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Planning a Long Distance Move: Tips for Moving to a New State

Making a long-haul move? No worries! Smooth out the process of moving to a new state.

By Jessica Walker Boehm on September 27, 2023

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Move it, move it. The daunting task of moving can be overwhelming, especially if you’re transferring to another state. Quick suggestion: Try practicing scream therapy in the shower each morning to relieve stress.

A better suggestion would be to get organized since planning is key to any successful outcome. Make a big checklist and be sure to visit the state before you move there, frequenting all potential neighborhoods where you consider locating. Research and visit the best places to live, and check buying and renting options.

Road Trip

Most experts say you should start the moving process two months before heading out, and one of the most biggest priorities is saving on moving costs. One temptation is that you know a friend with a big truck who can help you move, but think it over. There are pros and cons of doing the heavy lifting yourself, including cost, but convenience should also be a consideration.

Sometimes, hiring a company and sitting back while they do the hard work is cheaper. In fact, some studies say that people who hire moving professionals to help with an out-of-state move end up saving more money than asking for favors or doing things on their own. 

Plus, do you really want to be that friend who promises pizza after hours of moving and rearranging furniture? 

But be sure you do your homework. Don’t hire the first moving company you see or the one that has the cheapest quote. Ask for references and read moving reviews. You want to trust the person who is handling your most valuable possessions. 

Also, keep in mind that companies will often run moving specials, especially during the low season, which is from late fall to late spring. 

It’s Go Time

All right, you’ve scheduled a mover, and now it’s time to start thinking about transferring hundreds — maybe thousands — of your possessions to a different state. Most experts say you should become a minimalist.

For example, get rid of that 500-pound collection of sparkly rocks you’ve saved from every national park ever visited. And instead of towing it cross-country, sell that vintage 1965 Rambler station wagon that would be worth about $1,500 if you ever put an engine in it.

Decide what to purge. Go through every room and separate items you should get rid of. Turn on Marie Kondo for some inspiration and decide if the things spark joy. When that’s done, and you’re ready to start packing everything up, think about what you could live without for the next few weeks as you move and begin the unpacking process in your new home. 

Pack room by room, label all boxes, keep detailed inventory lists and put heavier items in small boxes and lighter stuff in big boxes, with the heaviest object at the bottom of each box. Another tip is to use towels or recycled newspaper to fill up empty spaces inside the box — never leave a half full. 

Put together a go-bag that is filled with personal essentials you’ll need for the first day in your new home, including toiletries, chargers and any medications. Also, keep all your valuables and important items like documents and records in your vehicle instead of sending them to a moving company. This should include jewelry, money, credit cards, tax documents and legal paperwork, like passports. 

So, good luck moving. A smooth, headache-free move to another state can be as satisfying as eating a delicious breakfast or taking a relaxing ocean cruise. Final suggestion: After you finish moving, why don’t you treat yourself to a delicious breakfast and a relaxing ocean cruise? Use the money you got from selling the Rambler.

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