Moving out of state is an exciting but daunting task. If you want to make sure your move runs smoothly and efficiently, use this Ultimate Moving Out of State Checklist. It’s full of all the tips and tricks you need to ensure your move is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
How Should You Prepare To Move Out of State?
Moving out of state can be an exciting prospect, but it’s also a big undertaking. It takes careful preparation to make sure you don’t forget anything important. But with the right approach, you can be sure to smoothly transition to your new home.
Follow the tips below to get a start on the tasks ahead.
Scope Out Your New Place
Before your moving date, it’s important to do your research and get a good sense of what your new neighborhood has to offer. Scope out the neighborhoods you’re interested in and research the schools, doctors, grocery stores, and activities in the new city. If possible, visit in person to get a better sense of what the community is like.
Doing so will help you determine whether the area is a good fit for you. Plus, it never hurts to know where the most important places are located before you move.
If an emergency comes up, for example, knowing where the nearest hospital is can be a lifesaver. And when it’s your children’s first day at their new school, the last thing you want is for them to be late.
With a mapped-out plan of your new town, you’ll be one step closer to settling in with confidence.
Downsize and Pack Up
Once you’ve got an idea of where you’ll be living, it’s time to get started on packing. You can make the moving process easier by downsizing your belongings. That way, you won’t be bogged down with items that don’t fit your new home.
If there are pieces of furniture or other items that won’t fit in your new place, you may want to consider selling or donating them.
It might be necessary to rent a storage unit until you can sort through and throw out what you don’t need or want.
Also, consider how much time and money it’ll take to move larger items. If the cost of relocation outweighs the emotional connection you have with a certain piece of furniture, then it’s best to part ways with that item before the big move.
And if you’re moving to a place where space is limited, it’s best to get rid of any unnecessary items. After all, you don’t want to be stuck with clutter when you move into your new home.
Plan Out the Timeline
Get a head start on the move by making a timeline of when things need to be done. From scheduling movers and changing your address to canceling services in your old home and transferring utilities to your new one, make sure you have time for everything.
To make this go even smoother, brainstorm with your family and create to-do lists so everyone knows their responsibilities.
If everyone is on the same page, you’ll be sure to hit the ground running when you get to your new state.
What Should You Budget for When Moving Out of State?
When moving out of state, you will need to budget for the cost of living adjustments and possible financial assistance. Make sure to research the cost of living in your new destination and factor that into your budget.
Additionally, check into financial assistance programs available in your new location. These programs can help offset some of the costs associated with moving.
Finally, create a budget for miscellaneous moving costs like moving supplies, renter’s insurance, and pet deposits.
And don’t forget to set aside money for the occasional splurge in your new home. Moving out of state is an adventure, so don’t let a tight budget keep you from having fun.
How Can You Make Your Move Easier?
Now comes the part where you learn some essential tips to make the whole process of relocation a stress-free affair. We’ve rounded up the best advice and tricks that would help you to save money, time, and energy.
Make a List of Important Documents
Make a list of all the important documents that you know you’ll need at some point after your move.
These include:
- Medical records
- Vaccination records
- Any subscriptions and memberships you want to keep
- IRS and tax documents
- Social Security cards
- Mail forwarding
- Credit cards
- And more
Furthermore, make sure you’ve got it all in one place and that you know exactly what documents are necessary for the move. Don’t let something as important as your medical records get left behind!
Moving out of state can be overwhelming, but with a little bit of preparation, you can make sure you and all your important documents arrive safely.
Start Early
Don’t wait for the day of moving to start packing everything up. Start early and begin by packing items that are not frequently used. Be sure to take your time and use bubble wrap where necessary to prevent breakage.
You will be able to keep track of things better this way and have fewer last-minute jitters. The sooner you start, the easier it will be to get everything done.
Set Up Utilities
Get your new home ready by calling the utility providers to set up services for internet, electricity, and water. Waiting to do these things until after you’ve already moved is a recipe for disaster.
It only takes a few minutes to get everything turned on or switched over to your new address. What’s more, you can do many — if not all — of these tasks online.
Most utility companies have updated their websites to accommodate consumers and the fact that virtually everyone has a cell phone. And because of that, you can cut down on the time it takes to turn on your new utilities even more so.
On this note, make sure to update your car insurance and homeowners insurance (if you need it) to save yourself some hassle later on.
Label Your Boxes
Get yourself some tags and label your boxes while you pack. This will save you time by helping you locate items quickly and prevent any mishaps during transport.
Use Professional Movers
Hiring a professional moving company is the best way to make your life easier. They will provide you with reliable services and can help with packing, loading, unloading, and organizing items. Plus, they often offer insurance for any damages during transport.
If your moving budget allows, a moving service can allow you to focus on more important things. Plus, you’re less likely to forget essential documents and items when you have a professional company assisting you with your out-of-state move.
Take Time to Unpack
When you reach your new home, don’t rush to unpack everything immediately. Take some time to settle in and get to know your new place before you begin unpacking. This will help you adjust better to the environment and make sure that everything is in order.
Enjoy Your New Home
Once all the boxes are unpacked, it’s time for you to enjoy your new home. Get to know your neighborhood, explore the local attractions and make some new friends. This is your opportunity to start fresh and create great memories in your new place.
If you follow these tips, we guarantee that all of your moving struggles will fly away like dust in the wind! So take a deep breath, grab a cup of coffee and embark on the adventure of moving.
What to Do After You Arrive
Once you settle in, there are a few things to take care of when planning a long-distance move. Try to tackle these tips sooner rather than later so that they’re not hanging over your head.
Update Your Driver’s License: Start by updating your driver’s license to reflect your new address. For most states, you can do this either online or at your local DMV office.
Register to Vote: Yes, voting is still important, even when you’re living in a new state! Make sure that you sign up for voter registration in the correct district and get notified about any upcoming elections. One easy way to do this is through ths USPS Change of Address form, which can also help you set up mail forwarding.
Obtain Local Permits: Depending on where you live, you may need special permits or licenses to carry out certain activities in that area. Do some research ahead of time so you know which documents you’ll need to obtain.
Get Insurance: Don’t forget to get the right insurance plans in your new state! Get a plan that fits all of your needs and make sure it’s up-to-date at all times.
These are just some of the things you should keep in mind when moving out of state. Remember, you want to make sure to create a moving checklist and stick to it so you don’t miss anything important! Good luck with moving day, and enjoy your new home.
Hit the Road With Carvaygo
As we close out this discussion, we saved one of the most important tips for last — arrange for your vehicle to be transported.
If you’re like most families, you have enough on your plate just trying to get everything loaded up. This is where we come in — Carvaygo offers a fantastic vehicle relocation service that can transport vehicles anywhere in the country.
With our professional team of drivers, you can rest easy knowing your car or truck will get to its destination safely and on time. So don’t worry about getting behind the wheel and driving across state lines with your favorite ride in tow. We’ll have it covered!
At Carvaygo, we understand that moving is a stressful time, and that’s why when you book with us, you’re getting more than just a car relocation service — you’re getting peace of mind too! So don’t hesitate to contact us today and let us get your vehicle to its new home.
We know how important your vehicle is, so let Carvaygo handle it and make sure you arrive safe and sound at your destination! You’ll be glad you did.
Sources:
How to Declutter Your Home: 6 Best Room-by-Room Methods | The Spruce
Moving Checklist - Tips for Move Planning | Moving.com
Department of Motor Vehicles
