Moving out of state is a stressful process. However, there are many things you can do to stay organized and make the process go as smoothly as possible.
Research Moving Companies
Start researching moving companies as soon as you can; it typically takes more time for movers to accommodate a long distance move vs. a local move. Rather than getting a quote over the phone, Real Simple suggests having a representative come out to your home to give you a more accurate estimate, also known as an in-home estimate. According to the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), an interstate moving company is legally obligated to provide you with an in-home quote if you live within 50 miles of their office. Make sure to request your quote in writing and that it lists a USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) number. The number on your moving truck should match the number provided in the estimate.
Create a Moving Binder
Keep all of your moving estimates, receipts, and a list of everything you’re moving in this binder.
Purge and Donate
Moving out of state can be expensive, so you’ll want to minimize how much you bring with you. Throw away or donate the things you don’t want or need anymore. Donate gently used items to charity, and get a receipt for the items you donate from the organization you give them to. Make a list of everything you donate so that you can claim a tax deduction when you file your taxes.
Research New Institutions
You’ll need a new doctor, and if you have children, you’ll have to enroll them in a new school. You may also need to select a new bank. Research all of your options, and ask for referrals. Collect all the paperwork you’ll need, such as school records and medical records, and pack them into your valuables box.
Change of Address
Good Housekeeping recommends making a list of all the places you’ll need to notify about your address change, such as the post office, credit card companies, bank, and utility company. Don’t forget to change your address on all of your online accounts as well.
Choose Your Mover
Approximately one month before you move, choose which moving company you’ll use. Get all of the details, including costs and your move date in writing.
Pack
Start packing the items you use most infrequently first, such as your waffle iron. Note items of value; these may need additional insurance from your moving company. Write down any items you have that are valued at more than $100 per pound, such as your desktop computer.
Label
As you pack each box, write down all of its contents on your inventory. Label each box with a number and its designated location. Be sure to write the box’s number on your inventory so that you know exactly what the box contains. To make it easier to find your boxes, place color-coded labels on them. Use yellow labels for boxes that go into your kitchen, green labels for boxes that go into your bedroom, and red labels for living room boxes.
Separate Your Valuables
Put valuable items, such as your jewelry and important documents, such as your social security card and birth certificate, into a special box that you will transport to your new home yourself.
Pack an Essentials Box
This moving company Houston, TX suggests designating a box for essential items you’ll need right away. Include enough clothes for each family member for a few days, hygiene essentials, such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, paper plates and utensils, and medication. If you have pets, be sure to pack their medication, food, food and water bowls, a few toys, and their favorite bed or blanket into the essentials box as well. You may want to transport this box to your new location yourself so that you can easily keep track of it.
Making an out-of-state move is stressful. Using the tips listed here can help you stay organized during your move and make the process go as smoothly as possible.