How to Pack for a Cross Country Move

So you're moving across the country and you're excited as ever! You're probably a little stressed, too. That's completely okay. Moving to a new place, especially somewhere so far from home, is a huge change. Packing smart can really help the process go much more smoothly. If you're looking for some packing tips for your big cross-country move, this article is here to help.

Method 1
Method 1 of 13:
Declutter first so you have less to pack.

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    Donate or give away clothes, furniture, or anything else you don't need. Moving across the country is a ton of work, and you can make it less so by only packing what you really need. Take stock of your closet and sell, donate, or give away anything you don't wear anymore.[1] [2] Sell or donate most of your furniture so you don't have to take up as much space in a moving van, car, or moving pod.[3]
    • Sell clothes at consignment or resell shops to make some extra money. You can also donate them to a local nonprofit or a Goodwill location nearby.[4] Some stores will even take your old, ripped clothes and recycle the fabric![5]
    • By selling your furniture and electronics, you can use the money you make to buy their replacements.[6]
    • Invite your friends over for a free stuff extravaganza. Set out items like clothes, old electronics, furniture, and anything else you don't want for your friends to take.[7]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 13:
Get plenty of moving boxes.

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    Places like grocery stores usually have free boxes. Visit a local grocery store and ask someone at the counter if they have any boxes you can take.[8] [9] You can also buy moving boxes at the UPS Store, U-Haul locations, Lowes, or other home improvement stores. Purchase a variety of sizes, like small, medium, and large boxes, to accommodate all of your items.
    • Stop by your local liquor store and see if they have any empty boxes.[10]
    • Friends and family can also be a great resource for free boxes. Ask around to see if anyone's got extra cardboard boxes laying around their house. Most likely, you'll at least end up with a few.[11]
    • Remember to invest in packing material like newspaper and bubble wrap, tape, and box cutters. Buy labels for each box to stay organized.[12]

Method 3
Method 3 of 13:
Box up non-essential and least-used items first.

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    This applies to things like holiday decorations and old items in storage. Appliances you don't use often are also great to pack up at this stage. Hold off on packing things that you'll be using right up until you move, like your microwave, toaster, or television.[13]
    • Other things that might fit this category include anything you've been keeping in the garage or attic and arts and craft supplies.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 13:
Pack up one room at a time to stay organized.

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    Make a list that includes each room and check it off as you go. To really get organized, color code or label boxes by room. That way, you will at least have a rough idea of where everything should go when you get to your new place.[14]

Method 5
Method 5 of 13:
Set aside a box for valuables and important documents.

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    Keep these separate so you don't lose them during the packing process. Rather than moving these along with your other items, take the box on the road with you to keep it safe. If you're shipping them, opt for a shipping service that offers travel insurance to protect them.[15]
    • These items include things like family keepsakes and important documents like ID cards, birth certificates, or financial records.
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Method 6
Method 6 of 13:
Use vacuum-sealed bags to pack your clothes.

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    Reducing the size of your clothing bags saves a ton of space. Either purchase vacuum-sealed bags or make your own using trash bags. Pack up clothes and bedding into the bags, and run your vacuum to suck the air out of the bag.[16]

Method 7
Method 7 of 13:
Wrap fragile items in paper or bubble wrap.

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    This keeps them secure in the box. Cushion your plates with newspaper, towels, or paper plates. Stack the plates in the box with one of these in between each plate. This helps prevent your plates from breaking against each other.[18] Protect electronics like TVs, music systems, and DVD players with bubble wrap. Wrap each in bubble wrap individually. Add a protective sheet of bubble wrap or a blanket to the bottom of the box for extra security.[19]
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Method 8
Method 8 of 13:
Protect your shoes with packing paper.

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    This helps them retain their shape and avoid getting scuffed. Cut strips of packing paper and stuff them inside each shoe. Next, wrap each pair in more packing paper and secure the paper with tape. That way they'll be protected from potential damage in the box. Once you've got them all wrapped up, stack each pair in a cardboard box and tape it shut.[21]

Method 9
Method 9 of 13:
Line up artwork and picture frames vertically in the box.

