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Moving across the country is one of life's biggest challenges. Between finding the right moving company, shipping your vehicle, and organizing thousands of details, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But with proper planning and the right checklist, your cross-country move can be smooth and stress-free.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about cross-country moving in 2026, from planning three to six months to settling into your new home. Whether you're relocating for work, family, or a fresh start, this checklist will keep you organized and prepared for every step of the journey.
What You'll Learn
How to plan your cross-country move three to six months in advance
The best ways to declutter and organize before moving day
How to ship your vehicle safely across the country
Key Takeaways
Planning a successful cross-country move takes time and organization. Start at least three to six months before your moving date to research moving companies, create a budget, and handle important tasks like forwarding your mail and updating your address.
The average cost to ship a car across the country ranges from $1,000 to $1,800 for open transport, with delivery taking seven to 10 days for coast-to-coast moves. Most professional moving companies recommend decluttering before your move to reduce costs and start fresh in your new home.
Create a moving inventory with photos of valuable items, notify important parties of your address change, and pack an essentials bag for moving day. With proper planning and this complete checklist, your cross-country move will be organized and stress-free.
Start Planning Three to Six Months in Advance
Cross-country moves require more planning than local moves. The earlier you start, the better your chances of securing good moving dates and competitive prices.
Book Your Moving Company Early
Research and compare at least three to five moving companies before making a decision. While you don't need to book vehicle shipping months in advance (carriers typically plan routes just days ahead), selecting a reliable auto transport broker early ensures you're ready when it's time to ship your car.
When comparing moving companies, check their credentials on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. Every legitimate interstate moving company must have a USDOT number and Motor Carrier (MC) number. Avoid companies that can't provide these numbers or have poor safety records.
Create a Realistic Moving Budget
Cross-country moves cost several thousand dollars, so creating a detailed budget is essential. Your budget should include:
Moving company fees for household goods
Vehicle shipping costs ($1,000 to $1,800 for cross-country transport)
Travel expenses (hotels, gas, meals)
Packing materials and supplies
Utility deposits at your new home
Unexpected costs (add 10 to 15 percent extra as a buffer)
According to industry data, the average cost to ship a car across the country is approximately $1,300, with prices ranging based on distance and vehicle type. Shipping your vehicle instead of driving saves on gas, lodging, wear and tear, and reduces stress during your move.
Set Your Moving Timeline
Create a timeline that works backward from your moving date. Here's a basic framework:
Three to Six Months Before:
Research moving companies and get quotes
Start decluttering your home
Create a moving binder with important documents
Research your new city
Two Months Before:
Book your moving company
Start packing non-essential items
Begin using up frozen foods and pantry items
Schedule vehicle shipping
One Month Before:
Submit mail forwarding request with USPS
Notify utility companies, insurance providers, and banks
Transfer medical and school records
Schedule time off work for moving day
Two Weeks Before:
Confirm all reservations and bookings
Pack most of your home
Arrange for childcare or pet care on moving day
Stock up on packing supplies
Research Your New City
Understanding your new city before you move helps reduce stress and makes settling in easier.
Compare Cost of Living
Research how housing, groceries, utilities, and other expenses compare to your current city. This information helps you adjust your budget and know what to expect financially. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides cost of living data for cities across the United States.
Find Schools and Childcare
If you have children, start researching school districts early. Contact schools directly to understand enrollment deadlines, required documents, and waiting lists. Many quality childcare programs have waiting lists, so reach out several months before your move.
Plan Your Commute
Review your new city's public transportation options and typical traffic patterns. If you'll be commuting to work, research the best routes and travel times during rush hour. This helps you choose the right neighborhood and prepare for your daily routine.
Locate Essential Services
Before moving day, identify the closest grocery stores, pharmacies, hospitals, and other essential businesses near your new home. Having this information ready makes your first few days in a new city much easier.
Declutter Before You Pack
Cross-country moving costs depend on the weight and volume of your belongings. Decluttering before you move saves money and gives you a fresh start.
