Best Tips for Moving Out of State for the First Time

In the face of something huge, we all tend to stutter and freeze. Relocation is a big project and a major responsibility. There are many questions that need to be answered. How hard is it to move to another state? How do I start moving out of state? What is the best way to move from one state to another? Just take a seat and relax – we’ve got you covered with all the answers and our very best tips for moving out of state.

Do Your Research Before Moving Out of State

Relocating should never be a rash decision. Being spontaneous is a wonderful quality to have, but don’t buy that house sight unseen. Before thinking about how to move to another state, take a second to think and reflect on your current living situation.

Be aware of the fact that your salary doesn’t hold the same power everywhere. For example, an income that covers a lavish lifestyle in Fort Wayne might not even be enough for rent in New York City. So is moving out of state a good idea if you won’t be able to afford the lifestyle you’re used to? We find that a good pros and cons list always helps with important decisions. Here are some things you should consider before moving to a new state.

Get a Moving Binder

The key to an efficient move is to have a planner – a moving binder. It will help you stay on top of things and track all of your activities and expenses. You won’t have to worry about forgetting things while relocating, like when the white gloves moving services are coming. You will have all the information you need in one convenient place.

Figure Out Your Moving Budget

Relocating is a drag and always expensive, especially if you’re switching states. A relocating mistake that’s very common among people who are going through a move for the first time is that they don’t have an exact moving budget in mind. What happens then is they pay companies a lot of extra, unnecessary costs that could have been avoided.

Figuring out your budget is the most important thing to do when relocating. It helps you manage your budget and see how much you can afford to spend on hiring long-distance movers. Make sure to count in and set aside extra money for any unforeseen costs that may occur.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Move Between States?

Long-distance moving services can be pricey. In case you are looking for a way to save on relocation costs, you can rent a van and move your things by yourself. It will definitely save you a lot of money, but it will also be the biggest DIY project you’ve ever come across. Think long and hard if you’ve got the guts for it.

Another great relocating tip if you want to cut corners is to discover the benefits of moving during weekdays. When picking out a date for your move, take into consideration that relocating during weekends, holidays, or at the peak of the season is always more expensive. In short, figure out the cheapest time of year to move.

If You’re Relocating For a Job, Your Relocation Cost Can Be Covered

It goes without saying there are many reasons to move. One of the more popular ones is relocating for a job. If that’s the case, you should know it’s common practice to ask your company to cover all, or at least part, of your expenses. Most companies consider it a given, but if they don’t, talk to your recruiter about a relocation package. On an unrelated note, we strongly suggest finding a new job before you move if you don’t already have one lined up.

Hire Long Distance Movers – Find a Reliable Company

When dealing with such a massive change in your life, you want it to go as stress-free as possible. That’s why we strongly recommend getting some help and hiring a moving company – it will show you how to move out of state in style. Don’t hire the first one you come across. Ask for company recommendations, and dig a little deeper until you find one you can trust, like the white gloves moving company.

Quality, Reputable Movers Should Have a License

In order to avoid moving scams, make sure you verify the qualifications of the company you choose. Companies that won’t waste money will have a license and be registered. You can check if the company is legitimate on websites like BBB (Better Business Bureau) or FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration).

If You Can’t Pack by Yourself, Get Packing Service

Packing for such a big move is complicated, which is why you have to simplify things and declutter. Decluttering will not only make your life easier, but your move cheaper, and that right there is one of the best packing tips. Do your home inventory, figure out what to keep when moving, and what to throw away, donate or sell. After that’s done, book the packing service. If you’re packing by yourself, order your boxes and packing supplies. Here are some packing hacks that could be useful.

Get a Car Shipping Service

Once everything is scheduled and packed, you might think, how do I ship my car cross-country? The answer is simple, ship your car like the rest of the stuff. Hire an auto transport service, or hire a driver to deliver your car to your new address. There are many benefits of car shipping. One of them is that you will get to know the city much faster when driving than on foot.

Just in Case – Rent, Don’t Buy Your New Home

For starters, we would advise you to rent instead of buy. Rent your home for a couple of months. It will give you enough time to adjust and see if you like your way of life there. Having a plan B is always a smart idea, and in the worst-case scenario – if you want to move back, you don’t have to worry about selling the house. After a few months have passed and your lease is up, you can consider buying.

Cancel Utilities and Update Your Personal Documents

A thing that should definitely be on your moving out of state checklist is canceling or transferring utilities. Call your providers and cancel or transfer utilities like gas, electricity, water, cable, internet, garbage pick up, and so on. Also, remember to cancel any of your monthly subscriptions and memberships. Forward your mail, too – it will make it easier for people who move in after you – no one wants to receive mail for previous residents.

The most tedious part of relocating is having to change and update the address on your personal documents. When your address needs to change, be sure everything else does as well. Update your ID, driver’s license, passport, health insurance, and other important documents. Don’t forget to register to vote in your new state.

Tell Friends and Family About the Move

One of the last steps is letting people know you will be relocating. First, you need to figure out who you need to notify, and once you’ve made the guest list, you can throw a moving away party. Say goodbye to your closest friends and family with a day of fun and celebrate all the good times you’ve had together. You could throw a simple get-together, go out for drinks or have a gala dinner. If you’re hosting it at your home, just remember to do your move-out cleaning afterward.

Last Minute Duties and Responsibilities

Since you’ve planned out and organized the move in the best way possible by hiring white glove movers, the majority of things are already done, and there are very few things left for you to do. You can make sure you have everything ready for the day of the move. One of our moving day tips is to pack the essentials on your carry-on so you can have them with you at all times, check up on movers, and double-check your tickets and passports. Once you’ve crossed everything off your to-do list, sit back, relax, and be excited about exploring a new city.