How to Move Out of State: 8 Things Not to Overlook

Moving is a serious undertaking involving many facets and details that can’t be overlooked. Local moves can be complicated enough but knowing how to move out of state requires a significantly higher level of arrangements and organization, and will also include a substantial amount of research as well.

Also, local moves leave you with several options for how you can conduct the move. For example, if the move is a relatively small- to medium-sized move, the option is there to handle the move entirely on your own by perhaps enlisting the help of family members or friends. However, out of state moves decrease the options substantially and will likely require the services of professional out of state moving companies. The following are steps to follow concerning how to move out of state. Remember to keep in mind the states moving rules and regulations as well.

1. Researching the New State

If the decision has already been made to move to another state, chances are the person knows something about their newly chosen destination. However, we must bear in mind that moving to another state will introduce an entirely new way of life with completely different surroundings and challenges. There are those who may be moving to a state they know little about, such as when work necessitates that the move be made. In this case, it’s best if we’ve had a chance to experience the new location on some level of familiarity so we’ll know what to expect and how much of an adjustment will be required. Therefore, it would be a good idea to designate possibly a couple of weekends to make trips to learn as much as you can about the new city and state before the move is actually made.

2. Give Yourself Enough Planning Time

There are cases of situations occurring that leave little time to properly plan the move. However, when this isn’t the case, we can’t stress enough about how crucial it is to allow a reasonable amount of time to prepare the move. Because out-of-state moves will likely result in an immense lifestyle modification, you should devote at least 3 – 4 months to planning and executing the move. During this time period, attention to all essential details before the move should be the main focus as this will help to make the actual move and settling into your new home a lot less chaotic.

3. Setting the Most Convenient Dates for the Move

When it comes to closing down your life in one state and starting it again in another, the timing when determining how to move out of state becomes one of the critical priorities to focus upon. For instance, did you set the date for leaving the old job and the new one for starting the new job? Were the old schools notified of the children’s departures and start dates set for arrival at the new schools? You will need to establish these factors and probably more that depend on each individual before the actual move, so you can set it up with a moving company.

4. Finding a Moving Company that Handles State-to-State Moves

When searching for the right moving company, look ONLY for the companies that have solid experience with how to move out of state so you can be confident they have the capability to handle your move. This will require you to do more research as follows:

• Check several moving companies and get moving quotes from each – most will give free quotes.
• Review the company websites assembling as much information about the company as you can.
• Request an on-site survey of your home as this will provide the best price estimates that will leave few opportunities for surprises later.
• Check the Better Business Bureau’s ratings and facts for each of the companies being considered.
• Read as many customer reviews as possible to ascertain a clear picture of the jobs the moving company has done in the past.

5. Home Inventory

Moving is the best time to go through the entire household and begin eliminating a lot a clutter that tends to build up over time. Since an out-of-state move will be costly enough, this is one of the best ways to cut down on many expenses. How many of us are guilty of filling our homes with numerous items that end up in corners and closets drawing dust? Is there clothing we no longer wear, furniture that has seen its last days or you simply don’t want anymore? Removing from the house all items, furniture, and other unwanted things before contacting moving companies and starting the packing process will go a long way to minimize the number of things moved. Consider donating or giving away all unwanted items to family and friends, or even selling to pocket some much-needed cash!

6. Setting Up Your Moving Budget

Deciding on exactly what you will move and choosing a moving company will account for the largest portion of your moving budget. However, there will be other expenses such as:

• Money for your and your family’s travel to the new home;
• Food;
• Hotels/motels you might use;
• Unexpected expenses.

Try to consider as many things as you can think of where you may need money.

7. Packing

The important thing to remember is packing will take up the most time during the moving process so it’s important to start early by packing up all non-essentials first. Then carefully pack all important papers and items you’ll want to unpack immediately upon arrival in your new home, such as any food and refrigerator items, bathroom and kitchen items. These are the things you’ll want to be easily accessible. If you decide to use the moving company to help with the packing, remain hands-on in the process as much as possible to instruct the movers and protect your possessions.

8. Important Administrative Items

There are the few administrative items you need to take care of, such as:

1) canceling services;

2) transferring utilities, and

3) change of address information.

In Summary

Hopefully, this article has provided our readers with a good idea of what you need to learn about how to move out of state. Perhaps the most important starting point, however, is to remember that when moving, we should remain totally aware of the fact that this will be no small feat. Therefore, gather up the necessary mental, emotional and physical strength to see the job through to the end.

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