Decide What to Keep
Go through each room and ask yourself: Have I used this in the past year? Is it worth the cost to move it? Keep items that are essential, valuable, or have sentimental meaning. Everything else should be evaluated honestly.
Sell Unwanted Items
Host a garage sale or use online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist to sell gently used items. Furniture, appliances, electronics, and tools often sell quickly. The money you make can help offset moving costs.
Donate to Local Charities
Organizations like Goodwill, Salvation Army, and local homeless shelters accept clothing, furniture, and household items in good condition. Many charities offer free pick-up for large donations. Keep receipts for tax deduction purposes.
Dispose of Hazardous Items
You cannot transport hazardous materials across state lines. Before moving day, properly dispose of:
Paint and paint thinner
Cleaning chemicals
Propane tanks
Batteries
Aerosol cans
Check with your local waste management department for hazardous waste drop-off locations.
Create a Moving Inventory
A detailed inventory protects your belongings and helps track everything during your move.
List Items by Room
Create a spreadsheet or use a moving app to list items from each room. Include descriptions of high-value items like electronics, artwork, and furniture. This inventory helps during packing and serves as a reference if anything goes missing.
Photograph Valuable Items
Take photos of electronics, furniture, artwork, and other valuable belongings before packing. Photograph items from multiple angles and capture any existing damage. These photos are crucial if you need to file an insurance claim for damage during transport.
Use a Clear Labeling System
Label each box with the room name and a brief list of contents. Use a numbering system like "Kitchen - Box 1 of 10" to track boxes easily. Write labels on the sides of boxes (not just the top) so you can read them when boxes are stacked.
Some people use color-coded labels for different rooms. Others create a master list that matches box numbers to detailed contents. Choose a system that works for you and stick with it throughout your move.
Pack Strategically
Proper packing protects your belongings and makes unpacking easier in your new home.
Start with Non-Essential Items
Begin packing things you won't need until after the move, such as:
Out-of-season clothing
Books and decorations
Extra kitchenware and dishes
Holiday decorations
Hobby equipment
Invest in Quality Packing Supplies
Good packing materials protect your belongings during transport. Purchase:
Sturdy cardboard boxes in various sizes
Bubble wrap for fragile items
Packing paper (newspaper works too)
Strong packing tape
Furniture blankets
Stretch wrap for furniture
Wrap fragile items individually in bubble wrap or packing paper. Double-tape the bottoms of boxes to prevent breakage. Never overpack boxes. If a box is too heavy to lift comfortably, it's too heavy for the movers.
Pack Room by Room
Focus on one room at a time to stay organized. Keep similar items together and label boxes clearly with the room name and contents. This makes unpacking much faster in your new home.
Prepare Furniture
Disassemble large furniture to save space and prevent damage. Keep screws, bolts, and small parts in labeled plastic bags taped to the furniture. Take photos of how furniture is assembled to make reassembly easier.
Plan for Moving Day
As your moving date approaches, confirm all arrangements and prepare for a smooth transition.
Confirm with Movers
Contact your moving company three to five days before your move to confirm pickup and delivery times. Verify the address for both locations and provide any special instructions about parking or access.
Pack an Essentials Bag
Create a bag with items you'll need during the move and your first night in your new home:
Toiletries and medications
Phone chargers and important electronics
Change of clothes for each family member
Important documents (lease, moving contracts, IDs)
Basic tools (screwdriver, scissors, box cutter)
Snacks and water
Pet supplies (if applicable)
Bedding for your first night
Prepare Your Home
On moving day, make sure your home is ready for movers:
Clear pathways and remove obstacles
Protect floors with cardboard or plastic
Designate a parking spot for the moving truck
Keep pets and children in a safe area away from movers
Have a plan for any items not being moved
Ship Your Vehicle Across Country
Driving cross-country adds stress, mileage, and wear to your vehicle. Many people choose professional auto transport instead.
