How to Prepare for an Interstate Move

Moving houses is always a busy and extensive process, but moving to another state adds a whole new layer of complexity. Compared to changing homes locally, there are several other things you need to consider with long-distance moving. They include updating driver’s licenses, re-registering license plates, and finding new hospitals and family doctors.

Feeling stressed about such a big move is almost unavoidable. However, a careful and well-researched plan will significantly diminish the strain and improve your overall moving experience. To help you get started, below are some things you need to do to help ensure a successful interstate move.

Research Movers Properly

Moving companies come in all shapes and sizes. When choosing one, go specifically for interstate movers. The demands of the open road differ drastically in cross-country moves, so you must choose moving companies that have the experience, equipment, and manpower in this area.

To start, do a quick search online and look for interstate movers that serve your current and new address. Check their platforms, learn their services, and read the reviews. Once you come up with a list of movers that meet your criteria, call to get a quotation and find out if they can meet your schedule.

Consider Hidden Costs and Other Expenses

Transparency in costs is essential to ensure a good rapport between you and your movers. Hence, ask for a clear breakdown of services and how much they will cost. Make sure to ask about other fees as well, such as insurance and shuttle services (if the roads are too narrow). Another scenario is if you have a lot of belongings, in which case, you may need to consider moving with storage.

Aside from what you would be paying the movers, consider your personal moving expenses as well. Traveling expenses, food, and temporary housing are some of the things you need to take into account when creating a budget.

Schedule Your Move Early

Moving companies have their own schedules, which could be especially busy during the peak season in summer. Hence, remember to schedule your move at least one month before to ensure a spot. After all, the last thing you want is to settle for an unreliable mover if your top choice already had prior appointments.

Additionally, call your moving company a week before moving day and confirm your reservation. This will help you avoid a no-show situation and find an alternative moving solution as needed.

Declutter Your Belongings

The more things you have, the more you will have to pay to have them moved. Hence, decluttering your belongings is an effective way to manage moving costs and maybe earn some additional money.

Start by separating your items into three separate piles: keep, donate/sell, and throw away. Only keep those that have a practical or sentimental value to you, which you wish to have in your new life. As for the others, you can donate them to charities, hold a yard sale, or simply dispose of them properly, depending on their condition.

Organize Your Items Efficiently

When your belongings are properly organized, you lessen the chances of items getting lost or damaged. It also helps make the moving process proceed more smoothly because locating packed items is easier.

There are many ways to organize your belongings for interstate moving. Start with grouping items by room and make a list of all the items in each box. Afterward, put labels on your boxes that contain your name, contact number, and new address for easy identification. These clear indicators are especially helpful if you decide to backload with other customers of the movers.

Consider Temporary Storage

If you have many possessions, securing temporary storage before the move could be the best way to go. With only your essentials in the new house, you can unpack them first and slowly adjust to your new neighborhood without any clutter in the house.

Once your home is ready for the rest of your possessions, you can have them delivered for unpacking. Take a large book collection, for example. If your new home does not have the space nor the shelves to hold them yet, affording storage services can help you avoid clutter and keep them safe and clean at the same time.

Make Preparations for the New House

Sometimes, you become so busy packing that you forget to prepare the new house for you and your family. To make unpacking and settling in more efficient for you, remember to make the necessary preparations for your new accommodations.

First, make sure to call the utility companies a week before for an appointment and set aside money for the corresponding fees. As for cleaning the place, you can always do it yourself, but consider hiring professional cleaners if you do not have the time. In this manner, you can quickly unpack your possessions with no worries.

Overall, moving to another state can be daunting and stressful. Thus, it is vital to partner with reliable moving companies that have the experience and manpower to get your items where they need to be. In this manner, you can confidently start your new life in your new place on the right foot.

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