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Moving Out of State: Checklist, Costs & Tips
By Victor Rosario MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
Moving out of state can be an exciting and stressful experience, especially when looking for the cheapest way to move. It requires careful planning, budgeting and organization. From finding a new place to live to packing up your belongings, there are many tasks to complete before the big move arrives. This article will provide you with a comprehensive checklist to help you make a successful move out of state.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your move is well-planned and stress-free.
Table of Contents
Moving Out of State – Tips
Step 1: Determine what you need for your move
Before moving cross-country, it’s essential to determine what you need for your move. This will help you choose the right moving services and ensure that your move is well-organized. There are three main types of moving services to consider: container services, professional movers and truck rental companies.
Container services
Container services are a great option if you want to pack your belongings yourself. A moving container is delivered to your home, and you can pack it at your own pace. Once you’re done, the container is picked up and transported to your new location. This option is cost-effective and allows for flexibility. Check out our list for best container moving services for more information.
Professional movers
Hiring one of the best interstate moving companies is ideal if you want a stress-free move. A full-service company handles all aspects of your move, including packing, loading and unloading your belongings. This option is more expensive than container services, but it offers convenience and peace of mind.
Truck rental companies
Truck rental companies are suitable if you want to move yourself. You can rent a truck, load your belongings and drive to your new location. This option is the most cost-effective but requires more effort and planning, as well as factoring things like moving supplies.
Step 2: Set a budget for your move
Costs for moving out of state can be expensive, so it’s important to set a budget for your move. The average cost of a long-distance move is around $4,300 for a 1-bedroom apartment and $6,500 for a 3-bedroom house. The cost varies depending on the distance, the size of your home and the moving services you choose.
If you’re on a tight budget, consider a DIY move using a rental truck or container service. This can diminish your moving expenses, but it requires more time and effort. If you have a larger budget, consider hiring professional movers for a stress-free move. Either way, make sure to have a moving checklist handy in order to stay in control of your moving budget.
Step 3: Compare quotes and see additional costs
Once you’ve determined your moving needs and set a budget, it’s time to start comparing quotes from various moving companies, container services and truck rental companies. Make sure to get at least three different moving estimates to compare prices and services offered.
When comparing quotes, be sure to look beyond the initial price. Additional costs — such as fuel surcharges, insurance and packing materials — can quickly add up. Also, be aware of any hidden fees that may not be included in the initial quote. It’s important to carefully review the contract and ask questions about anything that you don’t understand.
Some companies may offer discounts for certain times of the year or for booking in advance, so be sure to ask about any available promotions. You may also be able to negotiate the price with the company, especially if you have received a lower quote from a competitor.
Once you have compared quotes and decided on a moving company or service, make sure to get a written contract that outlines all the details of your move. This will help protect you from any surprises or misunderstandings on moving day.
Step 4: Prepare your current home for the move
Before you start packing, it’s important to prepare your current home for the move. Begin by decluttering and getting rid of any items that you no longer need or want. Consider having a yard sale or donating items to charity. This will not only make packing easier, but it will also reduce the cost of your move by reducing the amount of stuff you need to transport.
Next, make sure to clean your home thoroughly. This includes deep-cleaning carpets, scrubbing bathrooms and kitchens, and dusting all surfaces. Once your home is clean, take photos of any damages or wear and tear to ensure that you don’t get charged for pre-existing damage by your landlord or real estate agent.
If you are renting, make sure to notify your landlord of your move-out date in accordance with your lease agreement. You may also need to schedule a walk-through with your landlord to ensure that you will receive your security deposit back.
Pro tip: Consider hiring a professional cleaning service to help you get your home move-out ready. They can handle the deep-cleaning and give you peace of mind knowing that your home is ready for the next tenant.
Step 5: Start packing early and label all boxes
Packing is one of the most time-consuming aspects of moving, so it’s important to start early. Begin by packing items that you don’t use on a daily basis, such as seasonal clothing, extra linens and home decor. Be sure to label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. This will make it easier to unpack at your new home.
Consider investing in high-quality packing materials, such as bubble wrap and packing tape, to ensure that your belongings are protected during the move. You can purchase these materials from your moving company or from a home improvement store.
Pro tip: Use color-coded labels to help you quickly identify which boxes belong in each room. For example, use green labels for items that belong in the kitchen and blue labels for items that belong in the bedroom.
Step 6: Research real estate in the state you are moving to
If you haven’t already found a place to live in your new state, start researching real estate options. Consider factors such as the cost of living, commute times and proximity to amenities such as grocery stores and public transportation.
