Found A New Property? How To Plan For Your Interstate Move

Picture the following. After searching out of state and finally finding a new residential space for you and your family, you’re now excited to settle in your next neighborhood. You want to start decorating your home, socialize with neighbors, and visit local entertainment establishments.  

But before that happens, there’s one more task to complete: planning an interstate move. Moving across state lines is a complex process that requires careful preparation. It involves packing up all your belongings, transporting them to another state, and unpacking everything once you reach your destination. Aside from that, you still have to notify utility companies that you’re transferring to a new address.  

It might be tempting to think about moving out of state as just another move you can handle alone. But if you don’t prepare properly for this relocation, it could become a headache that costs more time and money than necessary. This is why many families outsource the expert services of a reputable moving company that’ll help them have a fuss-free experience. In addition, a moving company can help carry heavy items, such as luggage and furniture, and move them safely. 

How do you ensure the success of your intestate move planning? Here are nine steps that’ll make the entire process as smooth as possible: 

Select An Interstate Moving Company 

When moving across states, looking for an interstate moving company is suggestible. They offer services like packing and unpacking, providing insurance for belongings, item storage, and disassembling and reassembling appliances. Unfortunately, there are scammers out there who tend to take advantage of homeowners in this situation.  

So, how do you know if a moving company is reputable? You go through in-depth research. The following are four tips to avoid the risk of falling victim to fraudsters: 

• Check the qualifications of the company before you hire them. They must be able to show a Department of Transportation (DOT) number and commercial licenses. The DOT number indicates that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) approved their operations. Having licenses means that they’ve undergone training and passed exams on federal transportation regulations. In short, they abide by legal standards, and you can entrust your belongings with them. 
• Read online reviews about the moving service provider to learn more about their reputation from previous clients. Aside from that, a good interstate moving company should have an online presence on social media and its website.  
• Ask for a copy of the moving contract from the company. The contract indicates their moving services, liability in case of damage or loss, payment terms, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution. And it outlines the confidentiality of your personal or financial information and the termination of the contract in case either party terminates it early. 
• Get an estimate and compare pricing structures to other moving companies. This helps you compare rates based on the size of your home and the number of items to be moved across states. Having an estimate lets you determine which company best fits your moving needs and budget. 

Schedule Your Move  

After choosing interstate movers, scheduling when your move will be is the next step in your moving plan. This is essential as it gives you enough time to book a schedule with the movers very early on in the game. 

As you schedule the move, you must decide on the moving date by determining which season is the most favorable. For most moving companies, the peak season starts from April until October, so there’s a high demand for their services. If you have a fixed schedule, consider scheduling ahead to avoid running out of available slots. 

But if your schedule is flexible, consider moving during Fall, which is usually the off-season for moving companies. They have less demand so they can accommodate your urgent request. If you want a more cost-effective option, try moving during Winter. Since there will be lesser demand, most companies generally charge less from November to February. In other words, if you’re on a tight budget but still want the best services, Winter is the best time of the year for you to make the move. 

Once you figure out a date for your move, start calling your chosen interstate moving company. That way, they can secure your slots immediately and minimize the hassle. 

Visit Your New Neighborhood 

After setting up the move, you should visit your new neighborhood. This is an excellent time to explore local entertainment hubs, grocery stores, playground for your children, and even their schools. Doing so gives your kids something to look forward to, especially if they struggle with the transition. 

You can also get a feel for the type of people who live in your new neighborhood. This allows you to start making friends with them before moving in. Who knows? They might lend you a hand in decorating your home or give tips on adjusting to life in your new address.  

Set Up Your Utilities  

As you familiarize yourself with your new neighborhood, you must still organize your utilities. Since you’re moving to a different household, it’s best to set up everything in advance so that the transition goes smoothly. 

For example, if you’re moving into an apartment or condo, check with your landlord whether there’s an existing account for water and electricity. If not, don’t hesitate to contact your current provider and set up an account in advance. If you bought a home instead of renting one, ensure all utilities are connected before closing on the property. This saves time and energy once everything is finalized. 

Most importantly, set the cancellation date for the utility accounts at your old address. 

Have An Inventory Of Your Belongings 

Once you organize everything, it’s time to list down all your belongings. Yet before anything else, declutter your home first. You wouldn’t want to bring all unwanted items to your new home as they only take up space. Take some time off and go through your belongings.

When decluttering, gather trash bags and label them with ‘donate,’ ‘for repair,’ and ‘trash.’ This way, you’ll know what items should be donated or repaired instead of being thrown away or sold at a yard sale.  

After removing unwanted items, start creating a spreadsheet of all your belongings. List all kitchenware, clothing, furniture, electronics, and other household items. This ensures that you won’t forget anything important when moving day arrives. 

Pack Your Stuff 

Now that you have an inventory of your stuff, begin packing them. This is a crucial step; some items need extra care and attention. Using proper packaging results in damage on the move.  

Here’s a list of tips on how to pack your belongings: 

• Gather packing supplies, such as boxes, plastic bags, tape, scissors, markers, and bubble wrap. In addition, you may use old newspapers or magazines for wrapping fragile items like glassware and mirrors.  
• Label boxes properly. Use the inventory list you created earlier to label each box with its contents and room location. This way, it’ll be easier for movers to unpack and put things back in their place after unpacking them at your new zipcode.  
• Bring an essentials bag that contains everything you need during the move and right after you arrive at your property. This includes keys, chargers, snacks, a first-aid kit, extra clothes, toiletries, beverages, and scissors.  
• Store documents in a secure box. For your important documents like birth and marriage certificates, tax records, and insurance policies, place them inside a secure box. Then, bring the package with you during the move to prevent it from getting ripped or dripped with water. 

By adequately packing all your items, you can ensure they won’t get damaged during transportation. 

Consider Temporary Housing  

Consider looking for temporary housing if your new property isn’t ready for occupancy. If you have friends or relatives around the neighborhood, try contacting them. Ask if you can stay there for a week or even a month. But if no one’s available, look for temporary rental units like apartments, corporate housing, condominiums, or hotels near you. This way, contractors can complete the construction work without disturbing your family. 

Clean Your House 

After removing all your belongings and loading them onto the moving truck, remember to clean your old house. You don’t want to keep all the dirt and the tools lying on the floor. This is important, especially if you’re selling your home and want the next homeowners to start fresh.  

You can outsource a professional cleaner, or you can handle the cleaning yourself. This involves wiping the surfaces, vacuuming and mopping the floors, scrubbing the toilet, and disinfecting all areas. This ensures that your home is free of germs and dust mites. 

Make Preparations

Once you arrive at your new property, there are still a lot of areas you need to cover. Here’s a list of things you must attend to as soon as you arrive to your new address: 

• Update your driver’s license the soonest. This is a crucial step, as most states allow a specific grace period in switching the address in your license. On average, it ranges from ten to ninety days. Just check the requirements in your new state for a smooth process. 
• Start unpacking your belongings by starting with your necessities, such as medications, toiletries, chargers, and food. Then, go on and organize your kitchen by hooking up all appliances. After that, unpack body care products and towels in the bathroom. Next, prepare the bedrooms to get your beds ready. You may even let your kids participate in the unpacking by allowing them to design their rooms. 
• Change your locks, especially if you’re moving into a home with a previous occupant. This is essential as it protects your household from possible burglary. 

These tips ensure your move into your new place is stress-free.

Summing It All Up 

Planning an interstate move isn’t easy; it requires much time and effort. Nevertheless, making an interstate move doesn’t have to be complicated, either. With these tips, you can lessen your stress levels while preparing to move to a new property. All the best.