Moving Across the Country in 6 Steps

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Editor’s note: Lantern by SoFi seeks to provide content that is objective, independent and accurate. Writers are separate from our business operation and do not receive direct compensation from advertisers or partners. Read more about our Editorial Guidelines and How We Make Money.
Overwhelmed at the Prospect of Moving Across the Country?
Typical Cost to Move Across the Country
Moving Across the Country Timeframe
Moving Across the Country Tips
1. Determine Budget and Moving Needs
Hiring movers Packing materials Trailer or truck rental if you choose to move your belongings yourself Moving insurance, if needed (check your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy first to see if it covers your belongings during a move) Expenses for the trip across the country, including gas, lodging, meals or airfare Closing costs and downpayment, or rent and security deposit for the new place
2. Begin Packing in Advance
3. Research Moving Options
Full-service moving company. This is the easiest option, but also the most expensive one. Full-service movers bring all of the necessary packing materials and pack up your belongings. They move them across the country and unpack them in your new home. Moving companies charge by weight, so what you’ll pay depends on how much you’re moving. Full-service movers typically cost $4,000 to $10,000 and up. Truck rental. You can rent a truck, load it yourself, and drive it to your new home. This option can be more affordable than hiring movers, but is also a lot more work. The size of the truck you’ll need will dictate the price you’ll pay. For instance, for a 20-foot truck, which can hold the contents of a 2 to 3 bedroom home, you’ll likely pay more than $1,500. And remember, you will also need to pay for gas. Moving container. A third option is to put your packed belongings in a moving container and have it shipped across the country. Again, the price is dependent on the size container you need. A 10-foot container can cost about $3,500. Just be aware that some cities require permits to have a moving container sitting outside your home or in the street—even for a brief period of time.
4. Secure Funds/Financing
5. Creating a Checklist for Moving
6. Make Sure Your Housing Will Be Ready
When Is the Best Time to Move Across the Country?
The Takeaway
3 Personal Loan Tips
Personal loan interest rates vary from lender to lender, but generally depend on your credit score. With one online application, Lantern by SoFi makes it easy to find and compare the personal loan interest rates that you qualify for. If the interest rates you’re being offered seem too high, try lowering the loan amount. Generally, the larger the loan, the greater the risk for lenders, who likely charge a higher interest rate for the increased risk level. Don’t assume that if you have bad credit, you can’t get a personal loan. There are lenders who specialize in bad credit loans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo credit: iStock/vgajic
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About the Author
Jacqueline DeMarco is a personal finance writer and editor based in Southern California. While she spends the bulk of her time writing about complex financial issues, she also tackles a variety of subjects ranging from food to fashion to travel. Her work can be found across dozens of publications such as Credit Karma, LendingTree, Northwestern Mutual, The Everygirl, and Apartment Therapy.
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