Leaving your home state can be a difficult and emotional decision. You may have to pack up everything you own, say goodbye to all of your friends and family, and start living in an unfamiliar place. But for many people, the benefits outweigh the sacrifices: higher salaries, better schools, or lower crime rates, to name a few. Discussed below are 10 tips that will help make moving out of state easier.
[1] Gather All Necessary Paperwork. Before you begin planning, it’s a good idea to take stock of all the paperwork and documentation you’ll need to bring with you. Here is a list of some items that will be helpful:
- Documents proving your identity
- Proof of identity for anyone you’re bringing with you – passports or birth certificates.
- Your home’s deed and proof of ownership.
[2] Assess Your Budget. To get the best possible price on your move, you’ll need to know how much it’s going to cost. While there are many factors involved, such as the amount of stuff you own and how much it weighs, one good way to estimate the cost is to add up your fixed expenses for a month or two. Once you have a number in mind, add 15% to be on the safe side.
[3] Create a Moving Timeline. Moving out of state can be a lot of work. So, it’s best to start planning as far in advance as possible. To give yourself enough time, start by creating a timeline that includes tasks such as:
- Sorting through your belongings and deciding what to take/leave behind.
- Notifying your bank about the new address.
- Finding temporary housing or packing your belongings.
- Researching the area and making arrangements for utilities, insurance, and other services.
[4] Find a Reliable Moving Company. Not only will this make your life easier during the move, but it can also save you money. Will you move your cars to another state? To find reliable auto shipping companies near your new home, ask around and see if any of your friends have used such a service before. You can also try Yelp or Angie’s List for reviews and cost estimates.
[5] Pack Light and Efficiently. Another way to save money is by packing your possessions streamlined. Try to avoid buying special boxes, which can be costly, and use things around the house that you may already own. Things like garment bags, suitcases for undergarments, and boxes can come in handy. You can also save space by packing items that don’t take up a lot of space individually, such as toiletries, kitchen utensils, and books.
[6] Label Everything. It’s best to make certain all of your belongings are labeled before they go into the truck. This way, they’ll be much easier to locate when you arrive at your new home. Use a bold marker and include as many details as possible (size, shape, and color come in handy).
[7] Don’t Forget Your Pets. Moving out of state can be difficult, especially if you have pets. To make the transition easier on everyone, try to get your animals accustomed to your new home ahead of time. If they’re still young, try bringing them with you on short trips, so they learn the area even before you begin packing.
[8] Have Friends or Family Help You. Moving out of state is a lot of work, so it’s best to have as much help as you can get. If possible, try recruiting a group of friends or family members to join you on moving day. This will make the process go by much faster than if you were trying to do everything alone.
[9] Consider Using a Self-Storage Facility. If you’re moving out of state, it may be easier to store some of your belongings until you get settled. This can help lessen the amount of stuff you have to pack and protect items that wouldn’t fare well during the move (such as antiques or other breakables). Plus, it can come in handy if you’re having problems selling your home.
[10] Plan a First-Day Celebration. While you’ll probably be tired and stressed when moving day is over, don’t forget to celebrate your newfound freedom. Try surprising yourself with a nice meal or an overnight stay at a hotel before you move into your new place. Then sit back and enjoy the peace of mind from living in a new city.
Conclusion. In conclusion, moving out of state is a lot of work, but it can be very rewarding. By setting up a timeline and gathering help from friends and family members, you should be able to get everything done in good time. And once the transition is complete, try to relax and remember that this new chapter in your life could bring about many great things.
