The No-Nonsense Guide to
CROSS COUNTRY MOVING
By K.C. Roads
In Partnership with MyMove.com
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NO-NONSENSE GUIDE TO CROSS-COUNTRY MOVING
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
INTRODUCTION:
Coast-to-Coast Moving: An American Tradition
CHAPTER 1:
So You’ve Decided to Move: What Now?
CHAPTER 2:
DIY or Professional Movers: What’s Right for You?
CHAPTER 3:
Movers and Brokers: Getting Quick Quotes and Straight Answers
CHAPTER 4:
DIY Move Part I: Rental Moving Trucks and Trailers
CHAPTER 5:
DIY Move Part II: Self-Pack Moving Containers
CHAPTER 6:
How to Pack Efficiently So Unpacking Is Easier
CHAPTER 7:
Cross-Country Car Transport: Shop before You Ship
CHAPTER 8:
Moving Family Pets, Greenhouses, Aquariums and Terrariums
CHAPTER 9:
Planning Your Route: Maps, Hotels and Expenses
CHAPTER 10:
Tips for Staying Sane: Moving Long Distance with Your Spouse/Partner
CHAPTER 11:
Unpacking & Settling In
CHAPTER 12:
Getting to Know Your New Neighborhood: Feeling Like a Local
AFTERWORD
1
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
TAPE
K.C Roads is a veteran mover who comes from a long line of
people specialized in moving stuff. His grandfather worked as a
longshoreman in Boston Harbor after arriving in America in the
FOLD
early 20th century, and his father was proud to be a letter carrier
for the United States Postal Service® for his entire working life.
Instilled with a healthy respect for other people’s belongings from an early age,
it was only logical that young K.C. started moving produce boxes for vendors
at Boston’s historic Haymarket before embarking on a career as a professional
mover. He soon went on to moving homes throughout New England, New York
and beyond. After more than two decades of completing local, intrastate, interstate and even international moves, K.C. has most recently joined the MyMove
team of experts with his blog series, All the Right Moves: Confessions of a
Professional Mover.
This guide was written from K.C.’s first-hand experience while planning and
carrying out his own move from California back to Massachusetts. Though his
experiences in the Golden State were mostly sunny, and he gained a lot of
respect for West Coast movers who deal with everything from earthquakes and
dust storms to wildfires and tsunami warnings, when the time and offer were
right, his decision to move back to New England was easy. K.C. took the
opportunity to explore and write about all of the different relocation options
available to him in order to select the one that was right for himself, his family
and his pets. The result is The No-Nonsense Guide to Cross-Country Moving,
an honest, no-bull discussion of modern coast-to-coast moving options and
recommendations.
TAPE
2
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NO-NONSENSE GUIDE TO CROSS-COUNTRY MOVING
WHY WE MOVE CROSS-COUNTRY
Today people move from coast to coast for all sorts of reasons, and
Coast to Coast Moving
many will move more than once: first for study and later for work.
Whether you’ve just graduated from college and landed a job on
the opposite coast, you’re in the military and face frequent
AN AMERICAN
TRADITION
changes of station, or you’ve finally received that promotion and
earned a corner office at your company’s headquarters, relocating
to the other side of the country is a relatively common story.
“This guide will
discuss everything
you need to know
about coast-tocoast moving.”
Regardless of your reason, relocating from one side of the country
to the other involves moving yourself, your family and your
possessions over a distance of up to 3,000 miles. There are a
number of different ways to go about this. Self-pack moving
containers or interstate movers and car transport leave you free
to fly. And then there’s the more traditional self-move, where you
pack your belongings in a rental truck and take a long road trip
to your new home.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS EGUIDE
This eGuide will discuss everything you need to know about
coast-to-coast moving, starting with setting up utilities before
moving day and how to select an affordable phone, TV and
Internet plan so everything’s ready for you when you arrive. It also
gives useful tips on how to use the United States Postal Service’s
change of address service so you get your mail on time. Next,
the guide offers pointers on deciding between a DIY move and
professional movers, and what to consider for a variety of
Americans are famous for our pioneering spirit. From the
relocation options.
first immigrants to the settlers heading west in covered
Packing, inventory and moving go hand in hand; you’ll find useful
wagons to the people that made Route 66 legendary, our
unpacking is easy. If you want to use car transport, you’ll find
tips on what packing materials to buy and how to pack so
society has always been willing to pack up and leave in
information about auto shipping options, including a list of
search of a better life. As technology and transportation
which is why you’ll find a chapter dedicated to moving pets,
questions to ask your auto shipper. Pets are part of the family too,
become more sophisticated, so do the choices available
plants, aquariums and terrariums.
to those who are moving. But nothing can change the fact
Moving can put a strain on even the most loving relationship, so
that transporting all of your possessions over such a large
be sure to check out the tips to stay sane during a long distance
distance is an endeavor you want to get right.
your route so it’s fun and fits your budget. And last but not least,
move with your spouse or partner. You’ll also find out how to plan
I’ll share tips on how to settle in and become a local in your
new community.
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NO-NONSENSE GUIDE TO CROSS-COUNTRY MOVING
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NO-NONSENSE GUIDE TO CROSS-COUNTRY MOVING
CH APTE R 1
Speak with your landlord or realtor to find out which utilities
SO YOU’VE DECIDED
TO MOVE: WHAT NOW?
providers serve your new location. When you know your move-in
date, call the providers to open your accounts and schedule
appointments to turn on the utilities at least two days in advance.
If you can’t be present, ask your realtor or property manager to
be there in your place.
PHONE, TV AND INTERNET COMPARISON TOOLS
For most of us, it’s not home if we can’t be talking on the phone
When the opportunity of a lifetime comes along—and it just happens to be on the
while simultaneously surfing online. But with all of the different
other side of the country—you take it. Once the decision has been made to move
telecommunications and TV providers out there, selecting the
to the other side of the country, there’s often that scary moment when it all sinks in
and you wonder, “How am I ever going to accomplish everything?” Well, in a phrase
worthy of your fastest footwear, you just do it!
right plan can be as overwhelming as selecting the right ringtone.
