Is there anything more stressful than moving?

Between the endless list of contacts to update, trying to live out of boxes, and ensuring all your belongings arrive safely?

Now think of having to manage all this across state lines. Though the process should be the same, somehow the stress of moving increases with the distance.

Luckily there are steps you can take to help prepare you. Below we list 10 useful tips when moving to another state.

Create A Schedule

Getting ready for a move is a never-ending series of small steps. It's incredibly easy to start one chore only to get caught up in something else.

That's why you want to start as early as you can and schedule out time for all your moving obligations.

This helps make sure that you have a dedicated space of time to tackle the different chores in an organized manner.

You also have a visual reminder of what else needs to be done. If and when you realize you've missed something a schedule gives you a place to pencil it in.

Set A Budget

Moving is not cheap. Moving to another state is especially so.

It's important that you determine early on what you're able to spend. This helps when planning how much work you have to do versus how much you can leave to the movers.

Be sure to factor in all the costs that come with a long distance move. Overnight stays and food stops must be accounted for. Fuel costs will be a factor. Undertaking any extended trip in a car opens the risk for car troubles, so be sure to have your vehicles inspected before moving.

Think about every step of the move and what hidden expenses may pop up.

It's always smart to plan conservatively and keep some money aside for emergencies.

Hire Long-Distance Movers

Long-distance movers have specialized moving experience and knowledge.

Not to take away from the work of local movers, but moving to another state presents a unique set of challenges that your standard company may not be prepared for.

Ensure that your movers are properly qualified and licensed for the states they'll be operating in. Find out if they do the move in one truck or if they have to transfer your belongings between trucks.

This is your life being trusted to travel a great distance. Make sure you have movers who know what they're doing.

Check Your Inventory

The more items you have to move, the more you'll likely pay. Heavier items will also cost more as well.

Go through your belongings to see if there's anything you can get rid of before moving to another state.

If you've been thinking of updating your appliances now would be a good time to get rid of the old ones. Buy new appliances after the move and you will have made huge savings on moving costs.

Pack Properly

Unless you're able to pay for your movers to pack for you, you're going to want to get things going early.

Start with the items that you don't use often. Go through closets and basements, sheds and garages. Pack up as much of these items as early as possible.

Remember that your life will continue during this time. You want to have day-to-day items accessible. Limit these as much as you can and understand that some things will be needed up until the day you move.

Update Your Address and Contacts

Provide your new address to anyone who will need it. Family, friends, and anyone you have a subscription with will need to know how to contact you after you move. Same with any important businesses you deal with, such as your bank.

You should also have the post office forward your mail for any contacts you may not have thought of. After the move, use this redirected mail to figure out who else you still need to inform.

Contact Your Utilities and Services

Just as you don't want to arrive at your new house to discover it has no power, you also don't want to continue to pay the water bill at your old address.

Collect your bills in the months leading up to the move to ensure you don't overlook anything.

Research Travel Options

How do you plan on getting you and your family to the new house?

The obvious answer is to drive. After all, you own a vehicle or two.

However, depending on the distance you need to travel, there may be more cost effective ways to travel.

If you're moving across the country, you really need to consider the associated costs with such a long journey. Figure out what your fuel, lodging, and food costs are. 

Compare these costs with shipping your car or cars and travelling by either plane or train. You may be surprised at the savings you can find.

Exchange Contact Info With the Movers

Before the trailer door closes and the movers leave with your belongings make sure you exchange phone numbers.

Moving to another state offers lots of opportunity for an incident. Should something happen that will affect your expected date of arrival you'll want to inform the movers.

Conversely, should something happen to the movers, it's reassuring to know that the have the means to contact you and keep you updated.

Prepare for Emergencies

Things happen.

Knowing that allows you to be prepared. Have a kit containing insurance information, identification, and cash money. You'll want this to be somewhere safe but accessible just in case.

Remember that you'll be in unfamiliar areas with little access to most of your belongings. Figure out what you need to get through a tough spot and make sure you have it with you.

Final Thoughts on Moving to Another State

It's a big deal to pack up all of your things and move them to a new home. This is especially so when moving to another state.

The more prepared you are the more control you have. Knowing what steps you have to take allows you to get ahead of your obligations and ensure that they're addressed at the proper time.

We're always available should you have any questions or concerns and would be happy to help.