How to Prepare Your Car for a Cross-Country Move

Decide How Your Car Will Make the Trip

Start by choosing your transportation method. Will you drive the vehicle yourself, or hire a shipping service?

Driving gives you control over your schedule and lets you keep essentials close, but requires long hours on the road and careful planning. Shipping, on the other hand, may cost more but lets you fly to your destination and skip the stress of a multi-day drive. Either way, your car needs to be prepped and ready.

Pro Tip: Let Unique Movers handle all of the logistics of your move with our car shipping service!

Get a Full Inspection or Maintenance Check

Before you hit the highway or hand over the keys to a transport company, make sure your car is road-ready.

• Check the oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid levels.
• Test your battery and replace it if it’s near the end of its life.
• Inspect brakes and tires for wear, and top off tire pressure (including the spare).
• Replace worn-out windshield wipers and refill washer fluid.

If you’re due for regular maintenance, now’s the time to get it done. Before the move, schedule a visit to your mechanic so they can help get you ready for the long haul.

Clean the Interior and Exterior

Give your car a thorough cleaning inside and out. A clean exterior helps you spot any damage before or after transport. Inside, vacuum carpets, wipe down hard surfaces, and remove loose items that could shift around during the drive.

If you’re shipping your car, it’s often required that the interior be completely free of personal items. Even if you’re driving, a clean and clutter-free cabin makes for a more comfortable and safer trip.

Pack With Purpose

Your car is the best place to keep valuables and any essentials that you can’t go without for a few days, if needed. That includes:

• Jewelry and family heirlooms
• Important documents (IDs, insurance papers, medical records)
• Medications
• Electronics and chargers
• A weekend bag with clothes and basic toiletries
• Pet supplies (if applicable)

Keep these items organized in small bags or containers for easy access. If you’re driving, pack snacks, water, a roadside emergency kit, and entertainment for kids.

Check Your Documents and Coverage

Ensure your car registration is current, your insurance policy covers out-of-state travel or vehicle transport, and all necessary documents (such as the title or Bill of Lading) are ready if you’re working with an auto shipper.

If you’re moving to a new state, research when you’ll need to update your registration and license plates, and plan to handle that soon after your arrival.

Plan the Journey

If you’re taking the wheel, map out your route, including rest stops and overnight stays, ahead of time. Download maps in case you lose signal. Let someone know your travel timeline and keep emergency contacts on hand.

Bring basics like water, snacks, a car charger, and entertainment to keep passengers happy and energy levels up. Don’t forget to pack an emergency kit with essential items, including a flashlight, jumper cables, and a first-aid kit.

Pro Tip: Driving long distances is all about pacing. Take breaks, switch drivers if possible, and stay alert.