Pack your belongings in plastic bags rather than boxes to use less space. Cram everything you won't need during the trip -- kitchen supplies, dressy clothes, books -- into the trunk. Fill the backseats with bags of your clothing and toiletries.
Find a travel companion if possible to split driving time and gas costs. Ask friends to help you find someone who wants to travel cross-country; this is safer than advertising online.
Pack a cooler with gel ice packs and fill it with energy drinks and bottles of water. Add cheese sticks and sliced fruit and vegetables. Fill a second bag with trail mix and granola bars so you can eat on the road without having to waste time and money on restaurants.
Plan the most direct route to your new home. Estimate where you'll be ready to stop each night, and print a list of motels and campgrounds nearby so you don't have to pay to stay in an expensive hotel. Leave early in the morning to minimize the number of nights you have to spend on lodging.
Book a one-way flight to your destination on a mid-week day, for the best fares. Compare the prices for checked bags on each airline that services your local airport to choose the company that has the lowest combined price for a flight plus baggage fees.
Pack your car with heavy items such as books, pots and winter clothes. Hire a shipping company to transport the car to your new home. Arrange for it to be picked up three or four days before you plan to fly out.
Check a few suitcases filled with clothing and other items you'll need as soon as you arrive. Ship the rest of your necessary belongings through the postal service or through local shipping companies; compare the prices and time frames before choosing one.
