You’re probably reading this because you’ve found yourself amid an interstate move. You could be moving for a job, or to start a new life. Maybe you’re finally getting out from under the thumb of your overbearing parents and making it on your own. Regardless of why you’re doing it, we know that when it comes to the logistics involved in an interstate move, there’s often a lot more to think about than when you do local moves. And while many people have done their fair share of these types of moves before, they still have questions about what exactly is going on during each stage along the way. This article will provide answers to some common questions, so if you want all your bases covered before taking off, read on.
Prepare a checklist
Creating a moving checklist for your next move is an essential part of the process with local movers. Because you will be handling your belongings, carefully considering what to keep and what to throw away is necessary when making this list. This is where your moving checklist will come in handy. Many moving companies will allow you to make your own list, but they also offer theirs. A good plan is to use both, choosing whichever one works best for you.
With your list, you can create a comprehensive list of items that will ultimately make your move go smoothly. If at any point in time during your interstate move you are not satisfied with the weight or volume of boxes, look over your list again for things that can be easily discarded or sold. Remember to prioritize the task at hand when it comes to deciding what should be packed.
Plan a moving budget
One of the biggest struggles for any relocation process is deciding how much it will cost. Unfortunately, there are many hidden costs associated with moving that one must take into consideration before finalizing your budget or checklists. Some of these costs include spending money on gas for your car, hiring a moving company to transport your belongings to your new location, buying packing materials and boxes, and mailing out wedding invitations or other announcements.
Regardless of why you’re moving, putting together a budget before your move will help ensure that you have enough funding for your relocation. You can plan for gas mileage, moving company fees, and meals on the road. But don’t forget to account for travel expenses! It may be possible to cut back in other areas of your budget if you know that you have a trip into town that will cost money.
Choose the best packers & movers
If you’re doing this all on your own, that’s great. You can save yourself money by just buying the necessary tools and supplies that you’ll need throughout your interstate move. But if you need help moving, don’t be afraid to hire the best long distance movers to take care of everything for you. And rest assured that there are companies out there who will do their best to work within any budget that you have set for yourself.
Some moving companies are considered “budget movers,” while others claim to be more high-end. Don’t hesitate, though, in contacting a company even if you think they may pose a financial strain on your budget. Most likely, they’ll be able to help you out in some way or another, either by working with you on your budget or giving you some extra free boxes to compensate for a higher cost.
Sell or donate unnecessary items
As you clean out your home and get rid of things that you no longer use, pack up anything that can bring in some extra cash. Not only will this help offset the cost of your interstate move, but it is also a very good way to make room for new items when you arrive in your new city or town. You may also want to hold a yard sale or advertise online to get rid of any items that you no longer need.
If you don’t want to go through the trouble of selling things that you no longer need, then another option is to donate your unwanted clothes or other household items. This way, somebody else can enjoy them at no extra cost for you. This is a great way to give back and help those who may need these items more than you.
Pack your goods
With your moving checklist and budget in hand, it’s time to pack up all of your belongings. Start by grouping similar items together so you know how many of each thing you’ll need to take for your move. When packing your belongings, keep in mind the weight of each box. If you have a lot of heavy items, you may need to repack the contents into smaller boxes or containers.
Make sure everything that you pack is under this limit, as it will make your move easier and allow you to fit more into each truck or storage unit. When you’re all packed up, tape the boxes shut with packing tape. Make sure to include your name and new address on any boxes that are going to be sent via mail after your move is complete.
Change your address
Don’t forget to change your address before you move. This is one of the most important parts of the entire process, as it will prevent problems with bills, packages, family and friends sending letters or gifts, etc. Make sure that all relevant places are informed about your new contact information before you go and that you also put this information on your blog and social networking sites. Now that everything is packed away neatly into labeled boxes and crates, it’s time to hit the road.
Conclusion
An Interstate moving checklist can help keep track of all the important things that you need to bring with you on your move. Making sure that these are packed in advance is an excellent way to save time later on. Also, make sure to check with the moving company you hire about any other regulations or requirements for your move. This can help you stay on track for a smooth transition to your new home.
