The process of moving is more stressful and challenging than you can think. There are too many things to do and awkward questions to ask yourself. You have to update a long list of contacts, pack up your things, move to a new place, ensure all your valuables arrive intact, get rid of a myriad of boxes, etc. It does not look easy to manage all this across state lines.
Effectively organizing your time and money requires impeccable preparation and proper organization. Besides, do not forget about the moving stress that somehow increases with distance. The good news is that there are steps you can take to be 100% ready for the home moving challenge. Check them out below.
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Research ahead of time
First of all, you need to carry out detailed research about the state you are going to move to, such as if you are looking for apartments for rent in your desired destination, you can check out rent.com. Find as much information as possible. There are a lot of useful things you can find on the Internet (e.g., local businesses, recreational activities, restaurant suggestions, social clubs, etc.). A great idea is to visit the area in real life and explore it on your own. You can drive around neighborhoods, have a chat with local people, ask them some questions, and look around with maps to sense the atmosphere of your new place.
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Create a moving checklist
There are many things to consider when moving to another state. You have to decide on lots of things and ask yourself numerous questions, from the basic ones related to the preparation for the upcoming move to more complicated ones that require much time and effort. To guarantee the success of your move, use each and every hour properly. To make it easier, you can organize your time with a moving checklist. Write down all the things to do, and you won’t forget about anything important in this hustle and bustle. Make the checklist work for you, personalize it, and prioritize the tasks inside it. Remember that you need to take care of the essential jobs first.
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Set a budget
Another important thing to do is to determine how much money you can spend on your move. Remember that moving is often expensive, especially when it comes to moving to another state. All the costs that come with a long-distance move are supposed to be kept in mind. Be accounted for fuel costs, possible places for overnight stays, food stops, etc. Inspect your vehicle before moving to avoid any risks of car troubles when undertaking such an extended trip. Consider every step of your move, as there may be some hidden expenses. Decide how much work you will leave to the movers and how much work you will do on your own. Besides, you should keep some money aside in case of emergencies.
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Find a new home
Contact a local real estate agent in the state where you are going to live at least three months before the moving day. Whether you are going to rent or buy a house or apartment, the agent will help you find a new place to live in. Experts in the area’s housing market can show you around and narrow down your search, as they possess a deep knowledge of the market. With professional help, you will waste no time in looking at houses and save it for preparing for your move.
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Hire a reputable moving company
There are so many companies that are eager to help you with your move that choosing and hiring one can occur to be tricky. According to the white glove moving experts Fine Art Shippers, moving to another state is especially challenging, meaning that not every company can handle it. Make sure your movers specialize in long-distance relocation and possess comprehensive experience and knowledge. They are supposed to be properly qualified and licensed. To find the best moving service provider, you can ask your family, friends, and neighbors for recommendations. They may have had a good experience with your local moving company in the past. You can also check companies’ ratings and reviews online. Remember that you are going to entrust other people with moving a significant part of your life, so make sure you are working with professionals who know what they do.
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Check your inventory
The more belongings you have, the more expensive your move will be. Therefore, moving to another state is a great chance to get rid of anything unnecessary and unused. For instance, if you are going to update your home appliances, do not take the old ones with you. Besides, buying new appliances after the move can even save you a substantial sum of money in the end. Remember that the total weight of your shipment affects the final cost. So, do not pay for the items you will simply put in storage after the move. Take your time to complete a home inventory, as it will help you decide what to take with you and what to leave behind.
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Update your address and contacts
Do not forget to update your new address and contacts to keep in touch with your family and friends. People close to you will need your actual information. The same is with subscriptions you have and businesses you deal with (e.g., your bank). Ask your post office to forward your mail to your new address, so that you will be able to figure out who else you need to inform about your new address after the move.
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Prepare for emergencies
It is not a secret that if you are moving out of state, you will have to prepare for any emergencies that may happen at any time. Always keep important documents, such as forms of identification, tax and insurance documents, moving documents, and some cash, with you. Set an emergency bag with essentials to get through the first few days in the new place. Keep in mind that your belongings may be delivered longer than you expect. Things happen, so you should be prepared for that. Good luck!