How does cross-country moving work? It’s more than a change of address. In a country as large as ours, moving from coast to coast means you and your belongings will travel thousands of kilometres during the journey. That takes planning, logistics, and careful coordination.
While you and your family can make your own travel plans, what about your belongings? Will they be protected? Who has access to them? Can you track your shipment? And what happens if plans change along the way?
Cross-country movers are responsible for your shipment once the truck leaves, but understanding the process can help you feel more prepared.
The cross-country moving process starts with a thorough plan.
Before moving day, many long-distance movers start with an in-home inventory review. Next, you and your moving coordinator will discuss details like the distance of your move, whether you need storage-in-transit, and any items that require special packing or handling. This is the time to ask about the cross-country moving timeline, the delivery window, and any additional services you’d like.
Your mover uses this information to assess your needs and build an accurate quote. Together, you’ll create a comprehensive moving plan that covers all aspects of your relocation.
You’ll receive a delivery window (or spread), providing a range of dates for your shipment to arrive.
Before packing up, create a moving inventory list of all the items in your shipment. The list helps you determine what needs to be packed, what type of packaging it needs, and whether it arrives in the same condition as it left.
An inventory can include:
If you’ve opted for packing services, your movers will carefully pack your belongings to reduce the risk of damage during loading, transportation, and unloading.
Most everyday household items can be safely packed in boxes. Furniture will be wrapped or padded. In some cases, movers may build custom crates to protect bulky or oddly-shaped items. Fragile items receive extra attention. Movers may use specialty cartons, like wardrobe boxes or mirror boxes, to protect certain items.
Items that may require extra care or custom packaging include:
Each box or crate should have a number, room designation, and a clear list of the contents. Record the box number next to each item in your inventory list.
Professional movers use ergonomic equipment and techniques to load the truck efficiently, reducing the risk of damage or injury. Your boxes, crates, and furniture are loaded strategically to reduce movement and balance the load.
Loading may seem simple, but it actually takes some expertise. A cross-country move can encounter unexpected weather and road conditions, and your shipment will likely share the truck with at least one other. Proper loading helps ensure everyone’s belongings stay in place until it’s time to unload.
Once the truck pulls away, your moving company handles everything. Since they’ll probably make other pickups or deliveries before reaching your destination, the route may not line up with the one you take.
The mover is responsible for arriving within the agreed delivery spread. Long-distance spreads typically range from 7 to 21 days, but vary from move to move. The exact delivery date depends on factors such as:
Certain cross-country movers offer GPS-based moving truck tracking tools, allowing you to monitor your shipment in real time. If GPS isn’t offered, your moving coordinator or a customer service representative may be able to provide updates.
Note that shipment tracking options vary by moving company. Discuss your options with your coordinator during the planning stage.
When moving across the country, it’s not uncommon to have a gap between your move-out and move-in dates. If your new home isn’t ready, your closing date changes, or you simply need extra time before settling in, storage can provide much-needed flexibility.
Self-storage is always an option, but there may be a simpler way.
Storage-in-transit (SIT) is an option that builds short-term storage into your moving plan. Instead of arranging storage and transportation yourself, SIT allows your moving company to take your shipment directly to a secure facility, then deliver it to your home when it’s ready.
If you anticipate a gap between homes, storage-in-transit can support a smoother transition.
When your shipment arrives, your moving team will unload your belongings and place them according to your instructions.
Before unpacking, review the delivery against your inventory list. If you have any concerns, document them and reach out to your moving coordinator.
If your moving plan includes unpacking services, sit back and relax while your movers handle the final stage.
While professional movers take steps to protect your belongings, the best way to avoid loss or damage is by staying organized throughout the move.
Before moving day:
You should also discuss moving valuation coverage options with your moving company. Allied Van Lines offers complimentary basic coverage or full coverage for an additional fee.
As trusted household movers, Allied has provided cross-country moving services to thousands of families across Canada. Request a free quote today to learn more.
During a cross-country move, belongings are packed, inventoried, loaded into a moving truck, secured for transportation, and delivered to the new home.
The timeline depends on the distance, shipment size, route, and other factors. Your mover will provide a delivery window based on your moving plan.
Tracking options depend on the moving company. Allied Van Lines provides real-time, GPS-based tracking for all long-distance shipments.
If you notice damage or missing items, contact your moving company as soon as possible. Your moving coordinator can explain the next steps and review your moving valuation coverage options.
