Around 10% of all Americans move each year, and the pandemic situation is just raising those numbers. If relocation is part of your future, too, note that a moving-out list will become your most valuable ally. Don’t worry – we already have the best one prepared. Ensure to use it when the time comes and avoid any possible problems and difficulties down the road.
Don’t know what should be on the list for moving out? Luckily for you, we do, so ensure to copy our checklist
Every Moving-Out List Starts With Researching the City That Will Become Your New Home
You can’t expect to move to a new city without a fuss if you don’t do thorough research about the future destination. Think of everything that can go wrong if you miss doing so! Relocating to an unsafe place you can’t afford, where your job is far from being in demand, is just one of many horrible possibilities. And what then? Don’t make your life more difficult, but explore every important aspect, such as:
Cost of living
Housing expenses and utility, transportation, and groceries costs can vary not only between cities but neighborhoods, too. Simultaneously, keep in mind that relocating from a small town to a big city always implies a big hit on your wallet, usually much bigger than relocating to a small town from a metropolis. Assess your financial situation before finally deciding where to live.
Employment opportunities
So you can find financial stability in a different place, discover whether you will be able to get a job there. Look into the city’s job market even before the move, to become familiar with sought-after fields. You should also check the companies that are hiring, get information about the average salaries, and so on.
Education and safety
If you’re relocating with kids, researching top public and private schools and crime rates will become your top priority. As any good parent, you’ll want your children to be safe and provide excellent tools to help them succeed later in life. It’s no wonder both better education and safety are among the most common reasons to move.
Transportation
Before you decide to get professional auto transport, learn what the preferred transportation option is and why. Gas prices, available parking, and commuting length are also factors that can impact your decision. Keep in mind that life without a car in some cities is unimaginable, while in others having one is considered an unnecessary cost.
Climate
It may seem like a non-essential thing to think of when relocating, but it’s far from the truth. Weather can affect how you feel, so it’s always best to choose the place with your preferred climate. For example, avoid rainy areas if you love the sun, and vice versa. Don’t let the unpreferable climate bring a constant bad mood.
Renting an Apartment or Buying a House – Think About the Future Housing Options
So you can start planning, you must determine whether you want to buy or rent a property. The decision itself will be connected to your financial situation, but a preferable lifestyle will also be a significant factor in the final decision. For example, young professionals will often choose to rent an apartment in some of the best cities for millennials. On the other hand, people with kids more often opt for buying a house in suburban areas.
Whatever you pick, ensure you can afford monthly payments for the chosen option (monthly loan payments or rent). In order to live comfortably, for instance, note that housing expenses should not be more than 30% of your monthly income. If you’re relocating to a place with a high cost of living, you can always consider sharing apartment expenses with roommates.
On a to-do list for moving out of state must also be gathering all you need to rent an apartment or get a home loan. Check your credit score, get a co-signer, if needed, and provide bank statements, character references, and recommendations from previous landlords. Be sure everything is prepared before the day of the move.
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Create a Relocation Budget and Plan the Move Accordingly
Making a relocation budget is a necessary task that will allow you to plan further. Only when you see the amount of money at your disposal can you determine if hiring long-distance moving services is possible, what kind of packing materials you’ll use, and, in the end, the location of your future place.
A relocation expenses checklist will differ depending on where you’re relocating to another state alone or with family, the size of your inventory, professional services you plan to get, the destination you choose, and the like. So, pull out papers, a pen, and a calculator and get down to business. The sooner you are done with this hard but necessary task, the sooner you can start preparing for the move.
Determining the budget is crucial for forming a doable list of relocation tasks
Get a Reputable and Trustworthy Long-Distance Moving Company
Hiring a cross-country moving company can take so many worries off your back, and it’s always the best choice if you’re able to afford it. Looking for the cheapest way to move out of state will point you in the direction of a DIY move, but it’s not always the right option. Complicated moves, such as long-distance ones, are better left in the hands of experienced professionals so that both you and your belongings stay safe during the whole process.
Googling long-distance movers near me and choosing an option that suits you should be a recipe for a smooth and worry-free move. However, you must be familiar with ways of avoiding relocation scams and not fall into their well-thought traps. For starters, read as many recommendations about the company as possible, and focus on reviews on BBB or government websites such as FMCSA. Also, don’t forget to use a US DOT number to check if the company is licensed and insured.
Schedule estimates and compare several different quotes instead of going with the first offer you like. Simultaneously remember that reasonably affordable prices are safer for your wallet than those too-good-to-be-true. Exceptionally small costs at the beginning of collaboration often imply hidden expenses later on.
