Did you know that over 27 million people moved in 2021? Is it finally your turn to join them?
Moving is exciting, especially if you’re moving to another state. Planning a move, however, is less fun. The moving process is grueling and stressful even at the best of times.
We’re here to offer you a few moving tips that can help you make your interstate move easier so you can move with confidence. Read on to learn more.
1. Visit First
The most important advice that anyone can give you before your household move is to visit your new location before you commit to it (if possible). If you’re moving because of work or school, this might not be an option, but do what you can.
When you visit first, you’ll be able to see things that you wouldn’t be able to see online. You can see which neighborhoods work for you (or don’t), you can get a feel for the local culture, and you can adjust to public transportation options.
Visiting might seem like a waste of time or money, but even a brief weekend trip is often enough to change (or solidify) your perspective on your new home.
2. Figure Out Your Budget
There’s no way around it: moving to a different state is going to be expensive. Unless you’re only moving right over state lines, you’re going to pay a lot more than you would if it was a local move.
Make sure that you establish a budget before you even start packing. Your budget should include (among other things):
- The cost of moving your belongings
- Cost of shipping your car or driving (if applicable)
- Cost of new belongings for the new home
- Cost of selling a house (if applicable)
- The cost of the new home itself
- Cost of repairs and renovations
Most people spend a considerable amount of time saving money before they consider such a large move unless they’re getting relocation money from their jobs. Make sure that you can afford this.
3. Do Your Research
Even after you visit your new state, you should do your research about the local area before moving. You want to know all about what neighborhoods will work for you, average transportation times, local schools, and crime rates.
There are plenty of websites that talk about these things in detail for every city in the country.
If you’re only moving into a rental home, this isn’t as important because your housing is temporary. If you’re buying a home, however, you should take your time and make sure that you know what you’re getting yourself into.
4. Find Your New Home
So where are you moving to?
Some people can afford to stay in hotels or Airbnb homes until they can find a home to rent or buy, but this isn’t a good option. If possible, secure your housing before you arrive.
If you’re moving by yourself, it may benefit you to seek out a furnished apartment with a flexible lease before you commit to your own home. This gives you plenty of time to navigate your new city and find the right place. It also gives the movers time to get to you (and you can always use a storage unit if you’re not ready for a permanent home when they arrive).
5. Give Yourself Plenty of Time
Moving takes time, so make sure that you time it right. Even if you were only moving from one apartment to another within your own city, you’d need to make sure that you had a schedule.
There’s a delicate balance between the right amount of time and too much time. If you give yourself too much time, you may end up procrastinating. If you don’t give yourself enough time, you’ll have to rush.
We recommend starting the packing process only after you’ve committed to your new home. Remember that you’re still going to need many of your belongings until the day of the move.
If it helps you, make a checklist and physical schedule that you can refer to. This can help you plan your move more efficiently so you can do everything on time.
6. Declutter Before Packing
Once you’re getting ready to start packing for your move, we recommend decluttering first. Because this is a long-distance move, you want to minimize your belongings as much as possible. It will be more affordable when it’s time to transport them.
Make a list of everything that you need in your new home. Go through your current home to determine what you’re keeping and what you’re better off replacing. It often makes more sense to sell or donate large furniture items and get new ones when you arrive at your destination.
Throw out or donate anything that no longer has a purpose or a place. Go through your clothing, old papers, and miscellaneous items to find what’s no longer necessary.
Decluttering can be stressful, but you’ll be grateful when you arrive at your new home with a fresh slate.
7. Hire a Good Moving Company
It’s in your best interest to find a good moving company for your move. It’s not as easy to move your belongings to a new state as it is to move within your own city (especially if the state is far away).
Good moving companies are expensive, but they’re capable of getting all of your belongings from point A to point B safely and efficiently. It may also be more affordable than renting your own moving van depending on the distance that you need to go.
Moving to Another State: Are You Ready?
Moving to another state might seem daunting, but it means that you’re getting ready for a brand new adventure. Give yourself enough time to plan and get your things together and your moving process will be a breeze. Good luck with your interstate move!
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