Moving to a new state because of job transfers, favorable living conditions, or other personal reasons is certainly tasking. From packing your belongings, finding a new home, and hiring a moving company to learning your new city, there’s a lot involved in moving to a new state. Unlike moving across the street, you can’t wing an interstate move. Below are a few tips to ease your move to the new state.
1) Start Planning Early
You should give yourself a time advantage when planning an interstate move. As mentioned, there’s a lot involved in moving to a new state that requires ample time and planning. Preparing for the move early means you’ll have enough time to declutter and pack your belongings, compare movers, and avoid stressors during the move.
Decluttering months before the move is important. You should know what to bring along and items to discard before the move. For instance, if some of your furniture won’t fit the new house, sell or donate those pieces.
2) Take Inventory of Your Items
You should take inventory of your belongings for various reasons. Taking inventory helps you identify items to be packed for the move and the best type of vehicle for the move. An inventory also keeps you aware of your belongings and what should be sold or donated to charity. You should prioritize getting rid of large items, such as furniture and refrigerators, before the move.
3) Figure Out the Moving Logistics
Figuring out your logistics should be a priority for anyone moving interstate. This involves deciding how you’ll accomplish the move. For instance, if you intend to relocate by yourself, rent a van if your belongings don’t fit your car. If you need help from family and friends to complete the move, ask them early.
Most people prefer hiring professional movers for long-distance moves. If you are taking this route, how many trucks do you need, and how much should you save for the move?
4) Consider Your Moving Options
There are three moving options to consider when relocating out of state. They are:
- Hiring a moving company – long-distance professional movers provide moving services across states.
- Renting a moving truck – if hiring professional movers is costly, you can rent a moving truck and hire local movers to help you load and unload your items.
- Use portable containers – it is an affordable option, especially for those who want to move partially. You can live in the container as you search for a new home.
5) Budget for the Move
Besides being involved, moving interstate is very expensive. Therefore, unless your employer sponsors the move, you should start saving in advance. Having laid down the logistics, you should easily estimate the moving costs. It is best to create a spreadsheet to track your moving expenses. You should also leverage several money-saving tips.
6) Research the New City
You should learn extensively about the new city. You should prioritize learning the laws and regulations because most states have differing laws. If you’ve found a new home and intend to make improvements, ensure it adheres to the new state’s codes. Other things to learn about the new city include:
- Schools for those who have school-going kids
- Means of transport
- Crime rates and security situation in the neighborhood
- Job opportunities
- Living conditions
7) Plan Your Utilities Before Moving
Most people forget or ignore the importance of planning their utilities before completing the move. While this is challenging, moving to a new home without an electrical connection and other services is disappointing. Therefore, ensure there’s a reliable water supply, garbage pickup, electrical connection, and internet access before moving to your new home.
8) Pack Ahead of Time
Packing your belongings is the main stressor when moving. However, you can avoid this stress by packing ahead of time. Packing a week or several days before the scheduled move assures a stress-free move. You can start packing slowly, clearing one room after the other. Check out these packing tips for a seamless packing process.
9) Know Your Travel Options
Planning your travel options after releasing your items to the moving company is also important. You should decide whether to drive, rent a van, take the train, or fly to your new state. Think about how you will get into your new home before your items arrive. If you will drive to the new home, budget for food, fuel, and accommodation, especially if you are traveling with your family.
10) Manage Your Expectations
An important part of completing the move successfully is managing your expectations. For instance, don’t expect to pack everything overnight. Similarly, don’t expect the moving company to deliver your items on the same day. It might take several days or weeks for the moving truck to arrive.
The Bottom Line
Even though moving is emotional and stressful, find ways of enjoying the process. For instance, you can turn your travel into a road trip. Make stopovers at scenic sites and visit various attractions along the way. You should also anticipate a new home, new friends, and a new environment.
