Moving to a new state and needs a checklist to stay on point? From packing your household goods to finding a nice place to call your home, considering moving options and making new friends, moving out of state takes a lot of time as well as patience and planning.
If you are confused about how to move to a new state, we are here to help.
Our state-to-state moving checklist makes it easier and seamless to move to another state.
Below is how to move to another state smoothly and efficiently.
Checklist for Moving to another State
- Make Planning
Interstate moving needs more planning than a local move. Make a comparison of quotes from long-distance moving truck rental services and the costs for hiring someone else to move your goods. Get free moving boxes from everywhere you can before your moving day. Keep them in a closet or extra room so you can reduce the cost of purchasing packing boxes later.
- Pay Your New State and City an Advance Visit
Before you move to another state, we strongly recommend that you make a minimum of one trip to your destination state and city. This will make sure you have a good feel for the place and different neighborhoods. Come with a guidebook or go straight to the visitor center of the town to check maps, brochures, and recommendations. If you lodge in a hotel, get suggestions from the concierge.
You should be able to get enough information on your new state and city on the internet and review sites as well. Together with the tourism attractions of the state, we suggest you find local trendy spots and hidden hangouts.
- Go through Everything
As you are packing for an interstate move, you have to be more thorough and not base it on “does it bring joy?” but on “is it worth paying to move?” Dispose of every item you are not using or can’t replace. Move your items to Goodwill or other charitable organizations that receive donations and get a receipt for a tax deduction. Or, list the items on NextDoor and Craigslist.
- Focus on Housing before You Relocate
In advance of your move, find housing whether a rental, purchase, or temporary housing, and if there are kids in the family, make a comparison of school systems. What may be popular in one state might be found wanting in another state. Knowing your new residence will make it easier for you to come with the right things, the things you don’t need, and whether or not you may require storage. Determine which potential neighborhoods meet your needs better than the rest.
- Make a Workable Moving Budget Plan And Don’t Exceed It
Making a budget for yourself will eradicate unnecessary spending. Moving is costly, and the price will rise based on the distance traveled. The best you can do is to know the cost you can spend on the move and plan towards it. Setting aside 10% of the overall cost will help cover any surprises or hidden charges. Make a moving budget spreadsheet to easily share your budget. Spreadsheets are so much easier to help stay organized.
- Find Movers Who Handle Out-Of-State Moves
If you are moving most of your household goods with you, you should prioritize finding a good moving company. Shipping your items very early, so they get to your new place on time, will so much reduce the stress of your moving.
Numerous moving companies all over the country offer various services to satisfy your needs. Moving companies will know the involvements of a state-to-state move, as the weight restrictions of highways and federal regulations of performing interstate moves. Obtain quotes from at least 4 companies, so you can compare the quality of service and prices before you pick the best to work with.
- Make a Plan for Packing and Gathering Documents
- Clean up your former home and dispose of things you won’t need at your future home.
- Get rid of unwanted clothing and items through donations or a yard sale.
- Create an inventory of all that you own for insurance.
- Begin to pack up items you won’t use, such as photos and seasonal wears.
- Gather official records from financial institutions, doctors, and other healthcare providers.
- Order or collect free packing materials and supplies.
You can hire professional packing service to streamline the process for you.
- Schedule a Vehicle Shipping Service for Your Car
Unless you plan to drive your car to the new home, you will need to schedule an auto shipping service to transport it for you. There are many shipping options to choose from, such as hiring a professional driver to transport it for you, or make use of an auto shipping company.
Those making use of an auto shipping company to transport their vehicle can select the open-air carrier or the enclosed carrier option. The open-air carrier is more common, as it holds many cars and is often cheaper than the other option.
- Forward your Mail
Fortunately, it is easy to forward your mail and you can even do it in advance. You just have to visit USPS.com and select the date you wish to start forwarding it.
- Confirm the Date of Move-Out and Arrival Time with Your Moving Company
Many days before your move, make sure you double-check the date of move and arrival time with your movers. The company will probably call you for detailed confirmation a week before the move, at least. However, we suggest you return the call the following week to make sure that movers come to the right address on the right moving date. If for nothing, this should provide you peace of mind and will also make your move seamless with not much stress.
- Tell others of your Move
Remember to tell your friends, neighbors, family, and colleagues at work of your move. You may probably not have the time to sit with each of them one on one to inform them of the move. Instead, write up a simple email using your new mailing address and any other extra details about the move you wish to let them know.
Conclusion
Begin early with planning when you are moving to a new state. Be organized several weeks before your moving date. Long distance moving companies need early notice to plan their move.
If you rent a long-distance moving truck, make a proper schedule before you get penalized. Don’t forget to breathe. Moving to a new state is tricky, but also a possible task. You are getting set for a huge new adventure.