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    Stacking these horizontally can lead to damage in the move. Wrap each picture frame and piece of art in newspaper. Stand them up straight against each other. Add a towel or blanket on top of the box to provide more cushion. Seal the box shut with tape.[23]
    • Pack up the box so that there aren't any open gaps. Leaving space in between each piece causes them to shake inside the box, which makes them vulnerable to damage.[24]
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Method 10
Method 10 of 13:
Label boxes clearly on each side.

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    Write down the category on each box with a sharpie. You may think you'll remember where you packed everything, but once you go through the process of moving cross country, it'll likely be a blur. Make a clear label on top of each box to help you feel organized and ready to tackle the unpacking process when the time comes.[25] [26]
    • This also helps movers or friends know where to put your boxes if they're helping you move.
    • Label your fragile boxes to protect them in the move. Use fragile tape or write on the box with a sharpie.[27]

Method 11
Method 11 of 13:
Pack an essentials bag for the road.

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    Keep things like toiletries, a first aid kit, and a jacket in this bag. You can also pack anything you want for the road, like a book, an extra set of clothes, phone chargers, and any other items you'd like easy access to. Keep this bag with you on the way to your new destination.[28] [29]
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Method 12
Method 12 of 13:
Wrap appliances in paper padding.

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    This gives appliances like microwaves some extra protection in the box. Use the original boxes the appliances came in if you have them (moving boxes will still work, if not). Wrap a twist tie around the electrical cord to keep things secure. Next, wrap the appliance in paper padding like you would a birthday gift. Stuff the bottom of the box with packing paper before placing the appliance in the box. Add packing paper to any remaining gaps and tape the box shut.[32]
    • Stick the electrical prong in foam for some added protection.
    • Clean your appliances before packing them to avoid bringing any food scraps and crumbs to your new home.[33]

Method 13
Method 13 of 13:
Dissassemble furniture and protect it with a moving blanket.

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    Even if you hire movers, take precautions to keep your furniture safe. Disassemble any furniture that can come apart, like bed frames and tables. Keep the parts together, wrap them in paper or plastic wrap, and pack them up in a cardboard box. Bag up any nuts and bolts and keep those in the box as well. Cover larger furniture, like dressers and sofas, with a moving blanket or protective pad. Wrap large rubber bands around the furniture to secure the blanket in place.[34]
    • Moving blankets provide extra cushion for your furniture so that it won't get scuffed or damaged on the drive over.
    • If you've hired movers or are using a shipping service, take photos of your furniture before you prep it for moving. This can really help you out if anything gets damaged in the move.[35]
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    Should I get insurance when moving?
    Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®
    Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®
    Certified Professional Organizer & Senior Move Manager
    Marty Stevens-Heebner is a Certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and Founder of Clear Home Solutions, a home organizing and senior moving management company based in southern California. Marty is the first Certified Senior Move Manager (SMM-C) in the United States and is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) through the National Association of Home Builders. She is the President-Elect and is on the board of directors of the National Association for Senior Move Managers, a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers, and has been acknowledged as a Hoarding Specialist and ADHD Specialist through the Institute for Challenging Disorganization.
    Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®
    Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®
    Certified Professional Organizer & Senior Move Manager
    Expert Answer
    Absolutely! It's really easy for items to get broken or damaged in transit—you'd be amazed at how things can get turned upside down and stacked on top of each other. It's cheaper to buy insurance than it is to replace your items.
  • Question
    When should I start packing to move?
    Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®
    Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®
    Certified Professional Organizer & Senior Move Manager
    Marty Stevens-Heebner is a Certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and Founder of Clear Home Solutions, a home organizing and senior moving management company based in southern California. Marty is the first Certified Senior Move Manager (SMM-C) in the United States and is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) through the National Association of Home Builders. She is the President-Elect and is on the board of directors of the National Association for Senior Move Managers, a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers, and has been acknowledged as a Hoarding Specialist and ADHD Specialist through the Institute for Challenging Disorganization.
    Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®
    Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®
    Certified Professional Organizer & Senior Move Manager
    Expert Answer
    Give yourself plenty of time to get packed up! Never do it all the day before, or else you'll end feeling sore. Plus, you probably won't have enough time to get everything done in the span of a day.
  • Question
    Is packing paper necessary?
    Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®
    Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®
    Certified Professional Organizer & Senior Move Manager
    Marty Stevens-Heebner is a Certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and Founder of Clear Home Solutions, a home organizing and senior moving management company based in southern California. Marty is the first Certified Senior Move Manager (SMM-C) in the United States and is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) through the National Association of Home Builders. She is the President-Elect and is on the board of directors of the National Association for Senior Move Managers, a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers, and has been acknowledged as a Hoarding Specialist and ADHD Specialist through the Institute for Challenging Disorganization.
    Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®
    Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®
    Certified Professional Organizer & Senior Move Manager
    Expert Answer
    Definitely! Packing paper is cheap, while breakage isn't. Start by scrunching up a few sheets of packing paper and placing along the bottom of the box. Then, cushion and tuck in your items with packing paper on all sides.

