Moving out of state is more than just relocating your home’s inventory. It’s the beginning of a new chapter in your life—and it’s a big event that should be celebrated!
An interstate move is also a large project that requires detailed organization and careful planning. Fortunately, when you start early and use a helpful checklist for moving out of state, you can have a smooth and stress-free moving experience so you can focus on the many fun and positive aspects of your new city or town.
Start planning your interstate move early
There are a lot of tasks involved in every move, but an interstate relocation has even more details to attend to than a local one. To give yourself plenty of time to stay organized and knock each item off the long to-do list, start planning as early as you can. For interstate moves, at least two and a half or three months is ideal.
However, that kind of time isn’t always possible. For example, if you’re moving out of state for a new job that needs you to start right away, you might be under more of a time crunch. If you have less than the ideal amount of time to plan, ask your family and friends for a hand getting organized and prepared for the move. They can help you chip away at some of the tasks and make the move more manageable for you.
As an added bonus, you’ll get to spend more time with them before you head to your new town!
Hire professional packers and movers
Moving out of state means that your belongings will be in a moving truck for an extended period of time while they’re transported to your new zip code. To help avoid damage to your inventory, set aside a budget to hire professional packers.
Let the experts wrap and box up your prized possessions so they arrive at your new home safely and intact. There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to settle into your new place in a new town to find that a bunch of items were broken due to poor packing. A professional pack means that you’re investing in and protecting your home’s inventory.
Additionally, instead of trying to DIY your move, hire professional movers to handle the heavy lifting. Interstate moving companies can be expensive, but many local movers offer loading and unloading service that can save you time, stress, and money—and help you prevent straining your back from carrying that old, heavy couch.
Learn some packing tips if you’re DIYing it
Maybe you prefer to handle the pack on your own, or maybe you’re boxing up some of your home while the professional packers take care of the more labor-intensive rooms like your kitchenware and books. Whatever the case, you can learn some awesome packing tips to help you pack like a pro.
Here are a few pointers to help you pack carefully and efficiently:
- Use suitcases and duffle bags as packing containers
- Wrap fragile items in towels, bed linens, and clothing
- Label the top and sides of each box with the contents and room location
Careful packing is crucial to a smooth and damage-free move, so take your time and do it the right way. You’ll thank yourself when you arrive at your new place to find that your possessions are all in one piece!
Get in touch with schools, doctors, and dentists
Well before moving out of state, you should research and tour new school options for your kiddos. And make sure the school they’ll soon be leaving knows your timing—they might even throw a goodbye party for your young one!
You’ll also need to find new doctors and dentists. When you let your current medical and dental professionals know you’re moving out of state, ask if they have any referrals or recommendations in your new location. And, of course, confirm that your new doctors and dentists are within your new insurance’s network.
Switch utilities and services to your new home
As you prep and pack for your move day, you’ll have to terminate some services at your old home and set them up in your new city. Here’s a checklist of some services to address:
- Electrical
- Gas
- Water
- Internet
- Cell phone
- Cable or TV streaming services
And don’t forget to update these important items as well:
- Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance
- Health and dental insurance
- Driver’s license or state ID
- Vehicle registration, license plates, and insurance
- USPS change of address form
- Retail and food delivery companies
Moving out of state is a large project, so don’t be afraid to ask your family and friends for some help crossing some of these tasks off your to-do list.
Watch the weather
Inclement weather can really put a damper on a smooth move, as extreme temperatures and any precipitation can slow down the moving and transportation processes. Keep an eye on the forecast for both the state you’re moving from and the one you’re moving to. Moving in bad weather can certainly be done—it just requires a bit more preparation.
If it looks like you’ll have to deal with poor weather during your move, talk to your moving company to see how to best prepare for the movers, and how they can help. For example, they can bring floor runners and carpet coverings to protect your floors in case the forecast calls for rain or snow.
Additionally, if you’re moving in the winter, your moving company will ask you to clear away ice and snow so the move crew can carry items to and from their truck safely and efficiently. And if the temperature will be extremely hot or cold, let the movers take an occasional break and rehydrate so they can keep themselves—and your belongings—safe.
Carefully pack up your documents and high-value items
There are some items that don’t belong on a moving truck, and that you should keep with you at all times during your move. These include documents like passports, birth certificates, and house or vehicle titles. Additionally, any particularly high-value items like currency, coin collections, and jewelry should be packed into your personal vehicle so they never leave your possession.
Many state regulations prohibit moving companies from handling certain items. Plan on keeping these portions of your inventory close to you instead of tossing them into a box that gets loaded onto the moving truck.
Check out the fun things to do in your new town
Alright, you’ve planned your move and taken care of the services in your old and new states. Now it’s time to have some fun: check out all the awesome things to do in your new area!
This doesn’t have to just be tourist traps (although let’s face it: some of those are pretty cool). Here are a few ideas of other ways to get a feel for your new home, its culture, and its personality:
- Historical and art museums
- Bars and restaurants the locals love
- Nearby parks that you can walk around or ride your bike in
- Seasonal festivals
You can also join your new neighborhood’s social media groups. Many people love to brag about where they live and share their favorite haunts, so introduce yourself to your new neighbors and see what they recommend!
Make time for loved ones before moving out of state
Before you pack up and leave your current city, be sure to set aside ample time for the family and friends you’re moving away from.
Schedule lunches or dinners with your favorite people at your favorite local restaurants. Host one last get together at your old home. And let your loved ones throw you a going away party! Sure, anyone can travel for a visit—but you’ll miss them, and they’ll miss you. Let them celebrate you and wish you well in your next chapter.
Celebrate your new home!
Moving out of state is a big deal, so don’t shy away from celebrating it! Once you’ve unpacked and settled into your new home, pat yourself on the back and be proud of yourself for starting a new life in a new place.
Then have some fun! Explore your new town and see everything it has to offer. Get to know your neighbors with a backyard BBQ and invite your friends and family in for a visit. Although moving out of state can be stressful, it can also be a fun and invigorating experience!
Moving out of state can be easy with the best movers in Chicago
We absolutely love our city. If you’re moving to the Chicagoland Area, we’ll unload your moving truck or storage container while welcoming you to your new home. And if life is taking you out of Illinois, we’ll help you pack those boxes, load up your interstate transport, and help you bid adieu to the Windy City.
Contact us today for a free estimate!