How I Moved Myself 1,500 Miles Across the Country (With a Cat).

Last week, I moved myself and kitty Blanche across the country — specifically 1,500 miles in a 16-foot moving truck.

I have so much to share about where I moved, why, and the details of how I did it, but I wanted to start with the big picture: how I actually pulled it off, the choices I made along the way, and what I learned in the process.

Why I Chose to Drive a Moving Truck 1,500 Miles Myself

Once I knew I was making a cross-country move, I considered every possible option: filling a pod, hiring movers to handle everything, or selling nearly everything and arriving with just a suitcase.

For me, doing as much as possible myself made the most sense for my time, budget, belongings, and Blanche. Pods or U-Packs weren’t realistic — there’s nowhere to store them in my new location — and full-service movers can cost $8,000+, with the added risk of delays or damage.

Instead, I hired movers to load the truck in Austin and unload it in my new city. Renting the truck for a week cost $2,000 (including $300 in insurance), which gave me peace of mind for the long haul. The 16-foot truck was bigger than I needed, but it meant I wouldn’t run out of space at the last minute.

Downsizing Before the Move

Even though my new apartment is bigger than my old one, I didn’t want to move anything I didn’t love or need. My bed frame, mattress, and box spring were more than 12 years old, so it was time to start fresh.

I focused on keeping items that were irreplaceable or sentimental — my grandmother’s china set, Christmas décor I’ve collected over the years, family photos, and my record collection. Everything else? I donated through the Buy Nothing app, took a few loads to Goodwill, and paid a junk removal company $700 to take the rest (choosing one that tries to donate or recycle whenever possible).

Mapping the Route

Timing was critical. I had to hand over keys to my old place and pick up keys for my new one within leasing office hours. Plus, I needed to pace the drive so Blanche and I could rest properly each night.

I broke the trip into three days: two long days on the road, then a shorter final day to arrive, unload, and return the truck. I used Google Maps to plot the route, steering clear of major cities for overnight stops — theft from moving trucks is more common in big metros. Instead, I stayed in suburban areas that felt quieter and safer.

Booking Hotels Along the Way

I debated booking ahead but decided to — both for peace of mind and to give myself the push to stick to the plan.

Each hotel was chosen for pet-friendliness, safety, and good reviews. None had official truck parking, but I picked hotels that (hopefully) wouldn’t attract anyone looking to steal my truck. By the time I arrived each night, I was too exhausted to care much about the details… other than free coffee in the morning.

Packing for the Drive

The cab of the truck was full but functional.

Blanche’s carrier sat in the passenger seat, with our backpacks on the floor in front. Between the seats, I fit two small coolers — one for drinks and water, the other for snacks and a few self-care items like an ice roller and under-eye patches.

I also kept essentials like an air compressor, essential oils, CBD, eye drops, and Liquid I.V. close by.

My suitcase was in the back of the truck, but I packed it near the door so I could easily grab it each night along with Blanche’s supplies, hauling it all into hotels with a collapsible wagon.

Traveling With a Cat

Blanche stayed in her carrier anytime we were on the road — no exceptions. I’ve read too many stories of pets escaping during pit stops. Her travel kit included food, treats, litter, medications, and a few toys.

She spent most of the ride buried under a pillow bed on top of a wee-wee pad (just in case), occasionally peeking out to watch the scenery. In hotel rooms, she’d explore every corner before settling in for the night.

Memorable Moments on the Road

Crossing the country made me realize how many highways have shaped my life — roads I took to and from college, routes to visit my dad after my parents divorced, and mountain passes from childhood holiday trips.

Even subtle details, like the texture of pavement or the color of the sky, felt deeply familiar in certain places. That familiarity was comforting in a trip full of newness.

Arriving & First Impressions

My last day on the road was just 200 miles, but I couldn’t wait to get there. Seeing the first signs for my new city — one I’d been planning for over a year — filled me with excitement.

Of course, I managed to get my truck stuck in the tiny unloading zone outside my building. Within minutes, a stranger offered to move it for me and did so effortlessly. It was such a small moment, but it instantly made me feel welcome.

Reflection: The Lesson in Doing It Myself

When the movers unloaded the last box, I got back in the truck to return it — and in that short drive, I realized just how far I’d come, both literally and figuratively.

I drove 1,500 miles, with a cat, in a giant truck. Nothing major went wrong. And while I don’t know if I’d do it again, I proved to myself that I could.

It wasn’t about my job or anyone else. It was about building a life I want to live — and getting myself there, on my own terms.

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