everything into the closest unmarked box or keeping things loose in your car might save time in the packing, but will make unpacking a lot more stressful. Group packing boxes by different rooms of your house and label them clearly. This way, you’ll know where everything is when you arrive in your new home.

Remember the little things

There are so many little details you’ll need to take care of in order to get set up in your new life. And the sooner you take care of them, the better. You’ll need to cancel your gym membership and change your doctor. Your address will change, so make sure you let your bank and utility companies know. Make a list of all these tasks, and tick them off one by one in the coming weeks.

Have something to look forward to

Moving home can always be a bit stressful, whether you’re moving thousands of miles or just down the road. The best way to alleviate this frustration is to make the process more exciting. Plan something you can look forward to in your new home. It could be as simple as a takeaway pizza on your first night, or a long run to explore your new backyard. Whatever it is, it will help you take your mind off the move and make you feel a lot more positive about your life change.