Blog Post

How To Pack and Prepare for a Cross-Country Move

  • By One Call Logistics
  • 16 Aug, 2021
How To Pack and Prepare for a Cross-Country Move

Preparing for a cross-country move can be daunting, and you might not know where to start. After all, there are a lot of things to consider. Here are a few tips on how to pack and prepare for a cross-country move to get yourself organized.

Start Early

Ideally, you’ll have at least six to eight weeks to pack and prepare for a long-distance move. The earlier you start preparing, the less stress you'll experience. Here’s where you'll want to do to begin.

  • Find boxes and packing materials.
  • Compare your moving options (U-Haul, moving companies, or pods are available).
  • Compare costs of a preferred moving option (for example, getting quotes from movers or pod companies).
  • Assess housing issues, like selling your old home or finding a new apartment in your new city.
  • Cancel utilities at your current home

If this seems like a lot, that’s because it is. But there are ways to manage your many to-dos.

Create a To-Do List

Creating a to-do list with your many moving tasks is an easy and effective way to ensure that everything gets done. Otherwise, it’s very easy to feel overwhelmed when dealing with so many moving parts.

Write down everything you need to accomplish, then prioritize them. List all your tasks according to priority and completion date. Also, you don’t need to set aside huge chunks of the day to pack and research moving companies. Even an hour a day can help you knock items off your to-do list; blocking off a few minutes a day to deal with these chores can help, too.

Next, you’ll have to decide what to do with your car.

Transport Services

Knowing how to pack and prepare for a cross-country move can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Breaking down your chores into manageable tasks can make the entire process easier. Finding ways to make your move more manageable could mean moving your car with an oversize transport service.

There are many reasons to ship your car across the country. If you’re a multi-car family, you’ll probably need to ship one since you might need both partners to share responsibilities during the long-distance drive.

Or, even if you only have one car, you might not want to incur all the fees that come with cross-country driving—gas, hotels, food, and the mileage will quickly rack up on your vehicle.

Whatever the reason, be sure to research multiple oversize transport services to ensure you’re getting the best quote. Check out the blogs at One Call Logistics to learn more about moving across the country and long-distance vehicle transportation!

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Shipping motorsports vehicles, such as motorcycles, ATVs, or jet skis, requires careful planning and consideration due to their size, weight, and sometimes delicate nature. Here are some general steps to consider when shipping motorsports vehicles: 


  • Choose a shipping method: Decide whether you want to use a specialized vehicle transport service, a freight carrier, or another method. The choice may depend on factors such as cost, convenience, and the level of service required. 

  • Prepare the vehicle: Before shipping, ensure that the motorsports vehicle is properly prepared. This includes cleaning it thoroughly, removing any personal belongings or loose items, and securing any removable parts to prevent damage during transit.

  • Check for regulations and requirements: Research any regulations or requirements related to shipping motorsports vehicles, both domestically and internationally. This may include paperwork, permits, or specific packaging instructions.

  • Choose appropriate packaging: If necessary, package the vehicle securely to prevent damage during transit. This might involve using specialized crates, pallets, or protective coverings.

  • Arrange pickup and delivery: Coordinate with the shipping company to schedule pickup of the vehicle from your location and delivery to the desired destination. Make sure to provide clear instructions and contact information for both pickup and delivery.


  • Insure the shipment: Consider purchasing insurance for the shipment to protect against loss or damage during transit. Most shipping companies offer insurance options, but you may also choose to use a third-party insurer.

  • Track the shipment: Utilize any tracking services provided by the shipping company to monitor the progress of the shipment and ensure it arrives at its destination on time.

  • Receive and inspect the vehicle: When the vehicle arrives at its destination, inspect it carefully for any signs of damage or discrepancies. Note any issues on the delivery receipt and contact the shipping company immediately if necessary.

  • By following these steps and taking appropriate precautions, you can ensure a smooth and secure shipping process for your motorsports vehicles.

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Utilizing a drive-away logistics service can offer several benefits, depending on your specific needs and circumstances. Here are some reasons why you might consider using One Call Logistics' drive away service.

Cost Efficiency: Drive-away services can often be more cost-effective than transporting vehicles via traditional methods such as towing or shipping. Since you're essentially hiring someone to drive the vehicle to its destination, you may save on transportation costs.

Time Savings: Drive-away services can often be quicker than other methods of transport, especially if you need to move vehicles over relatively short distances. This can be particularly useful if you need vehicles delivered promptly to meet customer demands or deadlines.

Flexibility: Drive-away services can be more flexible in terms of scheduling and routes compared to other forms of transportation. You can often arrange for pick-up and delivery at times that suit your schedule, and drivers may have the flexibility to adjust routes based on real-time conditions.

Personalized Service: Drive-away services often provide a more personalized experience, as drivers typically work closely with clients to ensure that their specific needs are met. This can include things like handling special requests or providing updates on the status of the delivery.

Comprehensive Solutions: Some drive-away logistics companies offer additional services beyond simply transporting vehicles, such as vehicle inspection, detailing, or even temporary storage. This can provide added convenience and value for businesses with more complex transportation needs.

Safety and Security: Reputable drive-away services with One Call Logistics contract experienced and vetted drivers who are trained to handle various types of vehicles safely and securely. This can give you peace of mind knowing that your vehicles are in good hands during transit.


Overall, utilizing a drive-away logistics service with us can offer a range of benefits, including cost savings, time efficiency, flexibility, and personalized service, making it a viable option for businesses and individuals needing to transport vehicles.

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