Instead of calling each provider separately, I used an online
Of course, working out your housing situation is the most
important first step. Whether you want to buy or lease a home,
realtors are a great way to find quality housing quickly. Remember
to ask whether the landlord or the tenant pays the realtor fee to
avoid a much steeper move-in cost than you expected.
In addition, there are a number of trustworthy websites like Trulia
and ApartmentFinder where you can browse apartments online for
a small membership fee. You can always find listings on Craigslist
or in local newspapers, but beware of scams. Among the many
moving responses I received during my search for a place, I was
flooded with emails from absentee landlords who wanted me to
wire them money without any commitment on their part to ever
Did you notify these entities
about your move?
comparison tool to find the plan I wanted. This allowed me to
• Department of Motor Vehicles: Driver’s
take advantage of a 12-month “online only” offer that saved me
license and auto registration
$30 a month.
FINDING A NEW HOME
MOVE CHECKLIST
• Voter registration
• Social Security Administration
USPS CHANGE OF ADDRESS SERVICE
• Banks, credit unions, loan companies
As the son of a letter carrier, I’m happy to report that one of the
• Credit cards and charge accounts
easiest parts of any move is changing your mailing address. You
• Doctors, dentists, pharmacist and other can go to the official USPS change of address website up to three
medical professionals
months in advance of your move and fill out an online form to
• Insurance companies
• Friends and family
specify when your mail needs to be sent to your new address.
• Finance companies
• Magazine subscription (allow 6 weeks
Additionally, you can put your mail on hold for the duration of
to change)
your move and have it forwarded to your new place once you’ve
• Tax assessors
arrived. The form is safe and secure, and as a bonus you get
• Investment services, financial planner
instant access to over $500 in exclusive savings coupons in
• Employer
everything from truck rental, home improvement, pest control,
• Emergency road service
• Airline frequent flyer programs
phone service and banking to décor and furniture.
• Church, clubs, organizations
• Schools
appear in the United States! Needless to say, if you have to ex-
• Alumni associations
change currency in order to pick up your key, it might not be an
• Charity and non-profit organizations
ideal renter’s situation.
• Attorney, accountant
It’s helpful if you can spend some time in the area to view places.
But if, like me, you’re stuck with a long-distance search, make sure
to do some background research on local crime rates and sex
offenders living in the area, and read tenant reviews about
managed properties before you sign a lease.
SETTING UP UTILITIES BEFORE YOU MOVE IN
Tip: Once you know your
move-in date, go to MoversGuide.USPS.com to change
your address so the Post Office sends your mail to your
new home. And don’t forget
to print your free coupons
when you’re there!
• Veterinarian, pet registrations
• Financial aid office
• Home security company
• Delivery companies (such as
bottled water)
Once you’ve secured a place to live, it’s time to think about
practical matters like setting up utilities before moving in.
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NO-NONSENSE GUIDE TO CROSS-COUNTRY MOVING
Cons
CHA PT E R 2
• It takes a lot of energy, time and patience to responsibly pack
DIY OR PROFESSIONAL
MOVERS: WHAT’S RIGHT
FOR YOU?
and move your possessions cross-country.
• Unless you carefully plan your route, you can easily run up
your mileage and wind up paying more for your truck than
you budgeted.
• Loading and unloading a truck is heavy physical labor, so you’ll
need a physically fit crew to help you.
• For many people, driving a moving truck is a challenge they’d
rather leave to professionals.
PROFESSIONAL MOVERS
Professional movers can take a lot of hassle out
of a move. But to be honest, plenty of people can
handle moving themselves quite efficiently. Coastto-coast moves, however, are a bit more complicated than local ones, and, because of the long
distances involved, they require more energy and
effort to coordinate and execute properly. Both
DIY moves and hiring professional movers have
“DIY moves and
hiring professional
movers have their
pros and cons. Be
aware to make an
informed choice.”
Pros
• Professional movers aren’t stingy with their advice about
cross-country moves. You can ask them anything: they’re there
to help every step of the way.
• Convenience: Once your possessions are packed, you can relax
and enjoy the door-to-door transport.
• Most professionals offer tailored services from full-pack moves,
where they even pack for you, to a simple load-and-move, where
you pack but the movers take care of loading and unloading
everything.
• Your belongings are insured. All moving companies are required
their pros and cons. Be aware of them to make an
to have insurance, so if anything gets damaged during the move,
informed choice.
you’ll be reimbursed.
Cons
• Depending on the moving services you want, professional
DO-IT-YOURSELF MOVES
Pros
• Without a doubt this is the most economical moving option because you’re not paying professional movers any labor or service
costs.
• Peace of mind: you pack your belongings and you know where
they are at all times. In addition, you get to choose the insurance
When deciding whether to
do a DIY move or hire
professional movers, consider
your budget, time, experience
with self-moves, fitness level
and insurance needs.
movers are nearly always more costly than a DIY move.
• Even though you choose your moving date, you have to work
within the movers’ schedule. Though movers work fast, they can
have several moves in a day and sometimes moves have to be
rescheduled.
• There are often hidden costs in the fine print on your moving
agreement that can add up if you’re unaware of them. For
plan you want for your moving truck.
example, some moving companies charge more for moves above
• You set the pace yourself, so you can pack and move on your
the first floor, or if there’s more than a certain distance from the
schedule. Most truck rentals have a rental period of approximately
truck to the door of your place.
10 days for long-distance moves, and even if you don’t use all of
• The truck has to be weighed after it’s fully packed to determine
the time, the flexibility allows for a more relaxed move.
the cost of an interstate move. Unless you have a binding estimate,
• The freedom to choose the route you want. Whether you choose
you won’t know how much you’ll actually be paying until the move
the shortest possible route or a historical scenic route, the road’s
is already underway.
all yours.
