Detailed Checklist For Your Big State-to-state Move

Moving in itself is a difficult and lengthy task but moving to another state is all the more hefty. It takes planning to have a successful move right from packing your belongings and transporting and to finding a cost-effective way to move when relocating to a new state. Hiring the best state to state movers is one of the best way to ensure an error-free move. You can also follow the checklist given below to ensure a smooth move to your new home.

Plan a Visit to Your New State and City

It is highly recommended to pay a visit to your new place at least once before you actually move there. This will not only get you a good feel for the location and neighbourhood but will also a feeling of belongingness to the place. Consider bringing a guide book with you and brochures, maps and recommendations from the visitor centre of the city. You can also search online for city’s tourism attractions, local hot spots and under-the-radar hangouts.

Research for Schools

Researching online for school should be of higher priority if you have school-age children. You can ask for recommendations from neighbourhood or at your work place.

Make a Moving Budget

Moving has always been an expensive process and then moving to another state is all the more costly. As per the American Moving and Storage Associationprofessional movers usually charge $4,300for an interstate move on an average.

Plan a budget according to the type of your move as if you’re planning a DIY move, you’ll have to pay for a rental truck or container, moving supplies and other expenses. To make a budget, you need to decide the type of move and the amount you are able to spend on the move.

Next you need to work out on all necessary moving expenses. Don’t forget to keep some extra money aside for emergency and any unexpected expenses. You can also check with your employer if your company covers a part or all of your moving expenses, if moving for a job.

Research and Select a House at the Earliest

When moving to a new place, it is highly recommended to rent a house for the first six months while you get a feel for the city. This will help you to find a safe, budget-friendly place to live as you will get aware of the area in 6 months. You can hire a reputable real estate agent to show you homes in your chosenneighbourhood areas. It is extremely important to hire a right and honest realtor when moving to another state. As a knowledgeable real estate agent will be able to help you and guide you right in your house hunting. They should be experienced enough so that they also know the inside and out of the whole area and neighbourhood surrounding your chosen house. They should be reliable enough to be able to help you with all legal and paperwork.

Research Trustworthy Moving Companies

Make sure to hire a reliable and trustworthy moving company. Look for online ratings and reviews about the company that you are considering. Don’t forget to check the U.S. DOT number, Better Business Bureau ratings, and if any official complaints filed against the company with the FMCSA.

You must also check whether the company is associated with the American Moving & Storage Association. It is important to check whether or not the company is fully licensed and insured, to have peace of mind. Don’t settle for the first company you see online, compare the rates and services of at least 2 to 3 companies. Ask for an on location survey before taking any quotes from any company to stay safe from any last minute confusions.

Plan Your Packing

Make a strategy to pack your belongings. Plan a timeline and the schedule of packing before boxing up anything and everything. It is logical to pack all your non-essentials first. Non-essential items usually include items that aren’t required immediately after the relocation and include books, home decor items, and electronics.

It is important that you pack the essential items like kitchen items, dinnerware and toiletries towards the end. Make your move lighter by de-cluttering your stuff. Donate, sell or recycle the items that you won’t need in the new home. Pack all important documents and records safely in a separate and clearly-labelled box.

Schedule and Transfer Utilities

Contact your utility companies well in advance to let them know you are moving and fill in all the information regarding your new move for an easy and fast transfer. Such utilities usually comprise of cable and internet, water and sewer, gas, electricity, satellite, and security system. Also have a set plan for the transfer or installation of these utilities. Don’t forget to cancel the subscriptions of the services that are non-transferable.

Spread a Word among Your Family and Friends that you are moving

As soon as the date of move is finalised, let your friends, family, neighbours and co-workers know that you’re moving. Even if you don’t have time to sit down with everyone in-person to tell them about the move you can send a simple email or message on social media with your new mailing address and any other additional details about the move you wish to share.

Establish Domicile in Your New State

You may need to establish legal domicile at your new state for tax purposes especially if you’re moving to another state permanently and making it your main place of residence, you’ll need to establish legal domicile for tax purposes.

Renew or Get a New Driver’s License

You’ll need a new driver’s license from your state’s DMV if you are planning to drive yourself. Don’t forget to check your state’s licensing requirements. Many states require new residents to obtain their driver’s license within a specific time window after moving and also keep in mind that while requirements for transferring a driver’s license vary from state to state, you may need a driver’s license, proof of residency, proof of your social security number and an additional form of identification.

Know the Pet Rules

Every state has specific rules for keeping a pet. You may need to register your pet with your city or state. Though the requirements and deadlines vary state to state but commonly all states require owners to register their pets within a month of acquiring the pet or after moving.