Long-distance moving is a pretty complex job, besides the fact that it can be quite costly. There are so many things to take care of, but you can go through the process smoothly with a bit of help from professional movers and our moving to another state checklist.
Get acquainted
The more you’re prepared for your new beginning, the faster you’ll settle in and start calling a new state home. If possible, get familiar with new surroundings before your actual move. Once you see your new neighborhood, you’ll have a chance to walk around, explore, and give yourself a chance to imagine living there. You’ll know what to expect and you’ll have some time to process the fact you’re moving there. If your new home is too far or too expensive to see in person, just get online and do the same thing. Luckily, the internet lets you visit almost anywhere virtually, so take advantage of the modern age and get acquainted with your new country. Keep in mind that the city’s official websites sometimes have online tours, so make sure to check if there are any for your new city.
Set a budget limit
You’ve heard many times that planning a budget is a must if you want to have a smooth move. If you don’t set a limit on your moving expenses, you’ll probably overspend and end up frustrated or even broke. Work out your budget will greatly benefit you – you’ll be able to understand how much you can afford for movers, how much you can spend on travel tickets, etc. It will show you where you need to compromise and cut expenses in order to stay on track with your finances.
Hire reliable movers on time
Probably the most important thing for a successful long-distance relocation is hiring a trustworthy and experienced moving company. To find the best and most affordable mover, it’s crucial you start searching in advance, especially when it comes to out-of-state moves. By booking moving services in advance, you’ll get better moving rates, but more importantly, you’ll be able to choose the mover you want. If you wait to do so last minute, you’ll have limited options and that brings other challenges. Checking if movers are legitimate, talking to them, asking for quotes, and comparing offers are all important steps to finding the most suitable mover. It all takes time, so start looking a few months before your moving date.
Pack smart
The way you pack is always important, but even more so when you’re moving far away. The main reason for that is because moving companies charge based on the size or weight of your shipment. You have to understand how they charge in order to pack accordingly and save money. If they calculate the cost based on the overall weight of your shipment, you’ll definitely want to declutter and leave some of the items behind. Perhaps taking that heavy couch with you is not such a good idea after all. Bringing clutter and too many things is a mistake you should avoid. In case your movers charge based on the size your shipment takes up in the moving truck, make sure you learn some pro packing tips and pack strategically. You won’t have to worry about weight but you’ll have to use all the packing methods to save space.
For example, you can use your suitcase and duffle bags instead of moving bags because you’ll have to use them anyway so why not fill them up with items. Remember that the fewer things you pack, the less you’ll pay for moving services, so declutter and really work out your packing plan. Another important thing is to start packing as soon as you learn about your move. You may think there’s plenty of time but as moving day approaches you’ll have more and more things to take care of and you may get overwhelmed and start panicking. Prevent this from happening and start on time – it’s better to pack bit by bit than to do everything last minute. Also, remember to pack an essentials bag for your trip, with all the necessary items like toiletries, bedding, change of clothes, medications, etc.
Contact utility providers
Moving to another state brings a few challenges, and traveling far away to get from your current home to a new one is one of them. When finally arriving at your new place, you’ll want to catch a breath, relax as much as possible, and take in the new surrounding before you start unpacking and arranging everything. You won’t be able to do so if you arrive in the middle of the night and find out there’s no electricity or if you arrive on a freezing cold day and there’s no heating in your home. To avoid unpleasant experiences, arrange for utilities set up in advance.
Transfer medical records
Easy to overlook but extremely important task relates to your health. Make sure to transfer your medical records or at least bring a copy with you.
Change the address
The first info update you’ll want to do when moving to another state is changing the address in your ID. If you’re expecting time-consuming procedures, worry not, because the USPS website lets you change your address quickly and easily. Let’s not overlook the fact that you’ll get various coupons and discounts with address change and you can use them to cover some of the moving expenses. Besides your ID and passport, other documents will need updating as well. Make a list to make sure you cover everything – your bank accounts, internet services, etc.
If you need interstate moving from NJ, Century Moving Services may be the best choice. Expect to have a smooth and safe cross-country relocation when you hire a trustworthy and experienced NJ moving company. We’re at your service – let’s chat about your upcoming move to a new state. Contact us anytime for a free moving quote.