Moving involves a lot of planning and work. Moving out of state is one of the most involved types of relocations and there are many extra considerations. The process can become overwhelming with many tasks to be accomplished even before your moving day arrives. However, professional interstate movers and packers can lessen the load and stress of these moves significantly. At Berger Allied Moving & Storage, we offer interstate moving services that make moving long distances as stress-free as possible.
Here are some suggestions to follow when moving interstate:
- Learn About Your New Area
Get familiar with your new area before you move. Learn about places you will need to frequent or your family will need to know about, such as grocery stores, shopping centers, restaurants, post offices, and more. When you visit your future hometown before purchasing or renting a place to live, drive around and get a feel for the area.
- Create an Inventory of Your Items
Produce an inventory of the items you will need to move from your existing residence to your new residence. This can help you plan your packing process. It will also help you and your mover account for your belongings and it helps in the valuation of your items. You could also indicate the condition of each item on your list.
- Begin Packing Early
Rushing the packing process at the last minute can result in leaving behind important items or forgetting to complete other tasks, such as moving notifications to various entities. Packing late puts you and others under unnecessary pressure where mistakes can be made. Start the packing process early – even weeks or months in advance of when you choose to hire an interstate moving and storage company. In this way, you can do so calmly and at your own pace. It also gives you time to downsize and declutter as the process goes forward.
When moving day arrives, experienced interstate drivers from moving companies will know how to transport your items safely.
- Find a Great Realtor Early On
At least two or more months before moving day, you should be in touch with a reliable real estate agent to help you find your new home. A realtor is often your best option when you need help with the entire home search and purchase process. These professionals can help you find homes that match your requirements.
- Gather Important Records
Use checklists to ensure you collect all of your important records together before you move. Keep them in a box and label them. Some of the documents you need to transport yourself include birth certificates, health records, tax forms, social security cards, and school records.
- Declutter and Organize
Moving is the ideal time to declutter your current residence, throw some things away, and donate other things you don’t need anymore. You can set up four piles if you wish – keep, throw away, sell, and donate. With less to move, your interstate move will be that much easier. And you can try to make some money in a garage sale or by offering items in an online marketplace if you so desire.
- Schedule Your Mail Forwarding
About 2-3 weeks before moving day, contact USPS to schedule your pending address change. You can do this by going to their website – USPS.com – and setting the date you want your snail mail to start going to your new address.
- Contact Utilities
In the same way you changed your mailing address with the postal service, remember to contact all of your utilities and other service providers about shutting off service at your existing residence. You also need to contact utilities and service providers that will service your new home. These will include electric, gas, and other utilities and service companies, such as internet service providers.
- Transfer Your Driver’s License to Your New State
If you will be driving in your new state, you are going to need a new driver’s license for that state. There is usually a duration of time allowed by states to get this done after you become a resident. In order to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to your new state, you may need to visit a local DMV. The documents you typically need to bring with you include your social security card, current driver’s license, birth certificate, and proof of residency (i.e. a utility bill in your name).
- Hire a Reliable, Experienced Moving Company
Interstate moving and storage companies are plentiful. However, it is important to do your due diligence to find a reliable and experienced provider in long distance relocations. Get recommendations from family and friends. Check out online company reviews. Verify the licenses of prospective movers with the Department of Transportation. Get quotes from a number of interstate movers to compare.
Moving out of state can be stressful without following the tips above. However, with proper and careful planning and preparation, your interstate move can be seamless and enjoyable.
For information about the interstate moving services our team offers at Berger Allied Moving & Storage, call us today at 866.969.5040 or request a free moving quote.