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NO-NONSENSE GUIDE TO CROSS-COUNTRY MOVING
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NO-NONSENSE GUIDE TO CROSS-COUNTRY MOVING
CHA PT E R 3
Always check each company’s US DOT number and Motor Carrier
MOVERS AND BROKERS:
GETTING QUICK QUOTES
AND STRAIGHT ANSWERS
Dealing with movers and brokers can be intimidating for those planning their first
move. But with a bit of preparation, you can find out all you need to make an
informed decision and find the mover or broker that best fits your needs and budget.
GETTING MOVING QUOTES
If you know of a reputable moving company, you can always
contact them for a quote and see if it’s feasible for your budget.
License at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website
so you know they’re legit.
The following list of questions can help you select a good mover:
“In my experience,
every customer
service rep I
spoke with was
extremely
polite and helpful
when I asked
my questions,
so I didn’t mind
them calling
at all.”
1. What’s included in the moving quote, and what isn’t?
Ask about fees for a longer distance from the moving truck to
your front door, as well as whether you have to pay extra for stairs,
mileage, gas and taxes.
2. Is there a storage option included in the quote?
When you move cross-country, you might not arrive at the same
time as your belongings. Most moving companies include a 30-day
storage option in the moving quote—but they don’t tell you about
it unless you ask. However, it can save you hundreds of dollars on a
storage unit.
3. For how much are your possessions insured?
Every moving company is legally required to carry insurance, but
the amounts can vary. If you feel you need more insurance than is
being offered, ask what your options are to purchase additional
insurance.
If you choose to go through a broker, you should be aware that
brokers typically charge a booking fee to put you in touch with a
4. How accurate is the quote if I fill out my inventory list?
number of different moving companies. This often results in lower
All moving companies provide inventory lists that are designed
costs, as all the moving companies try to underbid each other,
to estimate the total weight of your possessions. But remember,
but the quality of service still remains high as the companies are
books weigh more than feather dusters, so be sure to discuss your
bound to the same interstate moving rules and regulations.
list with your mover for the most accuracy.
You can expect to be contacted by movers from around the
country, as they all try to coordinate loads from each coast so
their moving trucks are always loaded when they’re on the road.
IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK
Whether you contact movers directly or work with a broker, know
which questions to ask to get all the information you need. Just
When you request quotes from
movers and brokers, always
remember to ask what’s
included in the quote so you’re
not hit with unexpected
fees later.
5. How long will it take to move my belongings cross-country?
It usually takes between 6 and 10 days, but it’s helpful to know the
exact duration so you can plan your move-in date accordingly.
Helpful Resources:
so you’re aware, if you work with a broker, you’ll have plenty of
U.S. Movers Association
opportunity to ask questions because he or she is likely to call or
U.S. Department of Transportation
email you often. However, in my experience, every customer ser-
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
vice representative I spoke with was extremely polite and helpful
when I asked my questions, so I didn’t mind them calling at all.
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NO-NONSENSE GUIDE TO CROSS-COUNTRY MOVING
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NO-NONSENSE GUIDE TO CROSS-COUNTRY MOVING
CHA PT E R 4
DIY MOVE PART 1:
RENTAL MOVING TRUCKS
AND TRAILERS
Close-up of our car’s tires
strapped tightly onto the trailer.
A DIY coast-to-coast move will almost always involve renting a moving truck and
sometimes even a car trailer. The three big companies that rent out moving trucks
are Budget, Penske and U-Haul, and besides transportation equipment, they also sell
or rent packing and moving supplies such as different size moving boxes, wardrobe
boxes, packing paper and tape, furniture pads, mattress bags and moving dollies.
Basically, they can provide you with everything you need to make a safe and
efficient long-distance move, except the manpower: that’s up to you.
CHOOSING MOVING EQUIPMENT
Budget, Penske and U-Haul all have easy-to-navigate websites that
help you figure out what size truck you need, as well as what other
equipment can come in handy. Moving trucks range in size from
cargo vans to 26-foot trucks, depending on the amount of stuff you
need to move.
Make sure to get a truck with a solid load ramp to allow for safe and
easy loading and unloading. If you want to tow your car, you can
choose between a car dolly and a car trailer that can be hitched to
Before driving a rental truck
on your DIY move, make sure
you have adequate insurance.
Remember, investing a few
dollars in insurance ahead of
time can save you huge bills
later!
the truck. Be sure to check whether the size truck you rented has a
“When I researched
moving trucks, I
learned that
each company
offers deals and
discounts ranging
from ‘online-only’
deals to discounts
for AAA members
and American
Express
cardholders.”
INSURANCE
When you’re driving from one side of the country to the other,
you’ll need insurance. Check your auto insurance policy to find out
if it covers a truck rental, and if not, purchase insurance when you
pick up your moving truck. There are a number of coverage and
deductible amounts to choose from; pick the one that fits your
situation best. Be smart: Spending a few bucks on insurance is
worth avoiding a huge headache later!
GETTING THE BEST DEALS ON RENTALS
When I researched moving trucks, I found out that each company
offers deals and discounts ranging from “online-only” deals to
discounts for AAA-members and American Express cardholders.
Budget offers a huge number of discounts on local, one-way and
midweek rentals. In addition, they offer U.S. Military, Bar Association, Motor Club, Students, AARP, Fire/Police/EMT and Teachers
discounts ranging from 15 to 20 percent.
When you book online, you’ll be asked for a pick-up and drop-off
tow hitch before renting, and remember: Towing your car will add
time and date. Most companies offer you a 10- or 11-day window
weight to your cargo, so you’ll get fewer miles per gallon.
and approximately 3,000 miles; any additional mileage is charged
Helpful Resources:
extra. You’ll be required to make a deposit of about $150 to
20-foot truck towing a car on a trailer, each company’s customer
Budget Truck Rental
pick-up. Taxes aren’t included on your reservation, so make sure to
service representative gave me an estimate of 10 mpg. Though that
U-Haul
budget extra for that or call customer service to find out how
might sound low, towing is still a more affordable option than auto
Penske Truck Rental
much it will be. Don’t forget to call your pick-up location at least
When I asked what the mileage would be for a tightly packed 17- or
reserve your moving truck, and the rest of the cost is due upon
transport and one that allows you to have your car with you as soon
24 hours in advance to confirm your reservation, or your truck
as you arrive.
might not be ready!
