This article contains all types of information about moving cross country from Florida’s lifestyle to New Jersey’s city vibes.
The reader will learn our top moving tips while also learning how to adjust to the changes.
Moving Cross Country Top Tips
Here are some of our tried and true tips to get you through the cross-country moving planning stages. Take our advice instead of learning the hard way like we did.
- Stay hydrated! Even though there might be fresh air around, it doesn’t mean you can’t get easily dehydrated on a moving day. Keep water bottles accessible in each room you’re packing up.
- Declutter ahead of time. Why bring all of those FL beach items if you are moving to the far side of NJ and won’t be at the beach? Pack what makes sense and see this as an opportunity to get rid of all that excess.
- Donate what you can instead of taking the time to sell off items (unless you have expensive big pieces). Save yourself the time and the trouble.
- Pack an essentials bag first things first and keep it in your car so it won’t get lost. Make sure all your critical documents and a change of clothes and sheets are inside for every family member. Don’t forget to include daily medicines here.
- Pack an “open me first box” with first-day essentials like toiletries, bedding, and kitchen items that you’ll need immediately upon arrival. Label it clearly and keep it accessible.
- Label each box very clearly with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will make unpacking at your new home much more organized and efficient.
- Pack heavier items in smaller boxes that make sense and lighter items in larger boxes to make them easier to lift. Avoid overfilling boxes to prevent them from breaking or being too heavy. Packing one stuffed box doesn’t really help you in any way.
- Use plenty of packing paper, bubble wrap, or blankets to cushion fragile items. Pack them tightly inside the boxes. If there is too much space things may break.
- Relax and get excited for the journey! It can be stressful to move, but it is the start of your new adventure, so try to reframe it in your mind.
- Create a personalized moving inventory list of all items in your home and their condition so that you can ask for proper binding quotes. This will also help you keep track of the items that should arrive and will make filing insurance claims easier if needed.
- Start by researching the actual costs of movers in your area with your requirements. Don’t forget to take into consideration any days of work you’ll miss, extra costs for child and pet care before, during, and after the move, moving supply costs, and any other incidentals. Book with us ahead of time to lock down great deals and dates.
Best Road Trip Spots to Stop Off
Taking a road trip from Florida to New Jersey offers so many interesting stops along the way. It would be a shame to travel so far yet miss these great tourist spots. Make yourself excited for the move by planning your road trip right.
Here are some great spots to consider while moving your car.
1. Charleston, South Carolina
Another history buff’s dream with cobblestone streets, special houses and waterfront views. The Battery and Waterfront Park are must-visits. Try to aim your visit time with dinner and book in one of the waterfront restaurants. Try the South’s amazing foods.
2. Savannah, Georgia
Known for its historic district, tree lined streets, and unique architecture, Savannah is perfect for a long walk to stretch those legs from the car ride and a nice lunch. Stop by Forsyth Park or take a tour there to see the historic side of things.
3. Asheville, North Carolina
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers vibrant arts scenes, craft breweries, and the stunning Biltmore Estate. Take a hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway or explore the downtown arts district.
4. Princeton, New Jersey
This university town with Ivy League top schools shouldn’t be missed. Princeton offers the chance to stroll around Princeton University’s campus or visit the Princeton University Art Museum. Get a feel for campus vibes and get your t-shirt to feel like a proper tourist.
5. Shenandoah, Virginia
If you love nature like I do, take a detour from your car ride to explore this beautiful national park on foot. Don’t pack those hiking boots too deep. Drive along Skyline Drive for incredible views.
6. Washington, D.C.
You can’t skip over the nation’s capital with landmarks like the National Mall, Smithsonian Museum, and other historic monuments. Plan a visit to the Lincoln Memorial or the Capitol and feel political. Maybe you’ll even see a few famous politicians if you have time to hit up the local bars.
7. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Known for its history, Philadelphia is home to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and numerous museums. Obviously, the real reason we are stopping is actually for a cheesesteak in the Old City.
Closing Things Up
All in all, this is a really exciting time in your life! The journey and changes you will experience from this big-time relocation will remain with you for years to come. We hope to make the move simple and stress-free so that you can focus on the fun part (aka the road trip).
Don’t forget to organize and declutter as much as possible so you can move to NJ and start a new chapter that is as simple and amazing as can be. Notice that our emphasis in this article is fun. That is because this is a fun journey in your life. Don’t stress about the move, get excited about it! Good luck on your journey to New Jersey!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I destress the move for my family and pets?
Moving can be stressful for all involved, but the more everyone feels like a decision-maker, the more they will feel in control of their stress. Involve them in small decisions such as decorating and exploring the neighborhood together.
The same goes for moving with a pet, taking them on many walks in the area, and positively associating the new house and neighborhood them with treats and lots of love is a good start. This will take some stress off them.
How can I make the move a family goal?
Involve your kids in the entire process, from decision-making to calling the utilities, to packing up and designing the new home. The more they are a part of and feel responsible for certain aspects, the more they will feel they are helping accomplish a common goal.
How can I make the move less stressful for everyone involved?
Mindfulness and breathing techniques are recommended when going through many changes. Preplanning and understanding clearly the tasks at hand is a good way to keep stress levels to a minimum.
What is the most important thing to know when booking a mover?
It’s critical for your sanity to feel that you are working with a trusted and honest service provider. If you have even a hint of doubt, walk away. Don’t try to cut corners and save on an unreputable mover as we promise you, you will end up paying way more in hidden fees and damages.
When is the best season to move?
This depends if you are looking to move during down season aka the winter months to save money, or looking to move when the weather is nice out and before the new school season starts.
It all depends on your priorities and budget in order to best answer this question. If you are moving with kids, ensure to check out registration dates for schools and move ahead of time, as you’ll need a local address in order to register your kids for classes.
