Planning a long-distance move can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right approach and trusted help, you can make the process smooth from start to finish. At Red Carpet Moving in Washington, DC, we believe that moving should feel less like chaos and more like progress. Here’s how to plan your cross-country move the smart way.
Plan and make a checklist
A successful move starts early. Give yourself at least six to eight weeks to plan everything, especially if you’re moving across states. Start by writing a moving checklist. Break it down by week so you don’t forget anything, booking movers, collecting boxes, confirming travel plans, and arranging utility shutoffs and setups.
Use this early time to sort through your belongings. Sell, donate, or toss what you no longer need. Reducing the number of items to move can cut costs and make unpacking easier later. The less you bring, the less you’ll need to deal with on the other side.
Choose movers with a good reputation
Not all moving companies offer the same level of service. Choosing a trusted company like Red Carpet Moving means you’ll get clear pricing, honest answers, and help when you need it. Before booking any company, check their customer reviews, licensing, and insurance. Ask for an in-home or video call estimate and make sure you understand what’s included in the quote.
Be wary of vague pricing or high deposits. A good moving company will walk you through the details and provide a written agreement. In Washington, DC, where traffic and building rules can complicate things, local knowledge also makes a difference. Red Carpet Moving understands the area and can help avoid delays.
Pack smart and stay organised
Good packing can save you money and protect your belongings. Use strong boxes, packing tape, and padding materials like bubble wrap or paper. Group items by room and clearly label each box. Add notes like “fragile” or “kitchen” so your movers know where things go and how to handle them.
Don’t forget to pack an essentials box with what you’ll need on your first night, basic clothes, phone chargers, toiletries, important documents, and snacks. If packing sounds like too much, ask about our packing services. We offer full and partial packing help, depending on your needs and schedule.
Protect your things with proper coverage
Most moving companies offer basic coverage based on weight, but it may not be enough if something valuable gets damaged. Red Carpet Moving offers additional protection plans to give you peace of mind.
Keep a list of valuable or fragile items and let your movers know in advance. If you’re packing those items yourself, take your time and use the right materials. Mark the boxes clearly and let our team know what needs special care.
Get your new home ready before you arrive
Make sure your new home is ready for your arrival. Set up electricity, water, internet, and gas services ahead of time. Some services require technician visits, so try to schedule them for the day you arrive or shortly after. This way, you won’t spend your first night in the dark or without Wi-Fi.
If you’re moving into an apartment or condo, check the building’s rules about move-in times, elevator reservations, or parking permits for the moving truck. Our team at Red Carpet Moving can help you plan for these details.
Finally, once the move is done, give yourself a break. Unpack the basics first and take your time with the rest. A long-distance move can be tiring, but settling into a new home is the reward. With the right support, it can even feel exciting.
Let Red Carpet Moving take care of the hard part
At Red Carpet Moving, we help Washington, DC residents and businesses move across the country with care and precision. Whether you need full-service moving or just a hand with packing, we’re ready to help make your next move easier. Contact us for a quote and let us roll out the red carpet for your next big move.