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NO-NONSENSE GUIDE TO CROSS-COUNTRY MOVING
Additionally, both companies offer storage solutions at an
CHA PT E R 5
DIY MOVE PART 2:
SELF-PACK MOVING
CONTAINERS
additional monthly fee. However, when I requested quotes
from both self-pack moving companies, I found a number of
interesting differences.
If you have a lot of heavy
belongings, self-pack moving
containers can be a more
affordable way to move
cross-country than interstate
movers because you pay per
foot, not per pound.
4 DIFFERENCES TO CONSIDER
1. The PODS container could only be delivered to my location, and
picked up again, on two specific days of the week. Whereas
U-Pack didn’t seem to have any restrictions for my area other than
they deliver and pick-up on weekdays only.
2. U-Pack gave me three business days for both packing and
unloading, whereas PODS charges per month.
3. U-Pack also offered the options of terminal-to-terminal and
If you don’t want to rent and drive a moving truck
terminal-to-door moving, which saved between 20 and 25 percent
cross-country yourself, and you have a lot of heavy
on the total price.
belongings that will drive up the cost if you use
4. In addition, with U-Pack, I had the option of renting space by
“When I requested
quotes from
both self-pack
moving companies,
I found a number
of interesting
differences.”
professional interstate movers, then there’s a third
option: self-pack moving containers.
These are either individual containers or
containers on commercial trailers that you pay
for based on size, not weight. After the container is
packed, it’s loaded onto a truck and hauled
cross-country just like other freight containers.
the foot in a commercial trailer. In this instance, if you miscalculate
how much space you need, the costs of the miscalculated space is
either added or subtracted per foot.
PRICING
The biggest surprise came when I compared the prices. Though
both quotes included basic insurance, fuel, taxes and drivers’ fees,
U-Pack came in significantly lower than PODS, though I’d provided
both companies with the exact same information.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
If you need storage on either end of your
Before you rent a self-pack moving container, there are a number
move, containers can eliminate a step in the
of things to keep in mind.
moving process.
• Your driveway has to be accessible—and preferably paved—to
allow the trucks safe access.
• You also have to make sure there’s enough clearance for the
PODS AND U-PACK
container to be delivered.
Two of the leading companies that rent out self-pack moving
• If you live on a busy street, you might have to do some
containers are PODS and U-Pack. Both:
negotiating with your neighbors.
• Are accredited by the Better Business Bureau
• Don’t forget to check with the local authorities to find out if you
• Cater to all areas of the country
• Offer a variety of different size containers ranging from one-room containers to four-room containers
• Offer packing services through Moving Staffers for customers who don’t want to pack their containers themselves.
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NO-NONSENSE GUIDE TO CROSS-COUNTRY MOVING
Helpful Resources:
need a special parking permit.
U-Pack Moving
er and can’t clear enough space in your driveway, you can arrange
PODS
for staggered delivery. This service allows you to pack one
Moving Staffers
container first then have it picked up as the next one is delivered.
• In the event you need more than one self-pack moving contain-
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NO-NONSENSE GUIDE TO CROSS-COUNTRY MOVING
CHAPT E R 6
Though I generally encourage people to use a home inventory
HOW TO PACK EFFICIENTLY
SO UNPACKING IS EASIER
system that works for them, it’s a good idea to consider
whether you’ll be unloading the moving truck or self-move
container yourself.
Years ago, I was hired to move a DJ with an eclectic music collection. On moving day, I found out that when it came to packing, his
style was no less original. He’d packed everything in his apartment
himself and meticulously labeled each box with only a year. I asked
him what all the numbers meant, and he told me that he’d started
Ah, packing. The dreaded part of even a local move becomes crucially important to get
packing his vinyl records and CDs first, and it was logical to label
the packed boxes by year. When it was time to pack his clothes
right when it’s part of a cross-country move. Though most don’t enjoy it, packing is an
and other belongings, he just continued using the same system. He
essential element of moving. It’s a great opportunity to sort through your
added that after packing, he realized nearly all of his clothes, like
belongings and decide what to pack, sell, donate or recycle.
Remember, the basic rule of thumb is the more stuff you bring, the more expensive
his music, dated from the 70s. Of course, the system worked fine
for him, but led to confusion among my crew, and we spent the
afternoon asking him where each box was supposed to go.
your move will be. And the tighter you pack, the more likely your belongings will make
it to your new home in one piece (respectively).
If you’re hiring professional movers or moving staffers, use an
inventory system that’s easily understood by everybody on the
PACKING PROPERLY
move. Many professional moving companies will send you an
Packing properly first involves having the right packing materials.
inventory list they use for their estimates.
I suggest having ample packing paper, bubble wrap, tape, labels,
colored magic markers and sturdy moving boxes at your disposal.
In my experience, one of the best ways to make an inventory list
You can get moving boxes in a variety of sizes, including but not
for a DIY move is to use a color-coding system. Assign a color
limited to book, linen, wardrobe and picture boxes.
to each room; for example, use blue for the bedroom, yellow for
When packing for a
cross-country move, make sure
you have ample packing
materials and use a color-coded
inventory system to accurately
keep track of your belongings.
the kitchen and green for the living room. When you’ve finished
If you don’t want to spend too much cash on packing materi-
packing each moving box, give it a number in the colored
als, you can always ask at a local supermarket if they’ll save some
marker that corresponds with that room and record its contents
boxes for you after stocking. I got a majority of the boxes I needed
on the inventory.
Guide to taping boxes
for this trip from my local Albertsons supermarket, where the staff
•Fold the flaps in and tape them using
the “H” method, seen in this diagram.
Tape the middle seam of the box and
then tape the two outer seams where
the flaps were folded in.
