Are you considering a move out of state? Whether you’re looking for a change of scenery or chasing after a new job opportunity, there’s a lot to think about when it comes to making a long-distance move.
But before packing your life into boxes, take a deep breath and relax. We’ve got you covered with this list of must-dos for avoiding big hassles when moving out of state. So let’s get started!
Give yourself enough time to plan the move — at least two months in advance
Relocating to a different state is a big undertaking that requires a significant amount of time and effort. To avoid the hassles associated with moving long-distance, it is important to plan and give yourself enough preparation time.
Aim for at least two months in advance from when you intend to start the packing and shipping process. It allows you to properly coordinate transportation and navigate the administrative side of the move, such as transferring license plates, registering for utilities, obtaining new medical records, etc.
Remember that any move—long-distance or not—becomes significantly more manageable when it’s pre-planned well in advance.
Get rid of anything you don’t need
When it comes time for moving out of state, one task you don’t want to forget is getting rid of anything you don’t need. Having a garage sale might be the perfect opportunity to part with your unnecessary items and make some cash along the way.
If having a yard sale isn’t feasible, consider donating the items to charity or simply throwing them away. Making the effort to do this before your move will help save time down the road and keep your new living space clutter-free.
Pack your belongings carefully
Careful and thoughtful packing is the key to a smooth moving process. Take the time to label all boxes with their contents so you can ensure nothing gets lost in the chaos of your move. Staying organized and keeping track of where each item goes during this chaotic time will help save you headaches when unpacking and looking for specific items in your new home. Additionally, labeling boxes with their contents will allow movers to better manage their time by knowing what they are moving before they arrive.
Hire a reputable moving company that is licensed and insured
Moving to another state can be a complex endeavor, and ensuring the safe transport of your possessions is an essential task. Hiring a reputable moving company that is licensed and insured should be one of the first tasks on your list.
Not only will this help you avoid any potential hassles due to damaged or lost items, but such companies often offer other services that can make the move much easier. Do some research, read reviews, and talk to friends or family who have used moving companies in the area to find a reliable option that fits your needs and budget.
With a trusted moving company at the helm, you can reduce stress and stay focused on all the other important aspects of transitioning to a new home.
Arrange for utilities to be turned off at your old home and turned on at your new one
Moving to a new home can be a challenge, but a task that might get overlooked is ensuring your utilities are set up in the right way.
Arranging for them to be turned off at your old place and turned on at your new one should not fall through the cracks! Doing this gives you one less thing to worry about when making the transition.
Taking care of it ahead of time will help avoid potential problems, like not having gas and electricity when you arrive, or still being billed for services at an address you’ve moved away from. Sorting out these details beforehand will ensure that when you move in, everything is in order and the hassles are minimized.
Forward your mail to your new address
Moving to a new state is an exciting experience, but you’ll want to ensure that your mail follows suit. One of the most crucial things to do when relocating is updating your mailing address with the U.S. Postal Service.
It prevents incoming letters and packages from going to your old place and getting lost. Allowing for a temporary forwarding service is easier than updating every single account or person with whom you’re in contact with about your new address.
You can set up a forwarding address through USPS either online or in-person at a post office, allowing you time to settle in before sending out notices about your change of residence. Don’t miss out on this important step and risk not receiving those important documents!
About Southwest Movers:
Are you looking for the best long-distance movers? Sit comfortably and enjoy an optimum moving experience with Southwest Movers— the best movers in Miami—while we pack your items and safely transport them to your destination. We provide excellent customer service with complete reliability, state-of-the-art equipment, good old-fashioned hard work, and friendly professionalism. Visit our website, call 1(800)562-1084, or write to info@swmovers.net for more information about our services.