Moving state-to-state is a lot of work, which is why you’ll want to make sure you stay on track as you prepare for your move. This relocation checklist will help you keep track of everything that needs to be done before moving day.
What To Do A Few Months Before Your Move:
- Explore Your Options: Are you going to be handling your move yourself, or will you hire movers? Look at your options and gather information so that you can make the right decision.
- Look Into Auto Transport Services: Are you thinking about shipping your vehicle to your new home? If this is something that you’re considering, you’ll want to find out more about these services. See if this is a solution that will work for you.
- Learn More About The Area You’re Moving To: Moving to a new area isn’t easy, which is why you’ll want to do everything you can to make the relocation easier for you. Start researching the area now so that you have a better idea of what you should expect.
- Set A Moving Budget: Cost of moving to another state can spiral out of control quickly, which is why you’ll want to make sure you have a firm budget in mind for your move. Come up with a budget and make sure you stick with it.
- Do A Closet Clear Out: You won’t want to bring all of your things with you. Now is the perfect time to go through your closet and get rid of things you don’t use anymore. That way, you’ll have less to bring with you when you move.
What To Do A Few Weeks Before Your Move:
- Book Your Moving Company: If you do decide to hire movers, this is when you’ll want to book the company you’ve chosen.
- Rent Equipment: If you’re going to be renting a truck, equipment, or other supplies, you’ll want to book your rental now.
- Gather Supplies: You should make sure you have important supplies that you’ll need for your move, such as cardboard boxes and packing tape. Gathering the supplies, you need ahead of time can help you to avoid setbacks.
- Start Packing: Packing is a long process, which is why you’ll want to start packing up your things a few weeks in advance. Leave essential items that you regularly use until the last minute.
- Transfer Utilities: Contact your utility company and inform them of your upcoming move. You’ll want to arrange to have the power shut off at your current address and have utilities transferred to your name at your new address.
- Contact Your Insurance Company: Reach out to your insurance provider and inform them of your move. If possible, you’ll want to stay with the same insurance company. If it’s not an option to transfer your policy, you’ll need to look for new coverage.
- Talk To Your Children’s School: If you have children, you’ll want to reach out to their school and inform them of the move. You should arrange to have their records transferred to the new school that they will be attending.
- Ask Friends And Family For Help: If you’re going to need people to assist you on your moving day, you’ll want to make sure you ask them for help in advance, this can cut-down your moving costs. Let people know that you’re looking for assistance and find out who will be available to help.
What To Do A Few Days Before Your Move:
- Forward Your Mail: You’ll want to fill out a change of address form at the post office so that all of your mail will be sent to your new address.
- Pack A Weekend Bag: There are essential items that you’ll want to have access to before you unpack. You should put items like toiletries in a weekend bag that you’ll be able to access at any time.
- Deep Clean Your Home: Once everything has been packed up, you’ll want to give your home a deep cleaning. Whether you’re moving out of a rental or a home that you’ve sold, you’ll want to leave the property looking great.
- Clear Out Your Fridge: Now is the time to use up any food you have in your refrigerator. While you should be able to box up the items in your pantry, you’ll need to use up refrigerated items or give them away before your move.
- Talk To Your Kids: If you have young children, it’s a good idea to talk to them in the days leading up to your move. Make sure that they’re fully prepared. Answer any questions that they might have.
Keep this state-to-state relocation checklist in hand as you start preparing for your move. A cross-country move can be overwhelming, but you’ll find that it’s easy to keep track of everything you need to do when you can rely on this checklist.