MAKING A HOME INVENTORY
•To reinforce a heavy box, add an “X”
taping pattern; tape from one corner to
the other corner of the box.
were extremely helpful and saved the strongest boxes for me.
Helpful Resources:
The next step to packing properly is using a comprehensive
Home Inventory Checklist
inventory and labeling system. This not only allows you to know
Packing Materials
in which boxes your belongings are, but also in which room each
Rent the Box
box belongs.
Box Brothers
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CHA PT E R 7
CROSS-COUNTRY CAR
TRANSPORT:
SHOP BEFORE YOU SHIP
Furniture and household goods aren’t the only things you’ll need at your new place.
“Document any
dents, dings and
scratches before
your car is loaded
onto the truck so
that you can tell
if any damage
has occurred in
transit.”
1. Is my car insured during auto shipping?
All car shippers are required to provide insurance on every cargo
they ship so that your car is always insured while it’s in transit.
However, if you own an expensive vehicle like a sports car or
classic automobile, it’s a good idea to ask about additional
insurance options if the car shipper’s coverage isn’t adequate.
2. Should I choose open or enclosed car transport?
Regular cars can easily be shipped with open car transport.
For exotic, classic or other highly valuable vehicles, enclosed car
transport is a better choice as it offers total protection from
the elements.
3. How long does it take to ship a car cross-country?
You’re also going to need your wheels to get to work and back, run errands and
Usually, it takes between 7 and 10 days, but bear in mind that
hopefully have a little fun in your free time. So unless you’ve decided to make a
depending on the time of year you’re moving, inclement weather
can add to the total transport time.
cross-country road trip part of your move or are towing your car behind a
moving truck, you’ll need to ship your car to your destination.
4. Does the car shipper provide door-to-door service?
Though terminal-to-terminal is a more cost-effective option, nearly
all car shippers offer the convenience of door-to-door service for
Fortunately, there are loads of upsides to cross-country car transport: no wear and
an additional fee.
tear on your car, the option to fly out comfortably to your new home and zero risk
5. Can I get a discount for shipping both of my family cars?
of being involved in any traffic accidents along the way.
Most car shippers will give you a discount for shipping multiple
cars. Compare quotes, but remember, don’t sacrifice service
GETTING QUOTES
for price.
I requested quotes from a number of different car shippers and
brokers, and all came in around the same price with the same tran-
PREPARE YOUR CAR FOR TRANSPORT
sit time. However, though there wasn’t a lot of difference in price,
Before you ship your car, have a licensed auto mechanic give it
I found a world of difference in customer service. I had responses
Before selecting a car shipper,
make sure you’re clear on
the details of your service
agreement such as pick up,
delivery, transport time and
insurance coverage!
a tune-up so it’s in top shape when it arrives. You’ll also have to
ranging from highly helpful family-run businesses to pushy, rude
prepare your car by removing all personal and loose items on the
telemarketers. After receiving more calls and emails than I care to
vehicle’s exterior, de-activating the anti-theft device and checking
remember, I eventually requested that my name be taken off all
that the tire pressure is adequate. Make sure you have a quarter-
mailing lists. And even then, I got a surprisingly unprofessional email
tank of gas and check the anti-freeze, brake and cleaning fluids.
telling me I’d still be getting more calls and emails.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR CAR SHIPPER
There are a number of reputable car shipping companies out there.
Wash your car thoroughly and document any dents, dings and
scratches before it’s loaded onto the truck so that you can tell if
Helpful Resources:
Look for the best to make sure your car gets to your new location
Transport Reviews
safe and sound. Ask questions about the services they offer and the
Automotive Service Association
any damage has occurred in transit.
treatment your vehicle will get. The quality of answers you receive
to the following questions should give you a good idea of the type
of service to expect.
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CHAPT E R 8
small animals per flight to travel in the cabin with their owners.
MOVING FAMILY PETS,
GREENHOUSES, AQUARIUMS
AND TERRARIUMS
Always have any pet checked thoroughly by a vet before taking it
on a flight.
Pet Airways flies your dog, cat or rabbit in style from a number of
airports across the country. The advantage of Pet Airways over
regular airlines is that your pet isn’t stuck in the cargo hold without
any handlers, but instead travels in a cabin under the supervision
of a live person. Unfortunately, their service doesn’t yet extend to
other species.
“One of the best
pieces of advice I
got from my local
garden center was
to take cuttings of
my favorite plants.”
Fish, reptiles, aquariums and terrariums are a bit trickier to transport. To ship your fish to your new home, your best bet to get
When I was a kid, I saw a movie called The Incredible Journey. It was about a
them there alive is to speak to your local pet store and see if they
can arrange for your fish to be shipped. If not, it’s probably best to
Siamese cat, a Labrador retriever and a bull terrier who, after being separated from
find new owners to adopt your fish and for you to buy new ones
their family, walked hundreds of miles to finally find them. The movie ends happily,
once you’re settled in your new home. Reptiles and other inhabit-
but it describes every pet owner’s worst nightmare: losing a furry member of the
family during a move.
ants of terrariums can be transported in special travel containers,
so long as you can provide an environment that doesn’t expose
them to extreme swings in temperature. Again, it’s advisable to
talk to your local pet store to see if they can ship your reptiles. As
No matter whether it’s a dog, cat, goldfish, gecko or orchid you
love, you’ll want your cross-country move to work out when moving
your pet or plant. However, not all creatures are equipped for longdistance moves. Before you make any arrangements, consider the
following points:
them thoroughly, and be prepared to replace any plants at your
new location. If you pack your aquarium or terrarium properly with
bubble wrap and clearly mark it as fragile, your movers should be
able to load it into the truck without any problems. Pack pumps,
lights and thermostats separately.
Cross-country moving companies will not transport any live
creatures or plants. Intrastate moving companies will handle plants
when the distance is less than 150 miles and the total time of the
move is less than 24 hours. What this means for interstate moves is
that if it’s alive, it’s your responsibility.
