How Long Does a Cross-Country Move Take?

If you’ve ever had to pack your belongings and make a cross-country move, you know how much work goes into it. You must manage paperwork, pack your personal items, and find the right moving company to handle your boxes.

More specifically, there’s the decision to sell or donate some items to lighten the load. You also have friends and family to see before you depart. This process begins weeks before you move so you can have everything ready for moving day. Collegiate Movers is your long-distance movers in Blacksburg, VA, and we know how challenging it can be to move cross-country.

Many people wonder what the cross-country moving timeline usually looks like when making a significant upheaval like this. Many factors come into play and affect how long the process takes. 

What Factors Affect a Cross-Country Move?

Several factors can affect your cross-country moving timeline. These considerations can directly influence how long your belongings take to arrive at your new home. 

Moving Distance

The distance from your old residence to your new one is a significant factor in determining how long the process will take. The farther away your new home is, the longer it will take for your stuff to arrive. 

A moving truck driver typically covers about 400-500 miles per day. A shipment traveling 1000 miles will take at least two days to arrive at its destination. Estimate that an extra day will be necessary for each additional 500 miles. 

However, if you’re moving from one coast to the other, don’t be surprised if your delivery takes two weeks. Also, remember that there’s the possibility of mechanical issues with the delivery truck, which can further delay your shipment.

Additional Pickups and Deliveries

It’s usual for delivery companies to consolidate shipments going in the same direction. Consolidation is part of their business model, and it can save them money. 

Making additional pickups and deliveries maximizes the company’s efficiency, saves fuel expenses, and reduces overall moving costs. However, it also means the delivery company must make a few additional stops along the way. 

The complexity of these stops can influence your cross-country moving timeline. If you’re short on time, you always have the option to pay additional costs for the exclusive use of the moving truck. Paying for an entire moving vehicle reduces your moving timeline.

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions are a significant factor in how long your moving shipment takes to arrive at your new home. If your moving truck driver encounters stormy weather, it can close roads and cause traffic jams. 

Cross-country moving is especially vulnerable to changes in weather. For example, the weather in Virginia can be completely different from California at all times of the year.

When moving across the country, you can consider weather forecasts while planning your move. But unexpected weather can develop and delay your shipment. That’s why it’s hard to estimate an exact cross-country moving timeline.

How Long Does a Cross-Country Move Take?

Typically, you can expect the time it takes to complete a cross-country move to take between 10-14 days. However, the time frame for your shipment to arrive can be from three days to three weeks. It’s standard practice for cross-country movers to provide a two-week window for moving deliveries. 

When it’s time to move, you should receive a Bill of Lading which shows details of the belongings in your truck, how far it’s traveling, and the expected delivery time frame. If the delivery arrives late, you might be able to receive compensation for the delay.

Depend on Collegiate Movers for Your Move

Whether you need to move across town or the country, Collegiate Movers ensures your belongings arrive safely and securely in your new house, apartment or dorm. 

Collegiate Movers is one of the top long-distance moving companies nationally, serving Roanoke, VA, and the surrounding areas. We’re here to answer any questions about a cross-country moving timeline and can provide you with moving quotes. Contact us today for more information!