Picking up your current life and placing your roots in a new location are a significant milestone. If you’re overwhelmed, you’re not alone. In fact, over 35 million Americans move every year, with 13.4% of them moving to different states. Whether you’re changing jobs or want a fresh start, moving out of state can be a long, stressful, and exciting experience.
To make it easier for you, here are some crucial things you need to prepare for when moving to a different state to ensure a seamless moving process.
Secure a Job and a Place to Live Beforehand
Securing a job and housing before moving to a new state is the most crucial part of moving from state to state. In most states, the government requires you to pay at least one visit to your new state to find a job or a new home. Take advantage of this and go job and house hunting, searching for decent jobs and houses with the full black fencing you’ve always wanted. Locking down occupation and place to live early on saves you from a lot of stress and money.
Determine If You’re Going to DIY Move or Hire Professional Movers
Generally, if you’re moving a lot of your things, it’s better to hire professional movers to streamline the process. But if you only need to bring a few things and have a moving-ready vehicle, it’s better to do it yourself.
Find Moving Reputable Companies Offering Interstate Moves
If you plan on moving most of your existing belongings to the next state, it’s best to search for a moving company at least a few months before the move. Plus, shipping your stuff out early helps ensure they’ll arrive on time, making your move significantly less stressful.
Draft a Realistic Moving Budget Plan and Stick to it
Making a budget and sticking to it prevents you from overspending, which can be extremely beneficial. After all, moving isn’t cheap. That’s why it’s best to know how much you can spend on the move. Generally, placing around 10% of the final total aside can help you pay for any unexpected fees.
Research Nearby Schools
If you’re moving with kids, do your research and look for the best school districts for your new home. You can check their credibility on several websites and see previous students’ ratings on the district’s culture. When you decide on a place, notify your kids’ current school, and they’ll be the ones responsible for the record-transfer procedures.
Get Rid of Things You Never Use
After having everything organized, it’s time to pack. A massive part of efficiently packing when moving to other states is purging. It’s best to sell some of your unneeded items online. Doing this helps you get rid of the things you never use productively, allowing you to let go and earn more.
Pack Smartly
When packing, begin with your supplies. Ensure you buy boxes of the same sizes to simplify the stacking process and label each one to make it easier for you to unpack your things on the big move.
Update Your Address
Moving to a different state is a significant change, and you need to ensure all relevant institutions know about that change. So, make a list of all the government branches or organizations you need to notify before weeks or months in advance.
Moving to another state can be a lengthy and tiring process since you’ll be rearranging many aspects of your life. Fortunately, you can make the process easier with the tips mentioned — ensuring a smooth move.