Are you planning to move out of state? While every move is different, one thing is for sure: Interstate moves require more planning than smaller, local moves.
But some good news is that with some patience and organization, you can have a smooth, hassle-free move to another state. Throw in the help of a professional moving company, and you don’t need to worry.
Here’s what you should know about an out-of-state move.
Start Organizing as Soon as Possible
When’s the best time to start preparing for an interstate move? Right now!
The more time you give yourself to plan, the more organized — and smoother — your move will be. You may want to create a binder to keep all your moving documents in one place. (Of course, you can create a digital moving file on your computer, too.)
Your binder should contain:
- A moving checklist, customized to reflect your unique situation
- Moving budget with estimated and actual expenses
- Estimates, invoices, and contracts
- Copies of vital records you need at your fingertips, such as medical and school
Research Your Destination
If you can, take time to visit and explore your destination well before the move. This will allow you to get a feeling for various neighborhoods and parts of town, which will help make important decisions about where to live.
Can’t swing an in-person visit? The Internet is here to help! Sites such as CityData and Neighborhood Scout will help you explore your destination without leaving your current home.
If you have school-age children in the family, be sure to check out local schools. Sites such as GreatSchools offer information that’ll help you determine which schools will be best for your students.
Pare Down Your Belongings
Moving interstate isn’t cheap. Even if you plan on doing some of the work yourself, you still have to factor in costs such as packaging, moving truck rental, containers, and other supplies.
In many cases, the fewer items you bring with you, the less it’ll cost. That means paring down your belongings is critical. Think of it as the perfect time to do that big spring clean you’ve been putting off for years.
A couple of months before the move, categorize all of your belongings into one of three categories:
- Keep
- Sell
- Donate
Sell things you don’t want at a yard sale or online to make a few extra bucks for the move. Finally, give what’s left to friends and family or a local non-profit.
Now that you’ve pared down, you can create a moving inventory list. This will give you and your moving company a realistic idea of how much you have to move, making for more accurate estimates.
Choose a Reputable Interstate Moving Company
When choosing a mover, seek out referrals and personal recommendations from friends, family, and co-workers. You should also check review sites such as Yelp and the Better Business Bureau.
Once you’ve narrowed down your potential mover list, vet them through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration mover database. You’ll want to choose a company that’s DOT licensed and, ideally, associated with the American Moving & Storage Association.
Get estimates from different companies before you make your decision. A reputable company will do a virtual survey of your home before providing you with a quote. Remember: Protect yourself by getting everything in writing and paying with a credit card rather than cash.
A Smooth Move
Moving from one state to another adds a layer of complexity to your move. But with the right preparation, a bit of organizing, and the help of a good moving company, your interstate move doesn’t have to be a hassle. We can help with your move out of state. Contact us today.
