5 Tips to Make your Cross-State Move a Breeze

Moving is considered one of the most stressful things to do in a lifetime, more so even than getting a divorce, according to a recent study. Yet, we all at some stage of our lives, have to or choose to relocate, whether for a new relationship, because you’ve got a new job or for the pure adventure of it. Ensuring you have fully prepared for the move, practically, will help prevent the inevitable stress from building up from the start. These five tips will help ensure you’ve done so.

 

1 Research your new home state

Research can be the best way to get an idea of what further preparation you’ll need to do.

• If a job is not your reason for the move be sure to look for a job in advance to make sure you’ll be able to pay for the move and support yourself on the other side.
• Get a new drivers license at the local DMV, most states have a certain time limit to do so after you arrive.
• Inform your new state that you plan to be a permanent resident. Contact the local municipality to find out what is necessary to do so.
• Find out your new tax structure and what will change. You may be earning more in your new job, but taxes may be higher, or vice versa.
• If kids are in the picture, find out which schools are available and where (this will help you choose your preferred area to live in).
• Find out about public transport availability and costs.
• Research things like weather forecasts for when you arrive, so you can prepare when packing.

Remember to also look into social aspects like exciting restaurants and cultural events in your new town, to help give you things to look forward to on the calendar once you arrive.

2 Organize your new home

Once you’ve researched everything and narrowed down your preferred living areas its time to seal the deal on your new home.

• Find an estate agent who can help you with advice on good deals, areas to aim for or avoid and expected pricing.
• If renting, rent may be significantly higher than your current state, or, happily, lower so inform yourself of average expected rates.
• make sure you budget for not only the first month’s rent but also up to three month’s rent for a deposit. Also, don’t forget to establish what your agent will charge for their services, if anything, and add that in too.

 

3 Pack like a pro

When packing, allocate everything to four ‘piles’.

• Sell – some items may be too bulky or impractical to take with (that static bike you never use, for instance). If they’re in good condition, why not sell them on an online marketplace to make a little extra moving money?
• Give away – donate anything that’s too worn to sell, to your local charity store (keep the receipt, you may be able to get a tax deduction), or give away special items to family or friends who may be interested.
• Pack, non-essentials – items like non-seasonal bedding and clothes, occasional kitchen and bathroom items, decor and books can be packed in advance to ease the final sprint.
• Pack, essentials – leave these items to the last minute, things like your current wardrobe items, daily kitchen items, toiletries, and bedding. This also means they’ll be easy to unpack immediately when you arrive at your destination.

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• Make sure you keep an inventory of every item packed and label boxes, in case you urgently need the fondue pot mid-move.
• Make sure you pack a little travel kit for your pets and that your plants are watered in transit if it’s a long-distance move.

 

4 Move like a pro

• Decide if you’re going to hire a moving company to handle the move from start to finish or just to pack or transport goods, or if you’ll DIY it? If it’s DIY, will you need to hire a van or trailer, or use your own wheels? Make sure you arrange this far in advance to ensure movers or hired transport is available on your preferred date.
• If you’re not driving yourself, arrange for transportation of your car in advance, to ensure it’s there by the time you arrive
• Establish which items may not be accepted by your movers, or which are illegal to move across state lines – things like firearms, alcohol (wine collections), cleaning supplies and even some plants can all cause issues. Speak to your movers or local authorities to find out what may be denied and make appropriate arrangements through specialist movers.

 

5 Inform of your new address

• Contact the USPS to inform them of your new postal address.
• Contact your utility companies, whether you’re keeping your existing supplier or you have to switch, to make sure your current address’ bills no longer come to you, and that the new address will have handy things like water and power when you arrive.
• Finally, of course, let your friends and family know. In the build-up to a move, remembering to tell people that you’re moving can slip through the cracks. You may also want to arrange a farewell, so thats a handy 2in1.
• Don’t forget your furry pals, your new state may need to be informed and a license may need to be obtained, also let your vet know you’re moving and ask if they have recommendations for your new location.

 

Make the move

Realistically you may be pushing to the last minute, however, these tips and a move schedule should give you enough wiggle room to sit back and bask in this exciting new life-change before it happens. Also, don’t forget to ask for help from friends and family, whether it’s help packing, advice on the move or for a bed to crash in on your night of arrival. A little help can go a long way in easing your stress as well. If things get chaotic or overwhelming, remind yourself it is a temporary madness, and that you have a whole exciting new town to explore once its all done. Happy moving.