Preparation for a Cross-Country Move from Phoenix

Preparation is important for any major move you’re participating in, especially for long-distance and cross-country moves.

Many people moving across such huge distances will begin their planning process months in advance and keep an eye on several important areas as they move through the planning stages.

At CMS Companies, we’re happy to offer a comprehensive range of long-distance moving services to clients originating in Phoenix or any other part of Arizona.

We’ll work with you from start to finish, performing a simple consultation where we evaluate your moving needs — and then carrying them out in streamlined, affordable ways.

What are some expectations you should have for your cross-country move, and how do we recommend you proceed? Here’s a basic primer.

Scheduling an Estimate

First and foremost, you should schedule an estimate with our team of professional movers to get an accurate idea of your moving needs and costs.

We’re happy to carry out estimates both virtually and in-person depending on your preference, so contact us soon if you need to know what your costs will be.

We’ll help identify any special circumstances that might have an impact on cost, so don’t hesitate to share with us anything you think our team needs to know.

And once you’ve connected with our team, you can move toward booking your move well in advance. This ensures our movers will mark that day (or group of days) off on their schedule and be dedicated to your move for the required period of time.

You will also be able to speak to your move coordinator at your convenience, allowing you to confirm any details you might need to.

You might like: A Phoenix Mover’s Step by Step Guide Through the Moving Experience

Setting Your Personal Schedule

Once you’ve arranged your moving date with our team, you can move to other important personal scheduling elements to ensure all your tasks get done in time.

Make a list of any must-pack items, and pack them up into boxes well ahead of time. If you’re moving with pets, make sure to schedule their vaccinations after consulting your new veterinarian — some states require additional documentation.

For some, setting up an entire checklist of when certain items or areas need to be packed up or turned over to our moving

professionals can be helpful.

This is especially beneficial for those who run businesses out of their homes, as they’ll need to make sure everything related to the business is done ahead of time.

Downsizing Where Appropriate

Especially for long-distance moves, which are based partially on weight (and also on mileage), it pays to go through your belongings and figure out what you don’t need anymore.

Many people have quite an extensive list of items they find they no longer need, but have avoided the hassle of sorting through them.

Not only will this possibly lower the final cost of your move, it will also remove clutter and stress from your life. It may also allow you to consider higher-quality replacements for some of the items you no longer need, and perhaps storage solutions if you’ll be storing any possessions in the meantime.

Packing and Labeling

This is often an area where people tend to procrastinate, for many obvious reasons.

But it’s an area where planning ahead of time can go a long way. By organizing and labeling your boxes before you pack them, you’ll be able to sort and pack faster once the movers arrive — especially if there are multiple people involved in this process.

Also, you should purchase items such as packing tape, markers for labeling boxes, packing paper and any other packing supplies you might need well ahead of time. Having these items on hand before your move will ensure that everything gets done more quickly and efficiently, which leads to a smoother final product.

Now, we recognize that some of our clients lead busy lives and won’t have time for all of this packing and labeling. In these cases, we offer comprehensive packing services, which are customizable for each client.

Our team will pack up any items you’d like and can even organize your packed boxes in any way that makes sense to you (by room or by item, for instance.)

Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

For any long-distance or cross-country move, we’ll be providing you with details on both your rights and responsibilities during the move.

This will be done at the time of your estimate, and will be included in the official contract you sign with our team.

You’ll learn about how long it takes to process claims if your goods are damaged during transit, and we’ll make sure you understand the other important terms of this agreement as well.

We’ll also be providing all these details before your move begins, so there’s no last-minute confusion on either side of the moving process.

If you’re planning an international move, don’t miss our comprehensive guide on moving from Phoenix to Europe for essential tips and advice.

Clean Where Possible

Finally, in the days directly leading up to your cross-country move, we recommend cleaning and decluttering where possible.

This simply means a thorough cleaning of the home they’re moving from — taking out any garbage or recycling, thoroughly dusting and sweeping/vacuuming floors, scrubbing bathrooms, etc.

Sometimes, it may mean packing up unnecessary items in advance to clean behind later on when there’s more time. The more you can do to make the space simpler and easier to move out of, the better.

For more on what to expect and how to prepare for a cross-country move, or to learn about any of our moving or storage solutions, speak to the staff at CMS in Phoenix today. 858-874-2615 or salescenter@cmscompanies.com

Frequently asked questions

What’s the first step in preparing for a cross-country move from Phoenix?

Begin by creating a detailed moving checklist that includes all tasks you need to complete before, during, and after your move. Start this process at least 8-12 weeks before your planned moving date to ensure ample time for preparation.

What are some tips for reducing moving costs?

Schedule your move during the off-peak season (late fall to early spring) to get lower rates. Get multiple quotes, declutter before packing, and consider packing some or all of your items yourself.

How should I pack my belongings for a long-distance move?

Use sturdy boxes and quality packing materials. Label each box with its contents and the room it’s destined for. Consider professional packing services for fragile or valuable items to ensure their safety during transport.

What should I do with my pets during a cross-country move?

Plan ahead for pet transportation, ensuring they have a safe and comfortable journey. Keep their routine as normal as possible and carry a pet essentials bag with food, water, toys, and any necessary medications.

How can I ensure my belongings are insured during the move?

Most moving companies offer basic liability coverage, but it might not be enough to cover the value of your belongings. Consider purchasing full-value protection insurance for added peace of mind, especially for high-value items.