Before bringing your pets
or plants on a cross-country
move, consider the effect
long-distance travel will have
on them. If you do decide to
bring them along, make sure
to provide them with a safe,
protected environment during
your move.
for the aquariums and terrariums themselves, empty and clean
If you want to bring your dog, cat, rabbit or other household pets
with you, make sure you can transport them in a climate-controlled
environment like your car.
If you have a greenhouse or conservatory full of plants, you’re going to have to make some tough decisions before you move. It’s
very difficult to transport large plants or a lot of plants from one
coast to the other. Like animals, they need their climate controlled,
and they need to be transported in a protected environment so
they don’t get damaged.
You can always take a few plants in your car with you if you’re
driving, but one of the best pieces of advice I got from my local
Motel 6 is famous for its pet-friendly policy, and it offers a
discount for members of the American Kennel Club. Basically, so
garden center was to take cuttings of my favorite plants and just
long as your pet is well behaved, house-trained and doesn’t pose a
moss with a layer of newspaper around them, and put them into
threat to anybody, it can stay in your room with you. Remember to
unsealed plastic bags. I put the bags in a large container and pad-
let the staff know you have a pet when you check in.
ded them with bubble wrap. Thanks to the moss, they survived the
Some airlines will transport household pets if you make reservations
well in advance. Usually, your pet will travel in an approved portable
bring those with me. All I had to do was wrap the cuttings in moist
move and I was able to plant them in fresh soil after I arrived at my
new place.
NO-NONSENSE GUIDE TO CROSS-COUNTRY MOVING
Motel 6
Pet Airways
Forest Insect & Disease Leaflet 162:
Gypsy Moth
kennel in the cargo hold, but a number of airlines allow up to two
20
Helpful Resources:
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NO-NONSENSE GUIDE TO CROSS-COUNTRY MOVING
CHA PT E R 9
Start by looking at a map of the United States and more or less
PLANNING YOUR ROUTE:
MAPS, HOTELS AND
EXPENSES
When you’re planning a cross-country move, having fun might be the last thing on
your mind…but it doesn’t have to be! If you’re driving yourself, you can plan your route
planning your route on the major interstates. Next, break it up
into smaller sections, one for each day, and your stops along the
way. Once you know where you’ll be staying each night, put the
exact route into Google maps or any other navigation system to
get accurate directions. Even though I had a GPS, I printed out
the directions for each day just to be safe in the event of a lost
HOW TO CALCULATE
THE COST OF GAS FOR
YOUR MOVE
(total miles/your mpg)
x average gas price =
cost of gas for the move
parks, but you can plan your route to include anything you like.
There are many resources online to help you plan your route, most
notably the America’s Byways website, which includes descriptions
and maps of most of the nation’s most historic and scenic byways.
In addition, you can find a number of travelers’ websites with preplanned routes you can incorporate into your own trip.
As a professional mover, I always enjoy meeting others who move
stuff, so I decided to seek out the best truck stops along the route.
your cross-country move; you’ll need to make a realistic estimate
of the mileage of your vehicle.
Consider how heavy your load is, what type of terrain you’ll be
dealer or your mechanic and ask them how many miles you’ll most
trip, so be sure to plan as much as possible ahead of time.
and museums, national parks, diners and dives, and amusement
The cost of gas is an important factor to consider when budgeting
find it difficult to estimate your mileage, talk to your truck rental
everything on a cross-country move, being prepared makes for a safe and pleasurable
Popular themes for cross-country routes include baseball parks
GAS USAGE AND YOUR CROSS-COUNTRY DRIVE
driving across, and what the weather will be like. Remember, if you
to visit places of interest and enjoy all the wonders our country has to offer. But, like
ROUTE THEMES
satellite signal.
likely get on the gallon.
“Even though I
had a GPS, I
printed out the
directions for
each day just to
be safe in the
event of a lost
satellite signal.”
I estimated that for a 16-foot moving truck towing a trailer with my
car loaded on it during the heat of the summer I’d be looking at
about 10 miles per gallon. Next, I divided the total miles by 10 and
multiplied the result by the average gas price. When I totaled up
the receipts after the move, I actually came in at $100 under what
I had budgeted for gas.
HOTELS, MOTELS AND OTHER EXPENSES
When it comes to hotels, motels and other expenses, you can
spend as much or as little as you like. You’ll find all kinds of
accommodations along the route, from basic motels to luxury
resorts; choose whatever suits you best. Be careful to reserve
I took interstates all the way from the West Coast to the East, and
ahead of time, as well as call on the day of your stay to confirm
to my surprise, I found that even though I hadn’t chosen the route
your reservation to avoid being turned away at the end of a
for the scenery, there were many scenic stops along the way such
long day of driving.
as Copper Mountain in the Colorado Rockies, the Mississippi River
in Illinois and Niagara Falls in New York.
Helpful Resources:
America’s Byways
To avoid getting into tight spots or winding up miles off your
ESPN’s List of Baseball Museums
route, take a day or two to properly map out exactly what route
USA Theme Parks, Amusement Parks,
to take and where to stop. Make sure that the distance you cover
Waterparks and Zoos
each day is feasible and doesn’t place too much stress on you or
Road Trip USA
your vehicle.
You’ll find plenty of rest stops, cafes and restaurants along the way
where you can get a drink, a snack or a full meal. It’s a good idea
to always have a bottle of water and some snacks in the car, as
there can be long stretches between rest areas. If you’re planning
to do some sight-seeing, budget extra for entrance and parking
fees. Be aware that most banks monitor your account activity, and
when you’re traveling, they may block your account due to
irregular activity and to protect your accounts.
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CHAPT E R 10
Planning isn’t the only thing you need to discuss. Set time aside to
TIPS FOR STAYING SANE:
MOVING LONG DISTANCE
WITH YOUR SPOUSE/PARTNER
Even if you’re in the world’s best relationship, you can get a bit stressed when you’re
facing a cross-country move. My wife and I have a great work-in-progress relation-
talk and listen to each other’s feelings about the move. If you both
happen to be caught in a down mood, look at photos of your new
home and research activities you can do to get to know the area in
order to get excited about your upcoming adventure.
