Moving Out of State: Checklist for an Out-of-State Move

Whether you’re relocating to another floor in your building, across the street, or town, moving can be complicated. But, relocating out-of-state presents even more challenges. 

An interstate move simply requires more planning, more lead time, and (usually) more money. According to Home Advisor, the costs of moving to a new state range from $2,600 and $6,500. 

Fortunately, planning ahead and working with a great long-distance moving company can help ease the transition. This out-of-state moving checklist will help, too. Read on for tips on moving to a different state seamlessly.

8 Weeks Before the Move

At this early stage of your move, you’re in planning mode. However, this period may just be the most critical part of the process. So check these tasks off your list as far in advance as possible to reduce stress as moving day grows near.

  • Make a “Moving File” (digital) and “Moving Binder” (physical) to contain essential documents, communications, receipts, and invoices in one place. 
  • Create a moving budget to help keep costs under control. Consider expenses such as packing supplies, moving truck rental, moving company services, cleaning supplies, food, hotels, gas, and more.
  • Make appointments; you may need to see doctors, dentists, optometrists, and more before you leave, even if it’s just to get copies of records.
  • Gather packing supplies, such as cardboard boxes, packing paper, bubble and foam wrap, packing tape, and moving blankets.
  • Research moving companies. You’ll want to compare estimates from multiple movers and select a company that has experience with interstate moves.

6 Weeks Before the Move

Now it’s time to nail down a moving date so you can reserve movers and any vehicles you may need. At this time, you’ll also want to:

  • Declutter your home. There’s no need to pay to move items unless you want them. Instead, organize belongings into categories of “keep,” “donate,” and “sell”; give donatable things to your favorite charity, and sell the rest at a garage sale or online. 
  • Schedule a car shipment if you won’t be driving during the move.
  • Purchase airline tickets if you will be flying to your new home.

4 Weeks Before the Move

You’re getting closer to the big day. Luckily, you’ve already crossed off several tasks on the to-do list! When the move is about a month away, you can:

  • Contact your utility companies and let them know your moving date. 
  • Contact utilities for your new home and determine turn-on dates. 
  • Gather important documents, such as birth certificates, vehicle titles, passports, and deeds, info in a folder that’ll stay with you during the move. 
  • Start eating food from the freezer and pantry to avoid waste. 
  • Schedule a house cleaning service. 
  • Start packing.

Two Weeks Before the Move

By now, you should be well along in the packing process. There are just a few more things to do:

  • Set up mail forwarding with USPS.
  • Update your address with any providers you’ll continue to use, like banks or cell phone companies.
  • If you rent, transfer your renter’s insurance to your new address. 
  • Confirm details with your movers. 

Movers at the Ready

Now all you have to do is finish packing! Following this checklist will help you be ready to go when moving day arrives.

For information and a free quote, contact us today. We can help make your long-distance move a success.

Moving Solo: How to Make It Work

Moving with help from a spouse or a housemate is difficult enough, but moving on your own is even more challenging. If you’re facing an upcoming move on your own, it’s essential to approach the project in an organized way. There are many things you can do to make moving on your own just a little bit easier. Here are some suggestions.  

Get Serious About Decluttering

The more stuff you own when you’re moving, the more complicated moving will be. Start decluttering now, so when it’s time to start packing, your job will be more manageable. Less stuff means fewer boxes to move, and that’s good for you!

These tips will help you declutter: 

  • First, declutter what you’re not using. Start by decluttering seasonal items you’re not using at the moment. Then, wait to declutter items and rooms that you use every day. 
  • Give away what you can. Don’t throw away what you can donate to charities. This helps keep stuff out of landfills.
  • Start decluttering well in advance. Decluttering takes a lot of time. You may need weeks or months to do a good job. So give yourself plenty of time to ensure that your efforts are as thorough as possible. 

Get Help When You Need It

Just because you’re moving alone doesn’t mean you can’t ask for help from friends and family. Get help when you need it to make relocating more efficient, fun, and a better overall experience. You can repay your friends and family by purchasing them pizza or giving them a gift. They’ll appreciate the gesture!

Stay Organized

Moving is one of those activities that generate a lot of paperwork and requires a lot of organization. If you don’t stay organized during your relocation, you could easily get overwhelmed.

Since you’re the only person keeping track of the movers, checking items off the packing to-do list, and finding the new home where you’ll be living, it’s vitally important that you stay organized throughout the entire experience. 

  • Keep a binder of your most essential documents throughout the relocation. This might include the billing information for the relocation, a note with your new address, a copy of your new lease, information about your new job, and so on. 
  • Make a timeline. When should you be finished decluttering? By when should you start packing? When will you look at new apartments in your new city? What day do the movers arrive to load the truck? Make a timeline with all this information to avoid missing important dates. 
  • Get the app. There are lots of apps that can help with your upcoming relocation. From apps that help you find cleaning people for your new apartment to apps that help you sort your things, downloading the right app for your upcoming relocation can make things easier! Choose the apps you love.  

Take Care Of Yourself

Moving on your own can be a stressful event, no doubt. So now more than ever, it’s essential to take care of your physical and emotional health. 

  • Get enough sleep. No matter how busy you get, it’s vital to build rest into your schedule. Most adults need between 7 and 9 hours
  • Take time for yourself. Give yourself a 15-minute break every day and use this time to reflect and relax. For example, you might spend this time meditating, or napping, or walking around your neighborhood. 
  • Eat healthily. Stock up on healthy snacks. You’re going to need them!

Get Help From the Pros

You don’t have to move alone. Get help from professional movers. Contact us today to make an appointment and discuss your upcoming relocation.