The Only Moving to Another State Checklist You Need When Relocating

You Should Create Moving to Another State Checklist Weeks Before the Relocation

Ideally, the preparation should start at least two months before. That means that, after making the decision to move, you should sit down, take a piece of paper, and start writing the moving to a new state checklist. Of course, people can find themselves in different situations. There are even cases of last-minute relocations. Nonetheless, a checklist for moving to another state is always needed, regardless of the circumstances.

Expect the Moving to Another State Checklist to Be a Long One

You are maybe wondering: What are 5 things to consider when you move out on your own? And this is a great starting point. However, there are a lot of things to consider when relocating to a different place. Our intention is not to scare you but rather to place you in a proper mindset. Relocation is a challenging task, and it will demand a lot of effort.

Step 1 – Make Sure That the Desired New Location Will Be Suitable for You

The first thing that has to be on your checklist for moving out of state is doing thorough research. Fortunately, the only required thing is an internet connection, but make no mistake, this will influence your decision on where to live the most. Here are the most important things to look into:

• The cost of living – Wherever you decide to live, financial security is the most important thing. The two most impactful expenses will be rent and utilities. If your income cannot support this, it is best to move on and search for another location. However, you shouldn’t limit research only to these two. Prices in grocery stores, healthcare services, public transportation, everything will affect your budget. Numbeo is a great website where you can find reliable information about the costs of living in different places.
• State’s general characteristics – Are you looking for a warmer climate and beaches, or a colder one and ski slopes? The USA has it all, but you have to research and see which of the 50 states will suit you the best.
• Cities and neighborhoods – Would you prefer to relocate to a bigger city or a smaller one? What suits you more, a suburban or an urban area? These are all important questions, and the only way to obtain answers is to do some investigation.

Step 2 – Find a Suitable Home

As mentioned above, rent will play a crucial part here. But there are other aspects to consider as well. Do you want to move to a house or an apartment? Is your future home address close to the workplace or school? If you are relocating with pets, does the area have pet-friendly parks? Everything has to be carefully considered when choosing a place to live.

You Have to Decide Whether to Live Alone or Not

When you are relocating alone, a decision has to be made on whether to look for roommates or not. Indeed, a lot of money can be saved on rent and utilities when you have a roommate. However, this should not be the most important factor. If the plan is to start an independent life, then it is much better to find a more modest place to live on your own.

Step 3 – Start Looking For a Job

One of the main reasons to relocate is because of employment. Many people are offered a position in a different location by their companies, and usually, such offers entail exciting career prospects. But, let us assume that you are relocating without a job. This is a common situation, and there is nothing to worry about. Still, you have to start looking for employment as soon as possible.

The key to getting a job in a new city is being active. Companies will post ads on the internet, and don’t hesitate to contact the employer once you have found something that interests you. It may happen there are no job openings for your field of expertise. If so, consider getting temporary employment (a bridge job) before an opportunity arises. Here is a useful video that can help you with a job search.

Step 4 – Sort the Documents and Notify All the Services

You will have to organize all the important documents before relocation, like your driver’s license, healthcare insurance, and pet license. Moreover, you will have to notify the utility company, doctor’s office, school, and all other service providers that you are relocating. Therefore, we advise you to put this at the top of the moving across the country checklist.

Step 5 – Start Preparing Your Possessions for Relocation

First of all, you need to make a new apartment list of all the items that you plan to move. Often people realize when relocating that their homes are filled with objects that they don’t need anymore. Downsizing for a move is quite important, especially if you want to save on relocation expenses. For each item, you will have to get protective materials and provide storage services if required. Therefore, be realistic and rid yourself of items that have no use anymore.

Are you wondering what to do with the old stuff? If you plan on increasing the relocation budget, a garage sale is always a possibility. However, this option requires time, and if it seems too overwhelming, donating items in decent condition is always possible. You can check on the internet where the nearest donation center is and arrange a pickup.