“Remember, moving
cross-country with
your partner is an
exciting beginning
that’s both personal
and shared.”
LAUGH FREQUENTLY
When you’re stressed out, pressed for time and working with a
tight budget, it can be hard to find anything funny if things don’t
go as planned. You’re going to have days when every email, phone
call and voice message is either an absentee landlord scam or
an aggressive telemarketing scheme…and that doesn’t include
the days when nobody gets back to you. On every single one of
those days, laughter is your strength and therapy. It’s cheaper than
Kleenex, and besides, you don’t want to get stuck in your grump
when things go really well!
ship and have successfully completed a number of long-distance moves… together!
Of course, by now we know each other well enough to realize that the best way to
ENJOY EACH OTHER’S COMPANY
stay sane during these moves is to plan carefully, communicate patiently, laugh
No matter whether you’ve planned a full-service move and are
frequently and above all, enjoy each other’s company.
flying out first-class to your new home, or you’re loading a moving
truck yourselves and spending a week or more on the road, there’s
nothing more important than enjoying each other’s company.
PLAN CAREFULLY
Plan that romantic candlelit dinner on the eve of your departure,
The most important part of planning is to split up tasks and assign
or go for a last stroll down by the ocean. If you’re driving, bring
them according to each person’s strengths. For example, my wife is
a selection of your favorite music along for the drive. Even if you
great at Internet research, so she took on most of the long-distance
have all of your stops planned, allow time for unplanned breaks to
apartment hunting while I used my professional moving experience
admire a view, visit an attraction, or simply enjoy a coffee together.
to compare quotes, obtain packing materials and create an itinerary.
Remember, moving cross-country with your partner is an exciting
beginning that’s both personal and shared.
Be honest about what you can and cannot handle. If it’s your task
to take your cat to the vet for her shots before putting her on the
plane and you’re feeling too fragile to do it alone, ask your partner
to come along. And remember to acknowledge each other’s accomplishments along the way. Small victories that regularly accumulate
If you’re facing a coast-to-coast
move with your partner, plan
carefully, communicate patiently, laugh frequently, and
above all, enjoy each other’s
company.
can make a big difference.
COMMUNICATE PATIENTLY
Make sure that you both understand the plan and agree to it. You
both need to know the budget and timeline, as well as other important things like where the inventory list is and details about reservations for hotels, flights or moving trucks. Until you have the details
of the move all squared away, it’s a good idea to discuss your options and come up with a Plan B or even a Plan C.
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NO-NONSENSE GUIDE TO CROSS-COUNTRY MOVING
My wife and I will have fond
memories of our cross-country
move. This shot of the sunrise
was taken on the road.
Helpful Resources:
Road Trip: Songs to Drive By
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NO-NONSENSE GUIDE TO CROSS-COUNTRY MOVING
CHAPT E R 11
UNPACKING & SETTLING IN
I often joke to clients that unpacking after a long-distance move is like waking up to
all of your gifts on Christmas morning. For some reason, even if you packed
everything yourself, there’s something wonderful about seeing all of your familiar
stuff come safely out of the moving boxes and finding a place for them in your new
home. Finally, you feel home.
UNLOADING
Of course, if you’ve hired a professional moving company, you won’t
“Check to see if the
smoke and carbon
monoxide detectors are working,
and where the fire
extinguishers and
exits are. It’ll take
you a few minutes,
but being prepared
can save your life
in the event of an
emergency.”
When it comes to unpacking your moving boxes, start with the
bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. Unpacking can be just as overwhelming as packing, so be prepared to take your time.
• First, tackle the boxes that contain essential items such as
toiletries, bedding, cooking utensils and—if you’re a coffee
drinker like me—the coffee maker, then work your way through
the rest of the boxes.
• After unpacking each box, unfold it and put it aside to be
returned or recycled.
Even though you should take your time for unpacking, don’t wait
too long. Looking at moving boxes day after day can lead to depression and inertia, and you’ll feel much better once everything’s
unpacked. If you’re having trouble getting motivated, set yourself
a goal, like unpacking five boxes a day or finishing a room a day.
That way you break it up into manageable pieces.
have to carry your stuff off the truck or out of the container yourself,
SELF STORAGE
but you’ll still need to know where everything goes. Mark each un-
If you find you don’t have enough space, or you’ve got a couple
loaded item on your inventory list and use your color-coding system
of items that look out of place, you can always rent a storage unit.
to make sure it goes to the appropriate room.
Most towns and cities have self-storage units in a variety of sizes
where you can safely store your possessions until you need them
If you’re unloading yourself, take your time and use a two-wheeler
hand truck or dolly to minimize the strain on your body. Don’t
bother to assemble pieces of furniture until the truck is empty; you’ll
have plenty of time for that later.
UNPACKING
Once all of your possessions are safely inside your new home, take a
moment to assess the situation. Whether you’re moving into a onebedroom apartment or a huge mansion, you’ll need to plan the lay-
again.
Don’t wait too long to
unpack, but take your time
and be methodical. Start with
your bedroom, bathroom and
kitchen and unpack one room
at a time to avoid feeling
overwhelmed.
SETTLING IN
An important aspect of settling in is making sure your kitchen is
well stocked and your home is fully functional. Make a shopping
list of all of the items you need in order to run your household. This
will most likely include food and drink, as well as cleaning materials, trash bags and replacements for items that were broken or
damaged during the move.
out of each room carefully to make the most of the space and light.
INTERNET, UTILITIES AND SAFETY
“Sight for sore eyes” would be an
understatement. After six days
on the road, we finally made it
to Massachusetts.
You can either sketch out where you want all of your furniture to go,
Even if you’ve scheduled your utilities to be set up before you
or you can use online planning tools to help you plan out each room.
move in, you should make sure you know where your water, gas
No matter which tool you choose, it’s helpful to know where every-
and electric mains are in case you need to turn them off. You
thing goes so you don’t wind up rearranging all of your furniture a
should also check to see whether the smoke and carbon monoxide
couple of times before you find the perfect arrangement. Assemble
Helpful Resources:
your furniture at the correct position in each room and you’ll save
Fire Safety in a New Home
are. It’ll only cost you a few minutes, but being prepared can save
Home Safety Council Personal Checklist
your life in the event of an emergency.
yourself a lot of time and effort.
