Moving out of state is a significant life change, and it requires more careful planning and organization than relocating across town.
With the proper preparation, you can remove some of the inevitable stress surrounding a major move.
To make your transition as smooth as possible, the team at Nelson Markesbery created this comprehensive checklist for moving out of state.
3-4 Months Before the Move: Start Preparations
Set your moving date: Choose a specific date, mark it on your calendar, and set reminders on your phone. Having a fixed date will help you plan other aspects of the move.
If you’re moving due to a job with a set starting date, include extra days before you start working to give yourself some downtime.
Create a moving binder: Start a dedicated moving binder or folder to keep track of important documents, receipts, and notes related to your move. This will help you stay organized throughout the process.
Research your new state: Begin researching your new state and city. Look into schools, healthcare facilities, and local amenities to understand your new home.
Budget for the move: Estimate your moving costs, including transportation, packing supplies, and any miscellaneous expenses.
2 Months Before the Move: Sorting and Decluttering
Declutter your home: Start going through your belongings room by room. Decide what to keep, what to donate, and what to sell.
Reducing your load will save you money and make packing easier.
Hire a moving company: Begin your search for a reputable moving company. Get quotes, read reviews, and check their credentials. Make sure they are licensed and insured for interstate moves.
Related Post: How to Choose the Right Moving Company
6-8 Weeks Before the Move: Packing and Notifying Parties
Create a packing plan: Start packing non-essential items early. We suggest using a labeling system to mark boxes with their contents and the room they belong to. Keep an inventory list in your moving binder for easy reference.
Notify important parties: Inform your current employer, utility companies, and relevant institutions of your upcoming move. Update your new address with banks, insurance providers, and any subscriptions.
4-6 Weeks Before the Move: Travel and Temporary Housing
Travel arrangements: If you’re driving to your new state, ensure your vehicle is in good condition.
Related Post: How to Move Your Car to Another State
If you’re flying, book your tickets well in advance and consider how you’ll transport your vehicle if necessary.
Temporary housing: If you arrive in your new state before your belongings, arrange for temporary housing. This could be a hotel, Airbnb, short-term rental, or staying with family and friends.
2-4 Weeks Before the Move: Final Preparations
Final checklists: Create final checklists for both departure and arrival. These lists should include turning off utilities, packing essentials, and securing your old home.
Families and pets: If you have children, talk to them about the upcoming move to help them adjust.
Moving with pets: Arrange for pet care during the move to reduce stress on your furry friend.
1-2 Weeks Before the Move: Last-Minute Details
School registration: Ensure your children are registered at their new schools, and transfer their records as needed.
Healthcare providers: Find new healthcare providers in your new location and obtain copies of medical records for each family member.
1 Week Before the Move: Packing Essentials
Moving unessential items: a week before your big move, start packing away non-essential items. This could include artwork, holiday decorations, unworn clothing, extra bedding, etc.
Moving Day
Supervise the move: During the packing and loading process, oversee that items are appropriately handled and labeled.
Check your inventory: Double-check your inventory list to ensure all your belongings are loaded onto the moving truck. If you’re working with Nelson Markesbery, you’ll be assigned a moving coordinator to make this process easier and to ensure everything is loaded correctly.
Arrival and Settling In
Unpacking: Start unpacking gradually, room by room. This will help you get settled without feeling overwhelmed.
Change address: Update your address with the post office and any necessary online accounts and subscriptions.
This is also a great time to adjust things like voter registration and tax documentation.
Review your budget: Reevaluate your budget to ensure financial stability in your new state. Adjust your finances as needed.
Plan Your Move with Nelson Markesbery
By following this checklist for moving out of state, you can ensure a smooth and organized transition. Careful planning and preparation are crucial, and working with the Nelson Markesbery team helps reduce the stress surrounding this process.
Get a FREE quote, or contact our team at (859) 371-8111 and info@markesberyalliedmoving.com.
