If the idea of moving from one state to another state is making you anxious, fear no longer. We’re here to help with this full guide.

We have compiled a thorough checklist that will help you prepare for your out-of-state move.

This checklist will give you tips whether it is your first time moving out of state, or even if you’re used to moving around. You should always start by making a plan, and a plan starts with a budget.

1. Make a Budget

Moving to another state is a financially stressful process and can drain your bank account. Include every expense you can think of when coming up with your budget.

By listing all of the expenses you may run into, such as transportation services, security deposits, utility costs, gas, hotel, and travel expenses, etc, you can come up with an estimated expense total.

Something to consider is moving a shorter distance will almost always cost less than a further distance. So if you’re moving from New York City to San Francisco, budget accordingly!

Have extra money for potential expenses such as repair costs, new household items, etc. Start saving money. With the help of a cost of living calculator, you can get a rough idea about your living expenses in your new state.

2. Research Your New State

Prior to moving to another state, it is advised to find out about rent costs in various cities, explore your potential new neighbourhood and look into schools if you have children. You can visit the location or find out more about these on internet review sites.

While you are at it, find yourself a suitable place to live. It is important to have a job and a place before you begin contacting moving companies or plan to relocate to the new state by yourself.

3. Contact Your Employer

In this competitive world, many companies cover the complete costs of relocation for their employee. During your interview, talk to your employers about your relocation expenses and ask them to help you with them. It may be traveling expenses, packing service or they may even provide temporary housing to help you begin your job in the new state with ease.

4. Make a List of Items You’re Moving

Moving to a new state can prove to be expensive. Start by making an inventory of necessary items such as your bed, laptop, and dishes that you will require in your new home. Do not hesitate to leave the old stuff behind.

This may prove to be more cost-efficient than carrying everything you have to your new home. Buy new furniture and appliances according to your needs.

5. Decide Between a DIY Move and Professional Movers

Depending on your budget, you will have to make a choice between hiring a professional moving service or performing a “DIY move”. A do-it-yourself move is not for everyone. Do the necessary research and get quotes from various moving companies before coming to a conclusion.

While hiring professional moving services can be expensive, they take care of all the hassle involved in relocation so you can focus on other important matters. they can handle delays better, they know and understand different routes if there are issues and when it comes to sensitive and delicate items, their experience makes them a huge help.

A second alternative to hiring a professional service is renting storage containers. You are responsible for packing and unpacking. The price of the container varies on size and duration.

6. Begin Packing Strategically

Once you have made up your mind on how you plan to relocate, come up with a plan to pack things in the most efficient way. Come up with a packing schedule. Our advice is to pack all non-essential items first.

Everything you don’t use on a regular basis falls under this category. Do not forget to label every box with the contents it is filled with. After all, non-essential items are packed and ready to move, start with the essential items.

Even if you hire a professional service to help you with relocation. Packing everything yourself can save you money. plus, you shall be aware of where what is packed and when it comes to reassembling your new home, it will be easier. Everyone categorizes boxes differently, but you need to come up with a system for packing based on items, or rooms.

When you pack on your own you can make decisions about what to pack with what and how. if you are not sure how certain items are packed, google it or ask your movers for help. even if they are not packing for you, they can give you tips.

7. Transport Valuables Yourself

Even though you have hired a professional service for your relocation to another state, there are always some important items and documents that you should keep with you while moving. Keep expensive jewelry, birth certificates, passport, cash, and other important documents in your possession during the relocation.

8. Explore Different Options for Moving Out of State

Driving all the way to your new home may sound like the cheapest option but it might not always be the right choice. Factor the overnight hotel expenses, gas, and consumables you eat during the ride, as these expenditures can often add up and wreak havoc on your budget.

By coming up with a rough estimate for all of your relocation options, you’ll be able to come up with the most suitable option for you including factors like time and cost.

9. Recognizing Delivery Time

When moving to a new state, the delivery time estimated will not always be accurate. It is important to understand that professional companies give you an estimated range during which you will receive your items in the new home.

This time frame depends on many factors such as weather, time of the year, and distance.

10. Schedule Your Arrival

When you have finalized a date to move, you need to contact the appropriate service providers to enable electricity, water, gas, internet, and other utilities in your new home, on or before the date of your arrival.

11. Update Your Mailing Address

The last thing you want is to be leaving your mail in your old home. Start forwarding your mail on the date of your relocation.

And if you’re only moving to a new state temporarily, there are various forms and options you can fill out to determine the duration you would like to use the mail forwarding services.

12. Let People Know

Tell your friends, family members, and neighbors that you are moving out of state. It is important to tell others about your new home in case of an emergency. Leave your contact info with your neighbors if they don’t have it already.

You never know when that may come in handy for you or for them. Trust us, you don’t want to leave without saying goodbye.

13. Change Your Home Address

When you plan to move from one state to another, there are a lot of changes to take care of. One of them being your new home address. It is recommended to change your address a couple of weeks prior to relocation.

14. Get a New Driver’s License

If you wish to drive in your new state, you need to apply for transfer of your driver’s license. Requirements are different from state to state.

Check with your state’s DMV to ensure that you get your new license in the required timeframe along with the required documents needed to make the change.

15. Pet License

Some states require you to have a pet license in order to own a pet. The time frame to apply for said license depends on the state.

Make sure to check out your state’s website or contact municipal authorities for more information.

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