Moving across state lines is exciting, but also nerve-wracking. Because of that, it’s essential that you plan as much as possible. Before an interstate move, you want to visit your new city, learn as much as you can about it, find a place to live, and sort out your moving details.
Preparing your pre-move checklist will take some time, but it will make everything else related to your interstate move fall into place more easily. Let’s take a look at the steps you want to take before interstate moving companies help you relocate.
Take Some Time to Visit Your New City
If you have the time and ability to do so, take some time to go ahead and visit the city that you’re going to be moving to. More often than not, you will be able to use this trip to become familiar with the place and to see what is exciting. You can also take this opportunity to learn your way around.
Take your family with you if you can. Then, they can see where you’re headed and learn a little bit about the area as well. Check out places to eat, take a walk at the local park, and just have fun together as you get to know your soon-to-be home.
Learn About Schools and Other Local Resources
Every community has a variety of resources available to those who live there, and it’s really important to familiarize yourself with them before you relocate. See what stores are in the local area and learn as much as you can about community organizations that you may want to be connected within one way or another.
If you have children, it’s important to take some time and learn as much as you can about the school(s) that you may have to choose from. This can help you to determine where you want your new home to be located and figure out your schedule in relation to that decision.
Find a New Home or Apartment
Now that you’ve learned about what is available and you’ve checked out local resources, it’s time to explore your options for a new place to live. Are you looking for a house or an apartment? What part of your new city do you want to live in? And how much of a commute do you want to deal with?
If you’re in a more urban area, you may want to do some research into public transportation and how that may affect where you want to live, as well. Some suburban areas may also provide access to public transportation; you just want to check that out.
Work with a real estate agent as you look for a new place. They can typically help you to learn the area better and give you insight into what may be available and how to negotiate a fair price for the home that you want to get your hands on when you find it.
Choose a Moving Date (or Range of Dates)
Now, it’s time to sort out a moving date. You want this to correlate with the day you can move into your new home or apartment, or at least be within a few days of doing so. If you can, you want this to be a range of possible dates instead of just one date.
A range of dates will open you up to more opportunities when you go to hire a cross-country moving company. It also could reduce the overall interstate move cost if you move outside of “peak season” and/or on a weekday (more specifically, Tuesday or Wednesday). It also opens you up to making more time between your moving date and the first day of school or work.
Find a Great Moving Company to Help You Out
Now, it’s time to find interstate moving company that can take care of things for you. You want to hire a out-of-state movers from a moving company that has experience in moving and that is going to be able to help you complete your move within a reasonable amount of time.
Get quotes from 3 to 5 movers at the most. Compare those costs and make sure that you get the best value for what you need from a moving company. This can take some additional time, but if you have time to spare, then it will be worth the results that you get for your effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are interstate moves stressful?
As you may expect, any move can be a really stressful and overwhelming thing to try and sort out. Interstate moves are more so, because there’s just so much that you need to be sure to take care of before you leave the state. A good moving company can help reduce that stress and give you guidance on how to make it easier.
How much should I budget for an interstate move?
Your moving company will likely charge somewhere between $2500 and $5000 for your move, depending on how much you’re taking with you and how far the interstate move is. You also want to budget for gas, storage, overnight accommodations (for multiple-day trips), and food.
How long can I expect my move to take?
Interstate moves can take anywhere from a couple of days to a week or more. If you’re moving across the country, then you may even take longer depending on your circumstances. Plan things out accordingly with your moving company and your family so you can stay ahead of everything.
Staying Ahead of Your Interstate Move
There are so many details around interstate moves that you have to try and stay ahead of it. Even if it’s only a possibility right now, you want to try and get the ball rolling so that you aren’t rushed to complete everything a couple of days before moving day.
