Moving out of state can be an unnerving experience, especially if it’s something you haven’t previously done. If you are new to the experience, you’ll find that this is different from relocating to a new neighborhood within the same city.
By taking the time to learn about those differences, you’ll be better prepared to have a successful and less stressful move.
1. Research Your Location
It can be helpful to know certain things about your new city ahead of time, such as where the restaurants are mostly located, where the public parks are, and what bus routes are available.
Familiarizing yourself with your new city ahead of time will make it easier for you to get around once you get there.
2. Contact a Real Estate Agent
Unless you’re already familiar with the city through first-hand experiences, consulting a real estate agent can help you find the right home for your family. Real estate agents are familiar with the various neighborhoods and will know which neighborhoods are the best for your situation.
Whether you want to rent or buy, a professional can help you find your new home more efficiently.
3. Take a Bus for Lighter Moves
If you don’t have much, it may not be reasonable to rent a moving van or hire a moving company. In fact, if you can reduce your belongings to under 250 pounds, taking a bus to your new destination may be the best possible alternative.
By relying on Greyhound or another national bus company, you can reduce the burden of having to drive yourself, so you can just sit back and enjoy the ride.
4. Choose Your Moving Company Wisely
If you do have furniture and more belongings, you’ll probably opt for hiring a professional moving company (we recommend looking for them here). While this can definitely make your move easier, it’s important to make sure you hire a reputable and reliable moving company.
You should begin by asking to see their licenses, insurance, and other necessary paperwork. In particular, make sure they’re legally authorized to conduct interstate moves and that they’re insured. It’s also a wise precaution to check online for previous customer reviews. This can give you a more practical impression of the company’s quality of service.
5. Ask About the Delivery Spread
The delivery spread is a date range during which your belongings will arrive at your new home. Interstate moves are kept reasonable because moving companies will load the belongings for multiple customers onto one trailer and deliver items along the same route.
Typically, you should expect a spread of up to 14 days, but ask the moving company in advance to be sure. This will help you better plan out your move to coincide with the arrival of your belongings.
6. Keep Papers and Documents Handy
You’re going to need a number of documents just for your move, such as receipts for insurance, movers, travel arrangements, and more. You’ll also need identification for each family member. You’ll also want to keep other information handy, such as the confirmation numbers for starting utility services in your new home.
Keeping all of this information together in one envelope or folder can help you access what you need without delay.
7. Forward Your Mail
Once you’ve settled your living arrangements, it’s time to file a change of address with the post office. This can take up to two weeks to process, so keep that in mind as you plan your move. Even if you forget, contacting the post office can help ensure your mail is forwarded as soon as possible. This can save you from missing important documents.
Just as is the case with any move, planning ahead is essential to a successful relocation. Getting your belongings and your family to your new home in a different state will be challenging enough, but taking the time to plan everything out will make it a less frustrating event.
Once the plans have been arranged, you may only have to travel to your new home, which can be an exciting adventure in itself.