Go Through the Possible Benefits of Getting Additional Relocation Services
There is no better way to secure a move without a hitch than to let professionals take care of almost every part of the move. Wouldn’t it be nice not to worry about packing fragile items and protecting all of your delicate belongings? Getting packing services is bound to leave you with more time and energy for all of the other essential relocation tasks. Not to mention that your items will be left in the skillful hands of professional packers.
The same goes for car shipping and storage services, as well as moving insurance. For a little extra cost, you’ll be able to achieve a completely stress-free move. Even more than that, keep in mind that some reputable relocation companies offer discounts for combining several different services. Therefore, you won’t need to break a bank in order to reach a smooth relocation.
Organize Your Packing Process to the Fullest
If you decide to be the one responsible for boxing up, you must leave enough time in your schedule to do so. Note that packaging is such a complex job that it demands a checklist of its own, and here it is:
- Declutter– before the boxing up starts, you must decide what to get rid of and which things to keep. Everything that hasn’t been used in a year (aside from sentimental belongings) should be left behind. During the purging process, decide whether you’ll throw away, gift, sell or donate unwanted items. Think about renting a storage unit for those you are not certain about.
- Make a packing schedule – it’s always better to start with rooms that are used the least, such as storage spaces. Begin with the basement and garage and slowly make your way through to the most used ones, such as the kitchen or bathroom. However, the kitchen is considered to be the most complex room to pack, so be sure that you’ve left enough hours to do it properly.
- Come up with packing strategies – not all of your belongings demand the same protection, storage, or even packaging materials. If you are a newbie in the packaging world, it is always better to look for some packing tips. Only after you get some initial knowledge, start gathering supplies and devote yourself to boxing up.
Bring Items That Will Make Your New Place a True Home
Photos of friends and family and other sentimental belongings, favorite furniture pieces, artwork, and similar stuff will help you start feeling at home when living in a completely different place. Therefore, they are considered first apartment essentials, alongside other, more practical belongings.
On the other hand, things like scented candles, plants, and decorations you love need to be on a new apartment shopping list to make the place more cozy and comfortable. Although a moving-out list of things to buy should not be extensive, especially before the relocation, note that liking the place you’re in will help you adjust to a new town faster.
Complete the Packaging Process by Setting Moving Essentials Aside
A special place in your household inventory checklist should belong to a moving-out list of essentials. Those are belongings that will help you survive the trip and the first few days in the new home. Although each person has different necessities, there are some universal ones, such as documents, change of clothes, toiletries, snacks, electronics, bedding, and so on.
Whether you get cross-country moving services or not, these belongings should be separated from the rest. They must always be by your side. Therefore, they don’t belong at the back of the relocation truck. Don’t risk someone mixing the boxes – you don’t need the trouble of searching for the essentials between countless relocation boxes.
Toiletries are necessary for a clean start
Informing Everyone About the Move Is One of the Most Important Tasks on Your Checklist
Although you should not underestimate the importance of saying goodbye to your loved ones, they are not the only ones you should notify when relocating. For starters, USPS must be informed about the change to forward the mail to a future address. IRS, Social Security Administration, DMV, financial institutions, and insurance providers must also be notified about the move.
Failing to do so would be one of the most significant relocation mistakes with potentially large consequences. For example, if you leave the former address with a life insurance company, they may be able to refuse the claim later on. Therefore, updating personal information is one of the things that must not be forgotten.
Electricity, gas, and other utility providers should also be contacted so you can schedule transfers. If you want to find out when is the best time to do so and other valuable tips, ensure to watch the video below:
Prepare for the Chaos Called the Relocation Day
Even if you were a busy bee making sure that not a lot of work is left for the relocation day, there would still be plenty of tasks left to be done. Good organization, as always, can save the day, so ensure to follow the next tips:
- Start your morning early,
- Be sure your kids and pets are taken care of (if you have them),
- Pack relocation essentials,
- Protect the walls and floors,
- Prepare snacks for everybody,
- Greet cross-country movers,
- Assist them (when and if needed),
- Clean after movers finish their job,
- Check utilities,
- Have a final tour around the house
Remember to stay calm and don’t let feelings and chaos overwhelm you. Take a deep breath and hold on – you’re almost there!
While you are running left and right to take care of everything, ensure that kids and pets stay safe
Time to Go!
That’s it! You’ve made it! You can only expect successful relocation if you’ve crossed everything from this checklist and followed our tips. All you need to think about now is what the move will bring – and focus on those positives. While on the road, focus on all the benefits that await and prepare to step into your new place with feelings of excitement and happiness. Good luck!
