About 15 million Americans move each year.
Moving to a new state is a daunting task. There’s so much to be done and not always enough time to do it. How do you manage all the things that need to be done and ensure you haven’t forgotten anything?
If you’re gearing up for an out-of-state move, planning well is key. Here are some of the best tips for moving out state that will make your move as smooth and painless as possible.
Table of Contents
Make a List
A must-have when moving is making a checklist! Start the list with things you know for certain you need to do and you can add on as time allows.
Some important items are:
- Make a moving budget
- Find moving boxes, labels, packing paper, Sharpies, and so forth for packing
- Research moving companies
- Schedule shut-offs for utilities
- Find a school for children
- Find a company to ship your car if need be
- Ask your employer about relocation assistance
Check things off as you accomplish them so you know where you stand.
Sell Your Home
It goes without saying but selling your home first might be a better idea than waiting until you’re out of state.
There are many pros and cons to the process, but if you sell your home first, you’ll have financial means, peace of mind, and you’ll be better able to communicate with your realtor or potential buyers. Being out of state while selling your home is a bit more complicated.
There are plenty of tips for selling your home quickly and efficiently which makes the process easy.
Research Your Location
Are you familiar with your new location? Do you know where to find the nearest shopping centers, hospitals, schools, and so forth?
If not, take some time and explore your area, whether in person or online. Find out where the necessary locations are (food, gas, work, etc.) so you’re not confused or fumbling around when you move. Knowing what to expect can simplify your move.
Choose A Moving Company
Moving brings a lot of stress! From packing, planning, and more, it seems time leading up to your move is constantly busy because you want the move to go as smoothly as possible.
A moving company can help eliminate some of that stress. When you hire a moving company, you want to look for state-to-state or long-distance movers, which are moving companies designed to help you move out of state.
Before you hire any movers, be sure to do extensive research. Moving your things is a top priority, so make sure your movers are reputable, professional, licensed, and have competitive yet affordable pricing. Overcharging for a move is not what you need!
Hire a Realtor
While you can sell and buy a home on your own, most people leverage the knowledge and expertise of a realtor, especially when you’re moving out of state.
If you’re unfamiliar with the area, a realtor can clue you in on neighborhoods, and what places might work best for you. You can ask plenty of questions related to the city or county you’re moving to.
Hiring a realtor may seem like a dent in your bank account, but their professional help is invaluable.
Transfers
Yes, transfers a necessary part of the moving process!
You’ll need to transfer things like your license and car registration to reflect your new home state.
These things may take some time, so try and accomplish them as close to your move as possible. If you have children, you’ll need to transfer any school documents as well.
Other important documents like birth certificates, licenses, health records, taxes, and other documentation, should be combined and placed in a safe area or kept with you so you know exactly where they are.
Packing And Decluttering
Packing one of the biggest jobs when you move, especially if you’re moving a family!
Start packing about 6 weeks before you move, especially if you’re going to be packing your items yourself. However, if you’re traveling far or out of state.
It’s highly recommended to let the moving company pack for you to ensure safe delivery to your destination. It may cost you extra, but the investment is worth it.
If you find you have too much stuff, and you don’t want to take it all, consider decluttering. Sell items online or donate them to local charities.
Choose a Moving Date
Choosing a moving date is essential to moving productivity. Without a moving date, you’re left wondering when everything is going to happen.
Unless you need to be somewhere at a certain time, work with your moving company to select a time and date. The date may need to be flexible because companies need to reschedule, so allow for margins of time if that happens.
Find a Job and Save Some Cash
Unless you’re relocating for your job, chances are you’ll need a job when you arrive at your destination.
While selling your home and packing are top priorities when getting ready to move out of state, having a job is equally important. Start looking for a job as soon as you decide to move.
If you don’t sell your home, you’ll need a hefty financial cushion to keep you afloat while you’re house hunting. Save up some money while you’re job hunting to assist with financial needs if you end up moving before securing a job.
Moving to a New State: Are You Ready?
Moving across states is exciting and exhausting. But, with a lot of planning move is just one step in the next chapter of your life. Visit threemovers.com page on moving cross states.
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