How To Pack and Prepare for a Cross-Country Move

One Call Logistics • August 16, 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!

By Taylor Tefft January 2, 2026
As we move into 2026, the logistics industry continues to evolve—but at One Call Logistics, our mission remains clear: deliver reliable, specialized transportation solutions that move our customers forward with confidence. In an industry driven by speed and technology, experience, adaptability, and hands-on expertise make all the difference.
A blue toy truck with oversized wheels carries a small wooden house on its bed.
December 19, 2025
The benefits of hiring tiny house moving experts go beyond transport. Learn why their role matters and what surprises await in your relocation journey.
A yacht in white shrink wrap rests on a trailer attached to a semi. The semi drives on a highway.
December 10, 2025
Protect your vessel during long-distance moves with professional handling and gear. Learn why boat transport requires specialized equipment for a safer journey.
A transport flat-bed truck, hauling motor homes. Other vehicles are passing the truck on the highway
November 25, 2025
Avoid the common mistakes people make when shipping RVs with this expert guidance on vetting carriers, preparing your vehicle, and understanding insurance.
A hauler truck travels down the interstate with a tiny home that has an
November 18, 2025
Move across states with confidence. See why national transport beats local carriers and what to expect from route planning, coverage, and communication.
A side view of a semi-truck driving down a highway with an oversized construction machine. Other car
November 18, 2025
Skip regret and pricey mistakes. We break down the pros and cons of self-moving heavy equipment so you can plan with confidence and choose the right next step.
A white concession trailer parked beside a brown building, with a fence and a tree behind it.
September 29, 2025
Even short-distance moves can stress the frame or cause equipment to shift. This guide outlines exactly what to inspect before opening your concession trailer.
A charcoal gray semi-truck forms a road train with three big rigs stacked in a lot under a setting s
September 22, 2025
Semitruck shipping has more challenges than you may realize. From permits to loading, see what can complicate the process and how to avoid issues.
What’s the Right Time of Year To Move a Tiny House?
September 7, 2025
Factors such as weather, permits, and road restrictions all affect the best time to move a tiny house. See what you need to consider for a smooth move.
A truck carries a boat covered by a white tarp with an “OVERSIZE LOAD” banner on the back.
August 22, 2025
Careful planning and expert coordination ensure yachts arrive safely. Understand the key factors that make transporting a yacht successful every time.