There’s a lot that goes into a long-distance move — and not just the packing. You’re stepping away from what’s familiar, maybe a place you’ve lived for years. It’s more than a change of address.

Sometimes these moves are exciting. Other times, they’re just necessary. Either way, there’s a lot to juggle. These suggestions aren’t from a checklist — they come from personal trial and error. Hopefully, they’ll save you some of the trouble I had to learn the hard way.

Declutter Before You Pack

The fewer things you move, the easier and cheaper your move will be. Go through closets, drawers, and storage bins. If you haven’t used something in a year, it probably shouldn’t come with you.

Pro Tip: Use the four-box method: Keep, Donate, Trash, and Sell.

Sell or Donate What You Don’t Need

Furniture and heavy items cost the most to move. If you’re planning to upgrade anyway, sell what you can on Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or a neighborhood group. Donate the rest to local shelters or thrift stores.

Pro Tip: Host a garage sale before moving week to clear space and make quick cash.

Compare Moving Options

Not all moves are created equal. Consider what matters most: time, budget, or convenience.

Not every move works the same way for every person. Some folks need all the help they can get, while others are fine doing most of the work themselves. Here are three common long-distance moving options and who they’re best suited for:

Full-service movers take care of nearly everything—packing, loading, transporting, and unloading. This is the most convenient option but also the most expensive. It’s best for people who want a hands-off move and have the budget to support it.

If full-service movers feel like too much, but you still want help with the hard parts, U-Pack and PODS are worth looking into. You do the loading, they handle the hauling. No cross-country driving required.

Renting a truck — like through U-Haul — is usually the cheapest option. But be ready for the whole thing to rest on you: packing, driving, unloading. Some people like having that kind of control. Others, not so much.

Still undecided? Here’s a breakdown of the top long-distance moving companies to help you compare.

Find Free Packing Materials

Buying boxes adds up fast. Instead, look for lightly used boxes at:

• Liquor stores (perfect for glassware)

• Facebook Marketplace “Free” section

• Grocery stores or big-box retailers

• Local schools or offices

Color-Code and Label Boxes

Color-coded stickers or tape make unloading easier and faster. Create a simple color chart: red for kitchen, blue for bathroom, green for bedroom.

Bonus: Use a spreadsheet to log what’s in each box. When unpacking, you’ll know exactly where your essentials are.

Pre-Prep Freezer Meals

Packing is exhausting, and eating out gets old (and expensive). Before you pack up the kitchen, prepare a few freezer meals you can reheat easily.

No-stress options:

• Foil pan casseroles

• Crockpot freezer kits

• Breakfast burritos or wraps

If your move includes pets or kids, carve out time to prep for their needs too. A familiar toy, a few snacks, or even just a predictable routine during travel can go a long way in reducing stress. The smoother their transition, the easier yours will be — especially during those first few days of settling in.

Label Fragile Items Clearly

Use bright FRAGILE stickers or red duct tape on boxes that need extra care. This is especially helpful if friends or professional movers are helping unload.

Pack Every Inch of Space

Maximize every cubic inch:

• Stuff towels in pots

• Pack inside suitcases, bins, or drawers

• Nest items inside one another (like measuring cups)

Use Towels to Protect Items

Instead of buying rolls of bubble wrap or extra padding, look around your home — old towels, t-shirts, even pillowcases can work just as well. I’ve wrapped glassware in dishcloths and stuffed towels between plates more times than I can count. It’s not fancy, but it works — and it saves money.

Take Setup Photos Before You Pack

Before you start taking everything apart, snap a few photos. Bookshelves, TV wiring, even your favorite way of arranging the living room — it’s easier to recreate a space when you can actually see how it looked. You think you’ll remember, but after a few days of boxes and packing tape, everything blurs together.

FAQ

What’s the cheapest way to move long-distance?

Most of the time, renting a truck and doing everything yourself will cost the least. It’s more work, but if you’ve got the time and the muscle, it can save thousands. If that sounds like too much, some freight services like U-Pack will handle the driving while you do the packing.

When should I start getting ready for a long-distance move?

Start early. Two to three months out is ideal. That gives you breathing room to find movers, clean out your place, and avoid last-minute scrambling. Waiting too long usually means fewer options and higher prices.

Is it better to move yourself or hire help?

It depends on what you’re comfortable with. If you don’t mind driving a truck and doing the heavy lifting, a DIY move saves cash. But if time and convenience matter more, pros might be worth the price. Some services offer a mix — they move it, you pack it.

What’s the best way to pack for a long-distance move?

Start with stuff you use the least. Label boxes clearly, and don’t skip the inventory list — future you will thank you. Pack fragile items tightly and fill gaps so things don’t shift. And keep one box of essentials aside for your first night in the new place.

Final Thoughts

Relocating across the country might feel like a mountain to climb, but with good planning and a steady pace, it becomes manageable. Tackle it one step at a time, and before long, you’ll be unlocking the door to your next adventure.

Our writers like to blog about the home and garden. We launched the award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2015 and the luxury property and interior decor blog www.alltheprettyhomes.com in 2024 to cover all your interior design, travel and lifestyle inspiration needs.