Benefits of Vehicle Shipping
Shipping your car offers several advantages:
Saves time: Coast-to-coast driving takes four to seven days; you can fly and focus on settling in
Reduces wear and tear: Avoid adding 2,000 to 3,000 miles to your odometer
Lower stress: No long drives through unfamiliar areas or bad weather
Cost-effective: Save on gas, hotels, and meals compared to driving
Prepare Your Car for Shipping
Before your vehicle is picked up:
Clean your car inside and out (makes it easier to spot any damage)
Remove all personal items (the Department of Transportation does not permit personal items in shipped vehicles, and if carriers allow it, there's usually an extra fee)
Document your car's condition with photos from all angles
Check fluid levels and tire pressure
Remove toll tags and parking passes
Leave only a quarter tank of gas
Note any existing damage on the inspection report when the carrier picks up your vehicle. This protects you if new damage occurs during transport.
Final Thoughts
Moving across the country is a big project, but with this comprehensive 2026 checklist, you have everything you need to stay organized and prepared. Start planning early, research your options carefully, and tackle tasks one step at a time.
Remember the key elements of a successful cross-country move: plan three to six months in advance, declutter before packing, create a detailed inventory, notify important parties of your move, and consider professional vehicle shipping to reduce stress and save time.
Bring Your Car to Your New Home with AmeriFreight Auto Transport
AmeriFreight Auto Transport connects you to a nationwide network of professional carriers and makes your cross-country move easier and more affordable today.
What We Offer
Nationwide shipping across the continental U.S.
Open and enclosed carrier options for standard and luxury vehicles
Multi-vehicle transport for dealers and wholesale buyers
Flexible pickup scheduling coordinated with auction dates
Licensed and bonded auto transport broker (DOT MC-597401, USDOT-2238770)
When it’s time to move, we help ensure your vehicle arrives safely and securely anywhere in the country, so you can focus on settling into your new home with peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How far in advance should I plan my cross-country move?
Start planning three to six months before your move. This allows time to research movers, budget, declutter, and handle mail forwarding and utilities. Early planning helps secure better rates and preferred dates, especially from May to August.
How much does it cost to ship a car across the country?
Shipping a car cross-country costs $1,000–$1,800 on average. Open transport runs $1,000–$1,500, while enclosed transport costs $1,500–$2,700 for added protection. Prices depend on distance, vehicle type, and season.
How long does car shipping take?
Cross-country transport usually takes 7–10 days for coast-to-coast routes. Trips under 1,500 miles take 3–5 days, and 1,500–2,500 miles take 5–7 days, depending on weather, traffic, and route.
Can I ship personal items in my car?
The DOT prohibits shipping personal items in vehicles. Some carriers allow up to 100 pounds in the trunk for a fee, but these items aren’t insured. Move valuables separately.
How should I prepare my car for shipping?
Clean your car, remove personal items, take photos, check fluids and tires, remove toll tags, and keep ¼ tank of gas. Review and sign the inspection report at pickup.
Should I drive or ship my car?
Shipping avoids 2,000–3,000 extra miles, hotel and gas costs, and wear on your car. It costs about $1,000–$1,800, letting you fly and settle in sooner.
What’s the best time to move cross-country?
Fall offers the best balance of price and weather. Summer is busiest and most expensive, winter is cheapest but may bring delays, and spring has moderate costs and improving weather.
How can I avoid moving scams?
Verify movers’ USDOT and MC numbers on the FMCSA website, read reviews, get written estimates, and avoid large deposits or blank contracts. Legit companies have physical addresses and proper licensing.
Do I need to update my driver’s license?
Yes. Most states require a new license and registration within 30–90 days. Bring proof of residency, insurance, and your current license. Some states require vision or written tests.
What should I keep with me during the move?
Keep important documents, valuables, medications, credit cards, electronics, and first-night essentials with you. Don’t pack them on the moving truck.
Disclaimer: This post is for general information only and does not provide legal, financial, or tax advice. Always consult with a licensed professional before making decisions related to vehicle sales or financing.
