Moves are always stressful—and it can be even more so if you’re moving cross-state. Besides packing all your belongings and hiring reliable moving companies in Wilmington, NC, you must get to know your new city, research available utilities and weather, or even find a new job.
Luckily, planning ahead can be a great way to ensure your cross-state relocation is smooth and trouble-free. To help you achieve that, we created this checklist.
Moving Checklist for Out-of-State Moves
1. You Created a Budget
Out-of-state movies can be costly, and the costs can easily add up if you don’t have a job already at your new home. For that reason, coming up with an accurate budget should be step one.
Consider the amount of belongings you have, whether you’re downsizing, if any delicate items require extra care or insurance, and storage costs. You might not be able to move all your belongings at once, and storage costs can greatly vary depending on the zip code. Make sure to look for a company that won’t affect your finances.
2. You Found a Trustworthy Moving Company
The price of out-of-state movers will differ depending on the company, so look around and ask several providers for quotes. The best out-of-state moving companies will be upfront about their pricing, so do not be afraid to ask questions about what is and is not covered.
While the cost of moving is an important consideration when selecting a moving company for an out-of-state relocation, it is not the only one. Reputation, track record, and professionalism are also important aspects to investigate.
3. You Created a Packing Inventory
Making a packing inventory for any move, including cross-state relocations, is essential. Knowing what you want to keep, sell, and donate ahead of time will significantly reduce the amount of stuff you have to transport from one state to another.
Before you start pulling apart your closets, make a list of everything you own. Clothing not worn for over a year can be donated or sold (depending on condition). Some furniture may accompany you to your new home, but others may need to be updated and replaced.
Once you have decided what to give and what to keep, create a packing schedule, tackle one room at a time, and begin purchasing packing supplies.
4. You Organized Paperwork
When moving to a different state, one of the most crucial things is to organize your paperwork and update your records. Among the things that must be taken care of are:
- Credit cards
- Insurance
- Utilities (cancel old utilities and arrange for new utilities in your new home)
- Voting registration
- Driver’s license
- Mail forwarding
- Medical records
While some of these items can be changed before your move, others might need to wait until after you’ve settled. It will be helpful to have a list of moving-related documents to stay organized.
5. You Notified People and Relevant Parties
When you move out of state, you must notify everyone who needs to know. This includes friends, relatives, employers, and any other pertinent parties. Tell them where and when you will be moving. And, of course, have a goodbye party with everyone you love!
Reach Your New Home Safely with Moving Companies in Wilmington, NC
There are several reasons why people decide to move out of state. Maybe you’re looking for new job opportunities, or your goal is to live in an area with a better climate. Perhaps you just want to start anew. Whatever your reason is, planning ahead with this moving checklist can ensure you start at your new home on the right foot.
Additionally, finding a moving company you can rely on is crucial to avoid stress. Pink Zebra Moving is here to help you. Find a location near you and contact us today!