Moving to a new state can be both exciting and overwhelming. It’s an opportunity for a fresh start, but it also requires careful planning. From researching the area you’re moving to packing up your belongings and finding reliable movers – there is a lot of work involved in making sure everything goes smoothly. Here are some tips on how to plan a move in the best possible way.
If you start planning on time, your move will be easy
Making preparations ahead of time will help reduce stress on the day of the move, so if you’re considering relocating to another state, you need to have a good plan in place that you will follow all the way. Here are some of the things you should consider when planning a move to another city or state.
How to Plan a Move? Start with the Budget
It is important to have a budget when moving to another state because it helps you plan how much money you need to cover all the expenses related to the process, such as transportation, storage fees, and packing costs. Having an accurate budget also allows you to determine how much of your belongings can fit into your new home, thus making the process more organized and efficient.
Search for Long-Distance Moving Company
Once you have your relocation budget made, the next thing you need to plan is to search for long-distance movers. Before you book any interviews, ask for a free quote from at least five companies. Once you have quotes, you can then decide what kind of long-distance moving services you can afford and what you want. Just keep in mind that provided quotes are not final and they can be changed once cross-country movers do an in-home estimate of your move. But before they arrive, you need to decide whether you want packing services or not and what will be transported to another location.
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Set up a Moving Date
Once you have booked your cross-country moving services, you will have a date for your relocation. Based on this date you will have to plan other activities. In most cases, one month is enough time to make all the arrangements regarding the transition to a new state, with the exception of finding accommodation. If you plan to sell your old and buy a new house, this process can last longer, and you will need at least three months to arrange everything. You will have to prepare your home for a sale, do some house hunting, and finish all the paperwork in time.
Gather Your Packing Supplies on Time
Having the right packing materials is an important part of planning a successful move to another state. Assembling proper packing materials prevents items from becoming damaged while in transit, ensuring they arrive at your new home in good condition. Packing supplies also make the moving process more efficient and organized, as you can easily identify what belongs in which box or container.
Properly packaging your belongings also makes it easier to transport them safely, saving you time and having one less thing to worry about during a stressful transition. If you have hired a company for packing services, you can skip this step because the company will give you all the necessary supplies.
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Learn moreMake a Timeline of Things That You Need to Do Before Moving Day
Now that you know when your relocation day is, you can make a timeline of all the things you need to do before and after relocation to easily keep track of all the things that need to be done. Here is what this timeline should look like.
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Make a budget | 6 weeks before the move |
| House hunting | 6 weeks before the move |
| Research and book a reliable moving company | 4-6 weeks before the move |
| Declutter and get rid of items you don't need | 3-4 weeks before the move |
| Gather moving supplies | 2 weeks before the move |
| Pack up your belongings | 2-3 weeks before |
| Transfer or cancel your utilities | 1 week before |
Decide What to Keep and What to Get Rid Off
Downsizing for a move can be a time-consuming task. It is important to determine how many physical possessions you have, how much you need, how much space you will have in your new home, and how far you will be traveling. Taking inventory of all items that need to be moved can help in the decluttering process. When deciding what to get rid of, consider how often you use each item and how much space it will take up in a new home. Donating items or selling them through garage sales can help streamline the moving process.
Make an Inventory List While Decluttering
When deciding what to keep and what not, it would be good to create an inventory list of all the things you will keep. For smaller things, the best is to write a detailed inventory list, while for large items, colored stickers can do the trick. Pick one color for the items you plan to keep and one for the items you plan to get rid of, and put the stickers on the corresponding items.
Organize a Garage Sale or Donate Clothing
Holding a garage sale or donating unwanted items can be an effective way of reducing clutter and ensuring that you have only those items you need.
Organizing a garage sale is one of the most popular ways to get rid of unwanted items. It can be an effective way to make some extra money while downsizing. Donating clothing, dishes, and furniture is also a great option for those who don’t want the hassle of running a garage sale or cannot afford the cost of moving large items.