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NO-NONSENSE GUIDE TO CROSS-COUNTRY MOVING
detectors are working, and where the fire extinguishers and exits
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NO-NONSENSE GUIDE TO CROSS-COUNTRY MOVING
CHA PT E R 12
GET INVOLVED
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR
NEW NEIGHBORHOOD:
FEELING LIKE A LOCAL
Once you’ve taken care of official business, get involved in your
new community: you’ll have a better idea of what’s going on and
you’ll meet people beyond your immediate neighbors.
On my first Sunday at my new place, my wife and I took a sunrise
walk with our dogs. After about an hour and a half, we realized we
hadn’t a clue where we were, so when we spotted a distinguished
senior gentleman having a coffee at a sidewalk café, we asked
him for directions. He told us he’d been coming to the café for his
The moving truck’s gone, the boxes are unpacked…and now it’s time to find your
way around your new neighborhood. Before you venture out onto the street, take some
morning coffee for over 70 years, and went on to fill us in on the
history of the town and how he’d seen his neighborhood change
over the years. When we eventually parted ways, he’d made us
time to study a map of your surroundings. If you use Google maps, you can
feel welcome and more than a bit like locals. What’s more, he
put in your address to get a detailed street map that also allows you to search
remembered to give us directions to our home…which turned out
nearby for restaurants, stores, banks and gyms.
Print out the map to take with you so you always know where you are. If you drive often, make sure to find your own points of reference instead of simply relying
on the GPS.
to be just around the corner!
Exactly how you get involved depends on your personality and
preferences. Read local newspapers or watch local news channels
to get up to date on local news and events. Do you have children?
Volunteer to chaperone on outings to get to know some of the
other parents. If you’re single and have a demanding schedule, join
a 24-hour gym so that you can work out and meet people.
There are numerous other organizations to join, from neighbor-
BUILDING MANAGERS, NEIGHBORS AND
LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS
hood watches and soup kitchens to theater groups and historical
If you moved into an apartment complex, ask your building
GET LOST
manager about local stores, parks, museums and coffee houses.
Neighbors can also be friendly and helpful; introducing yourself
is a nice gesture, and knowing your neighbors makes the
neighborhood safer.
societies.
One of my favorite ways to find my way around is to get lost. I love
to walk my dogs early in the morning, which allows me to concentrate on my surroundings more than on traffic. I’ll take a map
Try not to rely on your
GPS all the time. Find
your own points of
reference and ingrain
them into your memory.
with me but only refer to it when I absolutely have to. I just start
walking and take note of buildings, parks, gardens, street names,
For official matters, such as transferring your driver’s license,
statues and other noteworthy details.
registering your vehicle or getting dog licenses, go to your new
city’s municipal website. This will have all of the information you
need, including links to other organizations like chambers of
commerce, arts associations, educational institutions, child care
Helpful Resources:
Google Maps
centers and many other social, economic and cultural clubs.
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AFTERWORD
ABOUT MY MOVE
After doing all of the research and exploring the many different moving options,
MyMove.com is a moving resource you can trust. Why? No one else understands
I decided to drive the moving truck cross-country myself with my car on a trailer
moving quite like MyMove.
behind the truck. It took me six days to get from California to New England, and
MyMove, the foremost online destination for the moving consumer—offering articles, tips,
with monsoon rains in the Rocky Mountains and blistering heat in Nebraska,
tools, money-saving coupons and more to millions of people moving each year within the
I was extremely grateful for the excellent equipment, tools and service I had.
Many helped me along the way, and I’d like to thank them here.
United States—is independently owned and operated by Imagitas, Inc.
About Imagitas, Inc.
Imagitas is an innovative lifestage marketing services company located just outside of
Thanks to Steve and Sue, for your excellent advice, the trailer tutorial and the
GPS. The drive wouldn’t have been as smooth without your help. To Max, for
watching over my stuff the night before the move. To Sam at the Budget Truck
Rental in Lancaster, California for going out of his way to get me a good truck
Boston, Massachusetts. In early 2011, Imagitas signed an Affiliate agreement with the
United States Postal Service® to provide movers with links from MoversGuide Online™, the
official USPS online change of address site and other move related products, to MyMove.
In addition, Imagitas has had a separate and distinct Strategic Alliance agreement with
the United States Postal Service since 1992 to produce, distribute and facilitate the official
and trailer. To Manny and his crew at Albertsons in Rosamond for getting me
Mail Forwarding Change of Address Request process. Through this Strategic Alliance,
great moving boxes. To Motel 6 for good, clean, pet-friendly and affordable
Imagitas also connected movers with move-related moneyp-saving coupons and offers.
lodging with a smile. To Mike and Carol at the Storage Bunker in Medford, for
Our Mission
your great advice, weekend parking, and a warm welcome after a long drive.
As a consumer-facing resource of Imagitas, MyMove takes the company’s knowledge,
To Bank of America, for keeping my accounts secure. To the United States Postal
experience and industry connections and translates it into the tools, services, savings and
Service, for forwarding my mail quickly and efficiently and giving me
some useful coupons for my new place. And last but not least, to the folks at
My Move, for allowing me to share all of this information with others.
information you need when you move.
Whether you’re doing it all yourself, hiring it out or something in between, you’ll find
everything you need at MyMove, including:
• Time-saving and money-saving tips and advice from moving experts
• Coupons and deals
• Local news and events
• Interactive tools and calculators
• Milestone emails that give you timely updates according to your move schedule
• Support and friendship from others in the midst of a move—or those who’ve
survived it and lived to share their stories!
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NO-NONSENSE GUIDE TO CROSS-COUNTRY MOVING
www.mymove.com