You can search for homes online using websites such as Zillow or Trulia, or work with a local real estate agent who can help you find the perfect home for your needs.
Pro tip: Consider renting a short-term apartment or house in your new city while you search for a permanent residence. This will give you time to get to know the area and find the perfect home without feeling rushed.
Step 7: Learn about taxes in the state you are moving to
Different states have different tax laws, so it’s important to research the tax laws in your new state. This includes income tax, sales tax and property tax. Make sure to update your address with the IRS and any other tax authorities to ensure that you receive important tax documents at your new address.
Pro tip: Consider working with a tax professional who can help you navigate the tax laws in your new state and ensure that you are taking advantage of any available deductions.
Step 8: Update your address
Make sure to change your mailing address with all relevant parties, including your bank, credit card companies and insurance providers. You can schedule a change of address online or by calling customer service. Don’t forget to update your address with the DMV to ensure that you receive your new driver’s license and registration.
Pro tip: Create a checklist of all the organizations you need to notify of your address change to ensure that you don’t forget anyone.
Step 9: Transfer your utilities
One of the most important things to do when moving out of state is to transfer your utilities. You’ll need to disconnect your utilities at your current residence and set up new accounts at your new home. This includes electricity, gas, water, internet, cable and phone services.
To transfer your utilities, start by contacting your current providers to schedule disconnection of services on your moving day. You’ll also need to notify them of your new address so they can send you final bills and refund any deposits you may have made.
Once your current utilities are disconnected, you’ll need to set up new accounts at your new residence. Research utility providers in your new area to find the best options for you. Some providers may require a deposit or credit check before they can set up service, so be sure to factor these costs into your moving budget.
It’s a good idea to set up your new utility accounts several weeks before your move-in date to ensure that everything is up and running when you arrive. This can help avoid any last-minute stress and ensure that you have everything you need to settle into your new home.
Pro tip: If you’re moving to an area with different utility providers than your current location, take the time to research the costs and services offered by each provider. You may be able to save money by switching to a different provider or bundle your services for additional savings.
Step 10: Adjust to your new home
Congratulations, you’ve made it to your new home! Now it’s time to adjust to your new surroundings and settle in. Here are a few tips to make the transition as smooth as possible:
- Unpack strategically: Instead of trying to unpack everything at once, focus on unpacking essentials first, such as bedding, towels and kitchenware. This will help you feel more settled and give you the energy to tackle the rest of your belongings.
- Explore your new neighborhood: Take a walk or drive around your new neighborhood to familiarize yourself with the area. Check out local restaurants, grocery stores and other amenities to get a sense of what’s nearby.
- Meet your neighbors: Introduce yourself to your neighbors and get to know them. They can be a great resource for local recommendations and may even become good friends.
- Update your driver’s license and car registration: Depending on the state you’re moving to, you may have a limited amount of time to update your driver’s license and car registration. Check with your local DMV to see what the requirements are and make sure you’re in compliance.
- Take advantage of public transportation: If you’re moving to a city with good public transportation, consider using it as much as possible. It can be a great way to save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
- Join local groups and organizations: Whether it’s a fitness class, book club or volunteer organization, joining local groups and organizations can help you meet new people and feel more connected to your new community.
Pro tip: Remember that it takes time to adjust to a new home and that it’s okay to feel a bit homesick or overwhelmed at first. Be patient with yourself and focus on taking things one day at a time.
Moving FAQs
How we choose the best tips for Moving Out of State
When looking for the best ways to move across the country, we considered various factors that are important for a successful move. First and foremost, we looked at the practicality and feasibility of each tip. We only included tips that are easy to implement and that can help make the moving process less stressful. We also took into account the relevance of each tip to the moving process, making sure that they are applicable to any situation and that they cover the most important aspects of moving.
Another important factor we considered is the cost-effectiveness of each tip. We made sure that the tips we included can help readers save money on their move, whether they are hiring professional movers or doing it themselves. We also looked at the potential benefits that each tip can provide, such as reducing the risk of damage to belongings or speeding up the packing process.
Finally, we considered the feedback and experiences of people who have gone through the moving process themselves. We gathered information from a variety of sources, including moving experts, online reviews and testimonials from people who have moved out of state. This helped us ensure that the tips we included are tried and tested, and that they have worked for other people in similar situations.
By taking into account these factors, we believe that we have provided readers with the most comprehensive and practical tips for moving out of state. Whether you are moving for a new job opportunity or for a change of scenery, we hope that these tips can help make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.
