Moving may or may not be something that is new to you. According to MoveBuddha, on average, an American moves 11 times or more in their lifetime. However, even if moving isn't new to you, moving to a new state can present different challenges. Moving to a new home in a different state or region brings added challenges over local moves as well. With extensive planning and preparation, as well as the help of long-distance moving companies, your long-distance move can go smoothly. Keep these top eight factors in mind when arranging an upcoming out-of-state relocation. Let's take a look for more information!

1. Carefully Map Out a Detailed Schedule

Meticulously map out the timing and a realistic schedule for the entire move, factoring in when you need to provide notice at your old rental or home, the movers' availability, your ideal move-in dates, and any time off work you'll need. Trying to rush or squeeze a long-distance move into a tightened timeframe often leads to chaos, stress, and forgotten steps. Always build in extra buffer room in your move schedule for inevitable hiccups or delays.

2. Review Your Moving Budget Closely

Long-distance moves cost significantly more than local moves due to increased mileage charges and extra labor time. Thoroughly review your moving budget to ensure you have adequate funds earmarked not just for reputable moving companies, but also for associated expenses like storage fees, utility deposits and connections, replacement of any damaged items, and other overlapping relocation costs. Hidden costs frequently pop up before, during, and after long-distance moves, so have a comfortable financial buffer included in your budget.

3. Handle Housing Logistics Well in Advance

Line up and finalize details for your new home or apartment rental far in advance before the moving date, and understand exactly what is included versus any furnishings or utilities you'll need to arrange. For rentals, carefully coordinate overlapping move-in and move-out dates with the two properties. For new home purchases, handle all the pre-work like inspections, appraisals, mortgage approvals, insurance, and complete purchasing well ahead of time.

4. Thoroughly Vet and Select a Moving Company

Only hire fully licensed, insured long-distance moving companies with strong reputations for reliable service and handling moves similar to yours. Get binding quotes from multiple moving companies in writing after they complete in-home estimates. Discuss the movers' insurance offerings, get/return timeframes, vehicle sizes, potential routes, packing/unpacking services, inventory lists, delivery timeframes, and all other logistics in immense detail, so there are no surprises.

5. Downsize and Declutter Ahead of Time

Moving out of state represents the perfect opportunity to declutter and dramatically reduce the number of belongings you actually move. Be utterly ruthless. Hold garage sales, donate to charity, sell items online, or trash unnecessary possessions. Ask yourself honestly, "Will I really use or need this item in my new home?" Pare down to only essentials to avoid overpacking the moving trucks and keep costs manageable.

6. Use Proper Packing Techniques for Your Belongings

Pack fragile items very carefully in plenty of protective materials like bubble wrap and paper. Clearly label the contents and destination room on all sides of each box to vastly simplify unpacking on the other end. Load valuables and essential everyday items you'll need immediately in separate boxes that can be unloaded first at your new home. Alternatively, getting help from moving companies who offer packing services can be a huge help! These professionals can take care of this task while you coordinate all the other details of your move.

7. Get Updated Records and Notify Important Accounts

Well ahead of your move, notify your old state and county tax and vehicle registration offices, DMV to handle driver's licenses, banks, insurance providers, doctors, subscription services, club memberships, and absolutely anyone else tied to your old address. Transfer relevant records, update all accounts with new contact info, register vehicles locally, and make any other important locale-specific changes needed for the new area you're moving to.

8. Accommodate Your Children and Pets

For households with kids, research new pediatricians, schools, childcare options, extracurricular programs, and community resources in your new area for an easier transition. For beloved pets, arrange veterinary record transfers well in advance, plus book pet-friendly lodging along your long driving route.

By thoughtfully covering all of these key points and considerations, your cross-country relocation process will unfold much more seamlessly, cost-effectively, and with less stress or chaos. If you're planning a long-distance move, moving companies can help, including us. Reach out to us at Emanuel Movers, Inc now to obtain a quote for an upcoming move.