Clean Everything Before Transporting

Not a single reputable long-distance moving company will load dirty objects into their truck, and there are good reasons for that. Therefore, dedicate time to cleaning. Also, double-check whether all kitchen appliances are emptied. During transportation, dirt and food can invite many unwanted guests that can severely damage your property.

Step 6 – Decide Whether You Need Long-Distance Moving Services or Not

We can always debate whether relocation companies are essential or not. However, one thing is certain. A cross-country moving company can save you a lot of trouble when changing your home address. Movers are professionals who will ensure that everything is properly packed and secured for transportation. Therefore, know that you will have a lot more time on your hands to focus on other relocation issues.

Packing Is Not an Easy Procedure

Packing is not easy by any means, especially if you haven’t done it before. Different types of items require various packing methods. Therefore, you will need to learn how to pack fragile objects, as well as how to pack furniture. Household possessions can easily get damaged during transportation if not adequately secured. More importantly, there are risks of injuries when relocating heavier objects.

However, with the help of cross-country movers, you will not face such problems. Furthermore, movers will provide you with all the necessary packing materials and handle the disassembly and assembly of all furniture pieces. Finally, storage services will also be included in the offer if required. Therefore it is well worth asking yourself: Are there any good long-distance movers near me? The good thing is that the answer is always resounding yes.

Step 7 – Organize Your Journey

When relocating cross-country, the journey can often stretch across a day or two, depending on the mode of transportation that you choose. This is particularly important if you are traveling with a dog, for example. Different kinds of transportation companies will have different regulations for pets. Therefore, check everything and book a flight or buy a train ticket, whatever suits you best.

Movers Can Relocate Your Car

If you are relocating to some faraway location, driving your car is not the best option. First of all, it’s exhausting, but also, you will be forced to spend money on gas and accommodation. Hence, having a relocation company relocate your vehicle is quite convenient. Moreover, you will be able to choose different types of auto transport services according to your needs. But, the most important thing is that the company will take full responsibility for the safety of your car.

Step 8 – Spend Time With Family and Friends Who Stay Behind

You have to accept that you won’t have your family and friends by your side anymore if you are relocating alone. That is certainly one of the most difficult parts of relocation but one of the most valuable as well. You will have to show self-reliability and independence. So, try to spend as much time as you can with your loved ones. But also be prepared to meet a lot of new friends.

On the Other Hand, Try to Make Relocation as Comfortable as Possible for Your Family

Relocating with family is different, with its own set of challenges. There will be a lot of anxiety when relocating, and children are often the ones affected the most. Hence, it is best to devote time to them as much as the situation permits you. On the final day, make sure that children are separated from the relocation process, and upon arriving at the other location, their possessions should be unpacked first.

Take Care of Yourself as Well

Whether you are relocating alone or with someone, there will be a lot of pressure, and stress is inevitable. Although there won’t be many opportunities for leisure activities, still occupying yourself with something that you like just for a short period can help a lot. So, read a book, go for a swim or play a video game whenever there is an opportunity.

Step 9 – Prepare a Bag of Essentials

You have to know that there will be a lot of furnishing and arranging to be done once you have arrived at your new home address. Therefore, having a bag of relocating essentials by your side is extremely important. This means having clothes, toiletries, kitchen essentials, and prescribed medications for at least a few days until you have unpacked everything.

Also, when transporting any valuables like jewelry, it is best to include such items in your bag of essentials as well. In that way, you will always be able to check whether they are adequately secured. Generally, it is recommended to carry jewelry or a flash drive with valuable data, for example, with you during transportation. Therefore, don’t forget to include a bag of essentials in your moving to a new state checklist.

Having a Moving Out of State Checklist Simplifies Relocation a Lot

What to consider before moving to another state? As you have been able to read, there are a lot of things that have to be done in order for a relocation to be successful. However, having a good plan is the key to smooth relocation and can help in reducing pressure and stress. So grab a glass of wine and a pen, and create a list of things to do.