Set Your Essentials Aside
When relocating to another state, you will spend some time without your belongings. For this reason, you will have to pack a bag of essentials you will need to function normally when you are at your new home. If you are relocating with kids, pack a bag for them too. Pack like you are going on a short vacation because you can be without your belongings for a week or two. Also, keep your valuable items with you as well as important documents.
Schedule Calls for Utilities Providers
Make a list of all the utility providers you need to call to notify about your move. Water, electricity, gas, cable, and internet providers will probably be different in another state, so make sure you cancel these services, so not to be charged once you move. Also, search for providers in your new location and call them before you relocate, so you have these services up on the move-in day up and running.
Also, make a list of all the entities you need to inform about the address change. Here are some of the institutions that need to be informed:
- DMV,
- Car insurance company,
- Banks and financial institutions,
- IRS,
- Post office,
- Memberships, and subscriptions,
- Medical insurance company,
- Doctor’s office.
Do a Deep Cleaning of Your House
Even before you start packing, you will have to do a deep cleaning of the house. But not only the house but all the items you are planning to bring. So if you are relocating furniture, book a deep cleaning of the furniture week before the relocation truck is set to come. Make sure you pack furniture properly for a long road, so it doesn’t get destroyed during transit.
The same rule applies to your carpets and rugs. If you are transporting any appliances, make sure you scrub them before placing them on the truck. Your freezer and refrigerator need to be cleaned and emptied, so start spending the food week before moving day.
Bedding and coating should be cleaned, too, before you pack it, so make sure no dirty laundry is left in the basket. Cleaning is important because your belongings will be on the road for some time, and if anything is dirty or wet, it will become moldy and basically ruined. Take a look at this video for more pro tips on cleaning the refrigerator.
Be Prepared for Moving Day
On a moving day, it is crucial to be prepared for the arrival of the movers. Before they arrive, it is highly recommended to have all of your items packed and ready to go. Additionally, you should create a plan for where you want each item placed in your new home. This will help ensure that everything gets unloaded quickly and properly. It is also important to have a plan for where you will park the moving truck, as well as how you will move any large furniture items upstairs or around tight corners.
Also, make sure you have water and food ready for you and all the people that will be helping you out on a relocation day. Order take out on time because it can happen that you forget about this in all the chaos.
What You Will Need in Your New Home?
When moving to a new state, it is important to plan ahead and make sure you have everything you need on the first day in your new home. While the actual move can be chaotic, having everything prepared and ready to go will make a world of difference when all that is left is settling into your new home. On the first day, it’s essential to have a place to sleep and the necessary items for daily living.
- The Basics: When deciding what you will need in your new home, there are some basics that should not be forgotten. Essential items such as bedding, towels, and toiletries will make a world of difference when it comes time to move in. Make sure you have enough plates, cups, and silverware for everyone in the family. Additionally, if you have furniture that needs to be assembled, make sure to have the tools necessary beforehand.
- Your Comfort Zone: Once the basics are taken care of, it’s time to think about making your new home comfortable and livable. Decorations such as wall art and rugs can help create a personal atmosphere. Additionally, storage items such as bookshelves, dressers, and trunks are essential for keeping your space organized.
- Additional Items: It’s always best to overestimate the number of items you need when moving to a new state to ensure that you don’t find yourself without something important. Make sure you have a sturdy vacuum cleaner to keep your new home clean and comfortable. Additionally, having an emergency kit with essential items such as a flashlight, batteries, water, and blankets is always a good idea.
With a Good Plan in Hand, the Move Will Be Much Easier and more Efficient
With the right plan in place, it doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. By following these steps, you’ll make sure that your transition is as smooth and efficient as possible. You may even find yourself feeling excited about all of the possibilities ahead! Whether you’re moving for career opportunities, family reasons, or just looking for a change of scenery, taking proactive measures will ensure that your move goes off without a hitch. Good luck on this journey – here’s to making amazing memories in your new home!
