Make a Smooth Move When Relocating Cross Country

Whether you are relocating to Louisville (Welcome!) from another state or relocating cross country and just need to know what to expect, we’re here to help. These kinds of moves are a much bigger deal than simply moving a few blocks away. This is a long-distance move and everything is brand new! Which is why smoothing the process is crucial. Busting the red tape ahead of time makes moving house far less stressful, and when you’re heading this far away, you’re going to need a solid plan. Keep reading! 

Photo from the inside of a moving truck showing cardboard boxes
More planning is needed when relocating cross country to make it a smooth process. | Photo by Artem Podrez

You Don’t Have to Sell Your Home Immediately

Of course, everything depends on your particular situation. If you’re moving cross country, you can save some time and energy by sorting your new accommodation first, and then selling your home once you’re settled in. Work with a first-rate Realtor in your city to strategize about timeframes. Contact a company like HDEstates to take some high-quality photos. Make sure the listing appeals to as many buyers as possible and is published on all the top real estate websites. Then rest assured that the hard part is over! You can then sell the house from a distance with the help of a high-quality agent. 

For more on this, check out 8 Traits of the Most Successful Real Estate Agents.

Plan a Smart Budget

Before signing any contracts, plan a smart budget for the following:

  • New monthly housing payment
  • Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance
  • Property taxes if buying
  • Moving expenses
  • Contingency fund for incidentals

Having all of these nailed down beforehand leads to reducing stress and putting everyone in a proper mindset. Make sure to research multiple quotes before you select your moving company. There are many things to keep in mind when hiring long-distance movers.

Clean House

Moving is the best time to clean house and get rid of things you rarely use. If you can sell it, go for it. Otherwise, consider giving items to a local charity before simply throwing them away. Most people find a peach in helping others and simplifying their lives. There’s also the option of temporary storage for items you definitely want to keep but are having trouble with the timeline and the movers.

How Long Will the Journey Take?

You need to know how long you’re going to be on the road, so you can pack the vehicle you’re moving in accordingly. Is it a viable distance to drive? Or should you think about flying? If so, how long will it take for your items to transit by road? Put together a brief timeline so you know what kind of window you’re working with. 

Schedule Your Packing

What needs packing and when? Big items should go first; they’re the worst to try and move and will likely take the longest. Your sofa, your bed, etc., should all fall into this category. Then pack up the medium items, such as dining chairs, and then the small stuff. Crockery, cutlery, bedding, clothes – these are items you can transport yourself if you’re going to drive. Move out on a rolling schedule like this, bit by bit, and you’ll have everything you need at your new place right when you need it. 

If you’re relocating cross country, there can be lots of stress. But it doesn’t have to be like that! The process can be smooth with a proper moving plan. 

Tre Pryor, Realtor

Tre Pryor is the leading real estate expert in the city of Louisville. He is a multi-million dollar producer and consistently ranks in the top 1% of Louisville Realtors for homes sold. Tre Pryor has the highest possible rating—5.0 stars on Google—by his clients and is routinely interviewed by the local NBC news. Tre Pryor is a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame.