When moving long distance (from coast to coast, from your current area to another part of the country, etc.), you’ll be faced with the dilemma of whether to drive or fly to your final destination. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, but driving is the more cost-effective, more comfortable, and more enjoyable way to get to your new home – especially when moving with kids and pets.
If you decide on a road trip though, you need to be well prepared – driving across the country will take a long time and will put quite a strain on your vehicle (and on your nerves). To make your journey safe and pleasant, you have to plan ahead and take a number of important precautions.
Here are some expert tips for driving cross country to help you make the most of the trip to your new home.
Plan your route in advance
Depending on where you currently live and where exactly you’re moving to, your trip can take from a couple of days to over a week. When moving from one coast to the other, for example, you’ll have to cover a distance of 2,500-3,500 miles and spend 4-6 days on the road (if driving for 8-9 hours per day). You’ll pass through miles of rural land, desert areas, prairies, and forests; through mountain ranges and river valleys; through charming little towns and bustling big cities – there will be gorgeous landscapes and long stretches of monotonous flat scenery.
You need to map out your driving route well in advance, so you know how to get to your new area, where to stop for food and rest, what to see along the way, etc.
- Decide which highways and country roads to take, which cities and towns to pass through, where to stop for gas, etc.;
- Find out the locations of overnight accommodations along your chosen travel route, decide where you want to stop, and make lodging reservations – it’s not difficult to find last-minute hotels and motels along major highways, but it will be much cheaper when you’ve made a reservation in advance;
- Look up restaurants, historical sites, national parks, amusement parks, etc. to stop en route.
Keep in mind that the trip won’t be any fun if you’re driving 10 hours a day and don’t stop to enjoy anything along the way. Plan on a maximum of six hours per day behind the wheel and plan your itinerary so it includes scenic sights and famous attractions – even if it requires detours from the most direct route to your new home.
Bonus tip: Plan not only your travel route, but also your travel budget – factor in the cost of the fuel you’re going to need to reach your final destination, the cost of the tollways you’ll pass through, the cost of lodgings and meals along the way, the admission fees for the attractions you want to see, etc. Be sure to have some extra money for emergencies, deviations from your planned route, and can’t-be-missed-sights and experiences.
Get your car ready for the trip
When driving to your new home, it’s crucial to have your car serviced prior to the trip in order to reduce the risk of breakdowns and other troubles on the road.
Take your vehicle in for a check-up about a week before your cross-country move – pay special attention to the battery, fluid levels, brakes, and tires. Make sure your spare tire is fully inflated and you have all the tools you might need in the event of a flat tire or other problems with the car.
Look into your roadside assistance options – consider joining a roadside service, such as AAA, so you have help (anything from replacing a battery to getting towed) when you need it.
Prepare your cross-country road trip essentials
There are things you can’t do without on your cross-country moving adventure – and things you’ll be glad you brought along – so you need to make sure that you have them all before setting out on your road trip.
The most common must-haves for driving cross country include:
- Important documents – your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and a copy of your car insurance policy. You’re strongly advised to keep all your important documents (personal documents, financial records, medical records, etc.) with you when moving cross country;
- A car emergency kit – jumper cables, emergency flares, a jack, a spare tire, a tire pressure gauge, a tool kit, a tow rope, a flashlight and batteries, a few blankets, etc. Make sure you have an emergency contact list with important phone numbers as well;
- Navigation and communication devices – paper maps, essential electronics (phones, laptops, cameras, etc.), portable chargers (and USB cables), etc.;
- Comfort and entertainment items – blankets, pillows, some extra clothes, a few towels, sunglasses, books, e-readers, tablets, etc.;
- Medicines and toiletries – a first-aid kit, prescription medicines, painkillers, allergy meds, hand sanitizers, wet wipes, paper towels, toilet paper, sunscreen, toothpaste and toothbrushes, essential personal care items, etc.;
- Food and water – bottled water and non-perishable snacks (nuts, granola bars, beef jerky, etc.), as well as a cooler packed with juice boxes and other refreshing drinks, sandwiches and cold cuts, fruits, and vegetables, etc. Be sure to bring along some plastic utensils, paper dishes, travel mugs, garbage bags, and a Swiss army knife as well.
Pack your car the right way
Packing your car for moving will be the first challenge you’re going to face when embarking on your cross-country relocation adventure. You need to find a way to maximize the storage space in the car, keep your items safe during transportation, and ensure yours and your family’s comfort during the trip.
So, how to pack a car when moving? Make sure you:
- Choose carefully what to take in your car – essentials and valuables, items you’d rather not entrust to movers and items your movers won’t move for you, etc.;
- Optimize the space – Fill up all the available space in the car (the room under the front seats, the room inside and around the spare tire, etc.) to fit in as many items as possible. Consider using an overhead carrier to add some extra storage space to your vehicle;
- Pack your things in bags as they’re more flexible than boxes and can easily fit inside small spaces or around other items in the car. Use durable shopping bags for heavier items, sealable plastic bags for smaller items, clean plastic bags for clothes, vacuum bags for voluminous clothing and bedding, etc.
Bonus tip: If you have pets, they should travel in your vehicle with you. Driving cross country with cats, dogs, or other kinds of pets requires advance planning and extra care en route:
- Take your animal friend to the vet before the trip to ensure that they’re in good health and get their medical records;
- Make lodging reservations at places with pet-friendly policies;
- Pack a travel bag with specialized pet care items and comfort items for your animal friend;
- Get an appropriate carrier (not necessary when driving cross country with a dog);
- Make frequent stops to give your pet food and water (if you’re moving with a dog, let them walk around but keep them on a leash);
- Do your best to keep your animal friend safe, calm, and comfortable during the ride – keep them out of direct sunlight, make sure nothing can fall over them, bring some of their comfort items along, play relaxing music, etc.;
- Never leave your pet alone in the vehicle!
See also: How to move a dog cross country; What’s the best way to move with cats
Make your road trip safe
Safety should be your primary concern when driving cross country. To prevent accidents and keep everyone safe on your road trips, you’re advised to:
- Ensure your vehicle is in top-notch condition (as detailed above);
- Respect the traffic laws and drive carefully ;
- Never drink alcohol when driving and avoid heavy meals that can make you feel tired and less attentive;
- Stay alert – Make sure you get enough sleep and drink coffee as needed, so you don’t fall asleep behind the wheel. Keep in mind that the scenery will be monotonous at times and that fact, combined with driver fatigue, can make you lose focus and lull you into drowsiness. This can easily result in road accidents, so you need to find a way to stay focused and alert all the time;
- Consider alternative drivers – If you’re traveling with your family, try to share the driving with your spouse. If that’s not possible, be sure to stop for rest more frequently and plan for more days on the road – don’t attempt to drive more hours than you’re comfortable with;
- Be mindful of the weather – Check the weather forecast for the week of your move and the conditions along your travel route and prepare accordingly. Keep in mind that there may be drastic changes in the weather as you drive through different parts of the country and be prepared to make detours to avoid storms, high winds, or other adverse atmospheric conditions along your chosen route. (Related: How will bad weather affect your move).
Make your road trip fun
A road trip when moving cross country shouldn’t be about driving as fast as possible – it should be an adventure and family bonding time. So, be sure to make the most of it:
- Listen to music – You may lose radio signal as you gain distance from cities or you may not like the music you can tune in, so it’s a good idea to download some of your (and your family’s) favorite music, as well as a selection of audiobooks and podcasts, before embarking on your road trip. Play everyone’s favorite songs in the car (and sing along) and enjoy your audiobook (or preferred podcast series) while driving through flat scenery to keep boredom at bay;
- Play games with your family – Road games will help make your road trip fun and enjoyable – especially when driving cross country with kids. Team storytelling, the License Plate Game, Car bingo, I spy, Never Have I Ever, Rock Paper Scissors, and many other games require nothing more than imagination (and, sometimes, a notebook and a pen) and provide hours of entertainment;
- Make frequent stops – Be sure to stop every so often to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. Let your kids run around and use the opportunity to relax, take some photos, and enjoy the scenery;
- Enjoy the local food – Driving across the country gives you the opportunity to try foods from different states and sample different local cuisines. So, do not settle for roadside fast food – get meals at local restaurants when you pass through a town or stop for the night. Also, be sure to stop at local groceries and supermarkets to get fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese and yogurt, etc. and to refill the ice in your cooler;
- Visit national parks, historical sites, places of interest, amusement parks, and other attractions near your chosen travel route – Most interesting places won’t be located right off of the highway, but the detours will be worth it – your kids will learn a lot about their country and everyone will have some fun. It will break up the monotony and give your family something to look forward to;
- Visit with relatives and friends who live along the way.
See also: How to make the most of the road trip when moving long distance
