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It took me 14 hours to move from Grand Rapids to Philadelphia with a UHaul trailer. Here are 8 things I learned from my trip.

Gabi StevensonSep 28, 2022, 23:14 IST

Even after completing a cross-country move last year, I didn't anticipate how tiring my second move would be.Gabi Stevenson/Insider

I moved by car from Grand Rapids to Philadelphia over the summer.
Traveling was fairly easy, but it got more difficult once I started unpacking and buying furniture.

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1. Packing 3 weeks ahead of my move helped me save time and money.

My belongings took up a lot of space at my residence in Grand Rapids.Gabi Stevenson/Insider

2. Packing the UHaul was like a giant game of Tetris, but there was order to the madness.

My UHaul may have looked messy, but I packed it as efficiently as I could.Gabi Stevenson

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3. If you're doing a long-haul move, check the weather ahead of time so you know what you'll be encountering along the way.

It was a little trickier driving the UHaul in the rain, but we made it to our first destination.Gabi Stevenson/Insider

4. I definitely recommend purchasing a neck pillow and wearing layers of clothes for the long car ride.

I love a sturdy neck pillow to keep my neck propped up at any angle.Gabi Stevenson/Insider

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5. Take the time to research spots to eat on your trip. Feel free to reward yourself with your favorite foods like I did.

I missed this place so much when I lived in Grand Rapids.Gabi Stevenson/Insider

6. See if you can lock down a parking spot near your building ahead of time to make unloading quick and efficient.

My moving boxes quickly filled up my new kitchen.Gabi Stevenson/Insider

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7. If you're buying furniture after you move, it's best to think ahead about everything from measurements to store inventory.

We fit as much as we could into the car after our shopping trips.Gabi Stevenson/Insider

8. Don't let your boxes and garbage pile up in your new place, mainly because trash is collected at certain times.

There were almost too many boxes to count.Gabi Stevenson/Insider

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The trip was long, the weather was humid, and the physical work was tough on my body — but I'd do it all over again.

I think I'll be happy if I don't have to use a UHaul again for at least the next few years.Gabi Stevenson/Insider

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