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References

  1. ↑ https://youtu.be/YkskARmXjWM?t=114
  2. ↑ Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®. Certified Professional Organizer & Senior Move Manager. Expert Interview. 14 January 2020.
  3. ↑ https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-move-cross-country
  4. ↑ https://youtu.be/YkskARmXjWM?t=114
  5. ↑ Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®. Certified Professional Organizer & Senior Move Manager. Expert Interview. 14 January 2020.
  6. ↑ https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-move-cross-country
  7. ↑ https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-move-cross-country
  8. ↑ https://youtu.be/YkskARmXjWM?t=69
  9. ↑ Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®. Certified Professional Organizer & Senior Move Manager. Expert Interview. 14 January 2020.
  1. ↑ Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®. Certified Professional Organizer & Senior Move Manager. Expert Interview. 14 January 2020.
  2. ↑ https://youtu.be/YkskARmXjWM?t=69
  3. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/organizing/tips/a18092/moving-checklist/
  4. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/organizing/tips/a18092/moving-checklist/
  5. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/organizing/tips/a18092/moving-checklist/
  6. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/organizing/tips/a18092/moving-checklist/
  7. ↑ https://youtu.be/YkskARmXjWM?t=142
  8. ↑ Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®. Certified Professional Organizer & Senior Move Manager. Expert Interview. 14 January 2020.
  9. ↑ https://youtu.be/YkskARmXjWM?t=307
  10. ↑ https://youtu.be/GrTACWogUwU?t=50
  11. ↑ Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®. Certified Professional Organizer & Senior Move Manager. Expert Interview. 14 January 2020.
  12. ↑ https://youtu.be/rlxvGYco6lE?t=10
  13. ↑ Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®. Certified Professional Organizer & Senior Move Manager. Expert Interview. 14 January 2020.
  14. ↑ https://youtu.be/YkskARmXjWM?t=342
  15. ↑ https://youtu.be/YkskARmXjWM?t=369
  16. ↑ https://youtu.be/YkskARmXjWM?t=502
  17. ↑ Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®. Certified Professional Organizer & Senior Move Manager. Expert Interview. 14 January 2020.
  18. ↑ https://youtu.be/YkskARmXjWM?t=378
  19. ↑ https://youtu.be/YkskARmXjWM?t=227
  20. ↑ Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®. Certified Professional Organizer & Senior Move Manager. Expert Interview. 14 January 2020.
  21. ↑ https://youtu.be/YkskARmXjWM?t=275
  22. ↑ Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®. Certified Professional Organizer & Senior Move Manager. Expert Interview. 14 January 2020.
  23. ↑ https://youtu.be/EW5AmTH93cQ?t=8
  24. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/organizing/tips/a18092/moving-checklist/
  25. ↑ https://youtu.be/Hdjm99_raQI?t=4
  26. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/organizing/tips/a18092/moving-checklist/
  27. ↑ https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-move-cross-country
  28. ↑ https://youtu.be/1hW9PnLGQUQ?t=122
  29. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/the-best-hack-for-moving-across-the-country-2015-6

About This Article

Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®
Co-authored by:
Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®
Certified Professional Organizer & Senior Move Manager
This article was co-authored by Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO® and by wikiHow staff writer, Madeleine Criglow. Marty Stevens-Heebner is a Certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and Founder of Clear Home Solutions, a home organizing and senior moving management company based in southern California. Marty is the first Certified Senior Move Manager (SMM-C) in the United States and is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) through the National Association of Home Builders. She is the President-Elect and is on the board of directors of the National Association for Senior Move Managers, a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers, and has been acknowledged as a Hoarding Specialist and ADHD Specialist through the Institute for Challenging Disorganization.
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Updated: October 22, 2021
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Categories: Moving House
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