Moving is a big step for a family, especially when it is to a different state. Moving from one neighborhood to the next is hard enough for some people, but an out-of-state move requires more extensive planning and preparation. Keep reading to learn 6 helpful tips for a move to one of America’s other 49 states.
Source: FlickrConsider a Longer Timeline
You can’t throw everything into boxes, move, and unpack all in a day or two like you can when you move down the street. You can’t bribe all your friends with pizza and beer if they lend a hand and a couple trucks—unless you have established friends in your new city. Changing states requires laying out a timeline of what you need to do and when. Planning things such as your box labeling system, purging unused items, a garage sale, and the order you pack rooms will be helpful preliminary steps. Most importantly, plan out what essentials you will keep aside and what will be boxed up and loaded on the truck for the moving company to take.
Find a Trustworthy Moving Company
The moving company you choose needs to be trustworthy because they will have full control over a majority of your possessions on a cross-country trip. Whether you’re searching for Hawaii moving companies or Massachusetts movers, be sure to take a good look at several options before deciding. Read reviews on Yelp and check their rating with the BBB. Ensure that your movers are insured and have a clean track record. Make sure you take the steps to find a reliable moving company.
Gather Documentation
It is important to know what documentation you will need for every step of the move. The moving company, DMV in the new state, schools, airlines, utility companies, new employer, etc. will all require documentation that you need to keep safe and handy at all times through the process. Find a protective slip or folder in the office supply aisle of any big box or drug store to keep your documents safe.
Assess State Laws
Every state has its own set of laws, and it is important to brush up on what laws will be relevant to you when you move. Do you need to get a new driver’s license? Do your pets need special documentation and vaccinations? Are you allowed to bring guns, and what permits do you need? It is better to know the laws and not be affected by them than it is to not know them and get stuck in a bad situation upon arrival.
Change Address
You won’t be able to stop by the old house to see if any of your mail is still being delivered there. Keep track of all your mail and change the addresses on those accounts far in advance. It might be good to start sending all your mail to a P.O. box so you know for sure all the addresses were changed properly. Then go into your bank(s) and find out if they have a branch where you are moving or if you need to open and close accounts. Do this for whatever accounts you have, even the online accounts where your address is on file.
Get to Know the Weather
Always prepare for the weather! Because America covers such a diverse expanse of landscapes, climates, and weather patterns, you could be headed to a climate you’re not used to. Going from the hot and humid climate of Atlanta to the cold and windy climate of Chicago will catch you by surprise if you aren’t prepared with appropriate clothing. Keep your weather-appropriate clothes in the “essentials” pile that doesn’t get put on the moving truck.
Moving out of state comes with its share of challenges, especially upfront during the moving phase, but it also comes with many rewards. Get to know your new home, including the community, history, and things to do. Enjoy your new adventure and stay positive through the transition—it’ll pay off. Good luck!