We moved across the country this summer, one by plane and one by car. Here are 9 of the most surprising things we learned.

Gabi Stevenson,Pauline VillegasOct 8, 2022, 19:22 IST

Two of Insider's reporters made long-haul moves, Pauline Villegas by plane and Gabi Stevenson by car, and compared their experiences.Pauline Villegas/Insider; Gabi Stevenson/Insider

Two Insider reporters completed cross-country moves over the summer.
Pauline Villegas traveled by plane, while Gabi Stevenson drove a car with a UHaul trailer attached.

Insider's Gabi Stevenson and Pauline Villegas both completed long-haul moves this summer.

Gabi (left) moved via U-Haul to Philadelphia, while Pauline (right) moved via plane to New York.Gabi Stevenson/Insider; Pauline Villegas/Insider

1. Gabi quickly discovered how important measurements were for a smooth move-in process.

Once Gabi realized how important measurements were, she took her measuring tape everywhere.Gabi Stevenson/Insider

2. Although she's more of a night owl, Gabi now values an early start.

Unpacking the car under the city street lamps after a long day wasn't fun.Gabi Stevenson/Insider

3. Gabi was surprised by how much effort goes into packing a UHaul trailer correctly.

Her UHaul may look like a mess, but Gabi organized her UHaul in a way that made sense for her move.Gabi Stevenson/Insider

4. Pauline's apartment is a five-story walk-up, so hiring help became a necessity.

Pauline's bed is from Ikea and had to be carried up five flights of stairs by the TaskRabbit she hired.Pauline Villegas/Insider

5. Since she moved by plane, Pauline wasn't able to transport all of her belongings, so she shipped boxes to her apartment before she left.

Pauline's jackets, books, and shoes arrived weeks after her move.Pauline Villegas/Insider

6. Gabi discovered that shopping for a move during a labor shortage can be difficult, so it's best to look for DIY solutions. Pauline chose Ikea furniture that could be built at home to avoid trips to Home Depot or Lowe's.

Both Gabi (left) and Pauline (right) needed outside help to complete their moves.Gabi Stevenson/Insider; Pauline Villegas/Insider

6. Gabi discovered that shopping for a move during a labor shortage can be difficult, so it's best to look for DIY solutions. Pauline chose Ikea furniture that could be built at home to avoid trips to Home Depot or Lowe's.

7. Gabi and Pauline found that trash grows quickly during a move. They suggest taking a little out at a time to avoid stress.

After plenty of online orders and packed belongings, the trash piled up during Gabi's (left) and Pauline's (right) moves.Gabi Stevenson/Insider; Pauline Villegas/Insider

8. From summer rain to thick humidity, Gabi and Pauline experienced drastic weather throughout their respective moves.

The rain, heat, and humidity hindered both Gabi's trek to Philadelphia (left) and Pauline's move to New York City (right).Gabi Stevenson/Insider; Pauline Villegas/Insider

9. The little hurdles throughout the process reminded the reporters to be patient, as big moves take time.

Both Gabi (left) and Pauline (right) realized that it'll take time to put the finishing touches on their spaces.Gabi Stevenson/Insider; Pauline Villegas/Insider

Gabi and Pauline handled many of the challenges of moving on their own — but they still learned when it was necessary to ask for help.

Gabi (left) and Pauline (right) are still getting used to their new cities, but they're excited to explore more.Gabi Stevenson/Insider; Pauline Villegas/Insider

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We moved across the country this summer, one by plane and one by car. Here are 9 of the most surprising things we learned.

Insider's Gabi Stevenson and Pauline Villegas both completed long-haul moves this summer.

1. Gabi quickly discovered how important measurements were for a smooth move-in process.

2. Although she's more of a night owl, Gabi now values an early start.

3. Gabi was surprised by how much effort goes into packing a UHaul trailer correctly.

4. Pauline's apartment is a five-story walk-up, so hiring help became a necessity.

5. Since she moved by plane, Pauline wasn't able to transport all of her belongings, so she shipped boxes to her apartment before she left.

6. Gabi discovered that shopping for a move during a labor shortage can be difficult, so it's best to look for DIY solutions. Pauline chose Ikea furniture that could be built at home to avoid trips to Home Depot or Lowe's.

7. Gabi and Pauline found that trash grows quickly during a move. They suggest taking a little out at a time to avoid stress.

8. From summer rain to thick humidity, Gabi and Pauline experienced drastic weather throughout their respective moves.

9. The little hurdles throughout the process reminded the reporters to be patient, as big moves take time.

Gabi and Pauline handled many of the challenges of moving on their own — but they still learned when it was necessary to ask for help.