How to plan a move out of state:
These days, many more Americans are deciding to pick up their lives and move out of state. Some people choose to move to the next state over, while others embark on a journey across the country. In 2021, 4.8 million Americans made an interstate move, making up 17.29% of total moves made that year.
There are a number of reasons why someone may want to move to another state. Often people move to another state for job opportunities or to be closer to family or to live in a more affordable place. Some of the most common state-to-state moves include:
- California to Texas
- New York to Florida
- California to Arizona
An interstate move involves a lot of coordination, organization, patience, planning and stress-management. We’ve developed a timeline to help you better prepare for a move out of state.
3 MONTHS BEFORE THE OUT OF STATE MOVE:
- Estimate your budget.
An out of state move can cost several thousand dollars ($1500+), even if you don’t decide to hire a moving company. To afford an out of state move, you should expect to save up before the move. We recommend putting aside money 3+ months in advance. Here are some potential moving expenses:
- Gas
- Airfare
- Moving supplies
- Utilities setup
- Moving Insurance
- Movers
- Van/PODS container (if you choose not to hire a moving company and conduct the move yourself)
- Storage facility (if you need to put stuff in storage while you sort out your new living situation)
- Request at least 3 moving quotes from long distance movers in your area.
Contact several long distance moving companies near you and request a quote! Moving quotes can help you understand the financial burden of your move. Take note of these price points to help you decide on a mover and budget your move.
- Visit your new state and explore!
Whenever possible, it is important to take a trip to your new state to better research on the new place you are moving to. If you cannot physically go there, use Google Maps and other resources like Next Door to research crime, safety and the overall atmosphere. Another great tool is ADT’s Interactive Crime Map.
2 MONTHS BEFORE THE MOVE
- BOOK MOVERS!
If you are hiring long distance movers, then you should try to book them at least 2 months in advance. This can be especially crucial if you are moving during the high season (May-September) when moving companies can get booked up.
- Get moving supplies.
You can typically get moving boxes from the Home Depot, Walmart or Amazon. You can also acquire boxes in your area from Facebook groups, Craigslist, Freecycle and by asking local grocery stores and shops in your neighborhood.
- Let your employer know that you are moving out of state.
If you are not keeping your job, it is crucial to notify your employer and give them notice. This should give them enough time to deal with your absence and find a replacement.
- Find a new job.
If you are not keeping your job, now would be a good time to start looking for your new job. Browse for jobs on Indeed, Linkedin and local classifieds in your new area.
- Research schools, doctors and veterinarians in your new state.
When you move to a new state, you are going to need to find new health and education resources. See what doctors are available in your healthcare network coverage. If you have school-aged children, be sure to look up the deadline for school registration. Also, make sure to notify your child’s school about your move.
1 MONTH BEFORE THE OUT OF STATE MOVE:
- Start packing up your belongings!
Make a to-do list and start packing your house up by room. Make sure to label all of your boxes so that they correspond to what room your items belong to.
- Hold a garage sale!
To make your move cheaper, you are going to want to lighten the load and downsize your belongings. A yard sale is an excellent way to get rid of unnecessary clothes and furniture, while making a bit of cash to help you pay for the move.
- Donate items to neighbors or thrift stores in your area.
If you do not sell items at the yard sale, you can always donate to those in need.
- Use up half empty cosmetics/toiletries!
Try to use up some of your half empty cosmetics so you don’t have to take more stuff with you. This includes hairspray, shampoos, toothpaste, perfume. You can always buy cosmetics and hygiene products when you get to your new state. Also, be sure to get rid of expired makeup and skincare products.
- Use up half empty cosmetics/toiletries!
Try to use up some of your half empty cosmetics so you don’t have to take more stuff with you. This includes hairspray, shampoos, toothpaste, perfume. You can always buy cosmetics and hygiene products when you get to your new state. Also, be sure to get rid of expired makeup and skincare products.
- Ask family and friends for help!
Moving is an exhausting process. Ask your loved ones if they can help you pack or load your car on moving day. Make sure to ask them in advance so they can commit time to helping you move.
- Schedule car shipment.
If you are shipping your car across the country, now is the time to schedule that. Shipping your car across the country can be expensive so make sure to consider that in your moving budget.
1 WEEK BEFORE MOVE:
- Pack a suitcase with all your necessities.
When moving out of state, it is possible that you may get to your new home before your belongings do. Sometimes, moving trucks can take a few weeks to arrive. Therefore, packing a suitcase with all your necessities (clothes, baby supplies) will be a huge help while you wait for the rest of your boxes to arrive.
- Don’t go crazy at the grocery store!
Over the next week, you are going to want to use up everything in your fridge. Don’t buy anything you don’t need, especially perishable grocery items. You want to use up all of your perishable grocery items before the move.
- Hire a cleaner.
If you are renting your current spot, it may be useful to hire a professional cleaning service to clean your place so that you can get your deposit back! Have the cleaner come after you vacate the unit.
- Change your address on all your online subscriptions.
Depending on where you are going, you are going to want to cancel or pause subscriptions that you cannot use in your new state or cannot use while you are in the process of moving.
- Sign up for mail forwarding.
In the same vein, be sure to contact the USPS postal services and turn on mail forwarding to your new address.
- Research pet registration laws.
Every state has different laws and regulations surrounding registration of pets. Some states may require pets to be microchipped or adhere to a specific vaccination schedule.
- Contact healthcare provider.
When moving to a new state, you are going to need to get a new healthcare plan. Be sure to contact your insurance company to learn what your options are.
DAY OF THE MOVE:
- Wake up early!
Get snacks ready. Moving can be a long and grueling process. Make sure that you are hydrated and satiated.
- Take out cash if you are hiring movers if you want to thank them with a tip!
- Hand keys over to the landlord, or new buyer.
- Load the truck and get excited for your new place!
ONCE YOU MOVE TO YOUR NEW STATE & UNPACK:
- Register your vehicle in your new state
In some states you will need to re-register your vehicle within 90 days of moving! Be sure to research the rules of your new state and learn how to switch your driver’s license, title and plate to your respective state. You will also need to contact your insurance company and notify them of the move. You may want to change your insurance company to maximize your savings.
- Change your voter registration.
Whenever you move to a new state, you are going to need to register in your new state so that you can vote come election day.
READY TO MOVE?
Moving to a new state can be a life changing event. Although moving can feel like a drag, big moves like these can open your life up to new experiences, people and opportunities. If you are looking for a professional moving company to help you move out of state, be sure to request a quote from USA Preferred Movers.