Moving to another state can be an exciting yet daunting experience. With so many things to consider, it's important to plan ahead and be prepared for the journey. To make the transition smoother, here are some tips to keep in mind before you move. Discover moving and storage options.
Set aside extra money to move. Change your driver's license and vehicle registration. However, due to the economic difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, some states have expanded coverage indefinitely. While it's not always possible, moving out of state after having a job prepared will take away a heavy workload.
To find work across the country, contact friends and family who live in your new area. You can also use job sites like Indeed and Glassdoor to find vacancies and LinkedIn to leverage your network. If moving day is coming up and you don't have work waiting for you, make sure you've saved at least 3 months' worth of living expenses to cover yourself in the meantime. Don't forget to update your records such as driver's license and vehicle registration.
Some states require an updated record (renewed every 2 years). When it comes to moving out of state, it's important to understand that the moving truck may not arrive at your new home a few days after you've packed your old one. It is common practice in the industry for moving companies to give you a delivery time, or an interval, of 1 to 14 days for all your belongings to arrive. Transportation by car from coast to coast can take 1 to 2 weeks, so you'll want to plan a way to get around both before you leave and once you arrive at your new home, in case you arrive before your car arrives before your car.
Consider reaching out to a neighbor to ask if they're willing to carpool a week or two before you move out of state. Before moving day arrives, make sure that all your subscriptions, billing companies, etc. have your mailing address updated. Use a change of address checklist to stay up to date. Check out this checklist and tips to learn how to move out of state (and hopefully keep your sanity intact).
When deciding between hiring a professional moving company and doing a DIY move, consider factors such as cost and convenience. If you haven't yet made official plans to move to another state, one of the most affordable ways is with the support of your employer. A long-distance move means you're likely to arrive in your new state before your moving truck does, so you'll need to be prepared for that eventuality. To avoid having to move a lot of food or throwing away excess food, make a meal plan for a week or two before you move to consume as much food as possible, especially perishable products. If you're moving with children, talk about it with them ahead of time so there are no surprises. A moving folder is essential for large scale moves and relocations, as it avoids interruptions in communication and keeps the dates on track. Once you've figured out how to move out of state, make sure that your email and accounts move with you too.
When you've reduced your belongings to what you're ready to move in, order moving boxes, duct tape, wrapping paper and labels (ask for more tape than you think you'll need). Even with a DIY move, almost everything you move will be in boxes, making it difficult to find what you need during and immediately after the move. Finally, when hiring a professional moving company make sure they have experience in interstate removals. Ideally, give yourself 3-6 months between deciding on the move and actually doing it. Moving can already be mentally stressful; don't strain yourself physically by trying to move heavy boxes and furniture.
