Moving Across the Country? Here’s How to Plan

Moving across the country is exciting:  a new job, a new city, a new chapter. But it’s also a challenge that tests your planning skills (and your patience). Whether you’re relocating for work, school, or a fresh start, learning the best strategies for efficiently moving long-distance can make all the difference.

There’s no shortage of online tips for moving across the country, but most lists stop once the moving truck hits the road. What about everything that comes after? What about after you’ve made it to your new city, and your furniture’s still three states away? Or your new “dining table” is currently a stack of moving boxes.

This guide is your step-by-step companion, providing a real-world look at how to plan a cross-country move from start to finish. From budgeting and timelines to comfort and furniture solutions, you’ll find everything you need to make your transition smoother. We’ll cover the importance of, and provide strategies for, these seven steps for a successful, easier long-distance move:

1. Start your planning as early as possible
2. Make a practical moving budget
3. Prepare ahead for your first week in your new home
4. Set up your moving logistics, but be flexible
5. Consider the design of your new space ahead of your move
6. Get comfortable sooner in your new living place and city
7. Take it easy on yourself

Step 1: Start Planning Early (Like, Really Early)

If you’ve already started a checklist for moving across the country, you’re ahead of the game. Cross-country moves take time to plan. You’ll need time to coordinate with movers, complete paperwork, and arrange housing. Start at least eight to 12 weeks before your move date for best results.

Here’s how to move long distance without the last-minute panic:

• Build your master checklist. Include everything: packing tasks, travel plans, and arrival-day needs.
• Book your movers early. Reliable long-distance moving companies get booked fast, especially during peak summer months.
• Downsize to save money. The lighter your load, the lower your long-distance move cost will be. Donate, sell, or give away anything you don’t truly need.
• Confirm the details twice. Lock in pickup and delivery dates, and get all quotes and insurance information in writing.
• Keep essentials with you. Carry IDs, financial documents, and any valuables in your own luggage, not the moving truck.

Pro tip: Picture your new space before you pack. If your current furniture doesn’t fit, or you’re not sure how long you’ll stay, consider CORT Furniture Rental. CORT can have your new home furnished and ready the day you arrive. No moving truck required.

If you’re researching specific relocation destinations, check out city guides for a closer look at what to expect when settling into a new city.

Step 2: Make a Budget You’ll Actually Stick To

Every cross-country move costs more than you think. But that doesn’t mean it has to drain your savings. Once you’ve built your checklist for moving across the country, make a realistic budget that includes hidden expenses.

Here are the most common costs to factor in:

• Moving company or truck rental fees
• Packing supplies, boxes, and insurance
• Utility setup and deposits
• Temporary housing or storage
• Travel costs — gas, tolls, hotels, meals
• Replacement furniture and household items

Add a 10–15% buffer for surprise expenses. (Because there will be some.)

Remember: furniture is often one of the biggest hidden costs. If you’re waiting weeks for movers or don’t want to commit to new pieces yet, renting furniture through CORT Furniture Rental keeps you comfortable while controlling your long-distance move cost.

To simplify setup and delivery, consider a concierge moving service that helps you select the best furniture for your new home and ensures it arrives, is assembled, and is ready for you when you get there. This kind of service lets you focus on your move instead of these details.

Step 3: Plan for Your First Week Before You Arrive

That first week in a new place can feel like a whirlwind. Without planning, you’ll end up scrambling for basics while living out of suitcases.

Start with a “First Week Essentials” bag that includes:

• Clothes for 5–7 days
• Toiletries and medications
• Bedding, towels, and pillows
• Chargers and small electronics
• A few dishes, a little cookware, and a coffee maker
• Important documents and contacts

You’ll thank yourself later.

If you’re using CORT Furniture Rental, your essentials go further. With flexible furniture packages that include delivery and setup, you can walk into a furnished home and actually relax. The days of sleeping on an air mattress until your real bed arrives are over. If you’re moving into a temporary apartment or other space,  get tips on easy ways to make your temporary setup feel like home.

Step 4: Keep Your Logistics Tight

Smart, efficient long-distance moves depend on coordination. You’ll have multiple schedules to align, including those of the movers, your travel needs, temporary housing, and deliveries. Even a slight delay or small hiccup anywhere along the way can disrupt the whole thing. Staying organized is crucial.

Follow these tips for moving across the country smoothly:

• Triple-check your move timeline. Confirm pickup, transport, and delivery dates with your movers.
• Track your shipment. Most long-distance companies offer GPS tracking. Use it.
• Have a backup plan. Delays happen. Knowing your home is furnished through CORT can remove a ton of stress.
• Moving to an apartment or condo? Know your building’s rules. Some apartments require a moving permit or elevator reservation for large deliveries.

When things go wrong (and something always does), flexibility will keep your stress in check. It might help reduce stress to dig a little deeper into how to manage move-in logistics and streamline your relocation from day one.

Step 5: Visualize Your New Space

Planning your furniture and layout before you move can save serious headaches later. Every apartment or house is different, and that gorgeous sectional you love might not fit the new living room.

Here’s how to prep your new space before you get there:

• Measure rooms or check the floor plan online.
• Take photos or video if possible.
• Plan where key pieces will go, such as the sofa, bed, and dining table.
• Consider lighting, outlets, and windows when arranging your setup.

If your move feels temporary or your furniture won’t fit, the right furniture rental arrangement can make your new place instantly livable. Think of it as hitting “fast-forward” on your move-in day. 

Step 6: Make Your New City Feel Like Home

Getting settled after moving across the country requires more than unpacking boxes. It’s a good idea to start establishing routines and making your new space feel like it’s truly your own as soon as you can

Start with the simple stuff:

• Unpack essentials first: your bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen.
• Add a touch of quick comfort: rugs, plants, and a few personal photos.
• Explore your neighborhood. Find the nearest grocery store, a coffee shop, and the recreation spots that suit you.

Those are the first and easiest steps for reducing stress and settling into your new environment more easily. 

A furnished space can also help you adjust faster. CORT’s rental packages, for example, let you enjoy a functional, beautiful home while you get to know your new surroundings. You’ll feel grounded sooner. And, you’ll have one less thing to worry about.

Step 7: Expect the Unexpected and Be Kind to Yourself

No move goes perfectly. Something will get lost. Something will arrive late. Something will definitely cost more than expected. That’s why part of how to move long-distance successfully is simply this: Roll with it.

The real secret is flexibility. Stay organized, but give yourself permission to adapt. If the movers are delayed or your boxes arrive dented, focus on what you can control: your comfort, your mindset, and your setup.

And remember, with CORT Furniture Rental, your comfort doesn’t have to wait for the truck. From fully furnished living rooms to complete bedroom sets, CORT’s flexible solutions mean you can start living right away.

Make Your Cross Country Move Simple With CORT

Moving across the country doesn’t have to mean weeks of waiting on furniture or suffering with the stress of starting from scratch. With CORT Furniture Rental, you can walk into a fully furnished home on day one. Choose from flexible packages that include delivery and setup (no long-term commitment required), and focus on settling into your new life, not assembling furniture.

Start online or visit your local CORT Furniture Rental showroom today to make your cross-country move simple, seamless, and surprisingly comfortable.