Moving out of state is so much 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!
Planning an interstate move is also a large undertaking that requires detailed organization and careful planning. When you start planning early and keep a handy moving checklist at your fingertips, you can have a smooth and stress-free moving experience so you can focus on the many positive and exciting aspects of moving to a new city and state.
To help you have the best long-distance move possible, we’ve put together this list of interstate moving tips that you can use regardless of whether you’re going to work with a Chicago interstate moving company or plan a DIY move.
Start Preparing for a Long-Distance Move as Early as Possible
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. Give yourself plenty of time to stay organized and knock each item off your long to-do list. In the case of 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 relocation more manageable for you.
As a bonus, you’ll get to spend more time with them before you head to your new town!
Research Chicago Long-Distance Movers and Packers
Moving out of state means that your belongings will be in a moving truck or a storage container for an extended period of time while they’re transported to your new zip code. To help prevent damage to your inventory, you might want to create a budget to work with a Chicago interstate moving company to help with packing and the actual move.
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 are broken due to poor packing.
Additionally, since DIY moves create a handful of challenges, consider hiring professional movers to take care of the heavy lifting. There are a couple of options here, such as hiring one interstate moving company to handle the entire relocation or hiring local loading and unloading services.
Any professional help you hire can save you time, stress, and money—and help you prevent straining your back by carrying that old, heavy couch.
Learn Some DIY Packing Tips
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 kitchen and living room. Whatever the case, you can learn some packing tips to help you pack like a pro.
Here are a few pointers to help you pack carefully and efficiently:
- Use suitcases and duffel bags as packing containers.
- Wrap fragile items in towels, bed linens, and clothing.
- Put the heavy stuff on the bottom of each box, and don’t overload it.
- 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 and Healthcare Professionals
Not all interstate moving tips are about the actual move—some of them involve getting yourself and your family ready to live in your new city.
For example, well before moving out of state, you should research and tour new school options for your kids. 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 will be covered by your insurance.
Switch Utilities, Services, and IDs 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 (and a landline, if you’re a little old-school)
- Cable or TV streaming services
- Retail and food delivery companies
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
Moving out of state is a big project, so don’t be afraid to ask your loved ones for some help crossing a few of these tasks off your moving checklist.
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.
Additionally, if you’re moving in the winter, your Chicago long-distance movers will ask you to clear away any ice and snow so their crew can carry items to and from their truck safely and efficiently. If the temperature will be particularly hot or cold, let the movers take an occasional break to rest 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:
- Passports
- Birth certificates
- House deeds
- Vehicle titles
- Currency or coin collections
- Jewelry
Many state and federal regulations prohibit moving companies from handling these items, so plan on keeping them close to you instead of tossing them into a box that will get loaded onto the moving truck.
Check Out the Fun Things to Do in Your New Town
Alright, you’ve learned all sorts of interstate moving tips, 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 city!
This doesn’t have to include just tourist traps (although let’s face it: some of those are pretty cool). Here are a few other ways to get a feel for your new area, its culture, and its personality:
- History and art museums
- Bars and restaurants the locals love
- Nearby parks that you can walk around or ride your bike in
- Seasonal festivals
You also might want to 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
Sadly, one of the interstate moving tips that’s often overlooked is setting aside time for the family and friends you’re moving away from. Moving far away is a huge deal, but there are tips to help you cope with it.
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 the next chapter of your life.
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 everything it has to offer. Get to know your neighbors with a backyard BBQ and invite your friends and family into town for a visit. Although moving out of state can be stressful, it can also be a fun and invigorating experience!
We’ve Got the Talent, Experience, and Interstate Moving Tips to Help You Have a Great Long-Distance Move!
We absolutely love our city—and as the best movers in Chicago, we’re here to help you have a great long-distance moving experience. If you’re moving to the Chicagoland area, or if life is taking you out of Illinois, we’re here to deliver an outstanding full-service move.
Consult with our interstate moving specialists today, and we’ll create a custom estimate for you!