2. Set a budget

From boxes to bubble wrap to the costs of hiring a moving crew, moving expenses can pile up quickly if you aren’t careful, especially when you’re moving out of state. Take the time to set your budget for moving. What’s an appropriate amount you’re willing to spend? Read up on our favorite moving hacks for some cheap tips to get you started.

3. Downsize, downsize, downsize

When it comes to moving out of state, it’s especially important to take a hard look at your belongings. What can you reasonably take with you? What can you put up for sale online or at a garage sale? Will you need to rent a storage unit for a brief period while you’re transitioning? Planning and having a strategy will allow you to focus your efforts accordingly and can potentially cut down on your moving costs.

4. Prepare your pets and little ones

Moving is a stressful event, and even more so when you add kids and pets into the mix. For your furry friends, be sure your vet knows about your upcoming move so you can take your pet’s medical records and any prescriptions with you. They may even have a recommendation for a vet in your new location — all you have to do is ask.

When it comes to preparing your kids for a move, planning and communicating is key. Let them ask questions about why they’re moving, give them space to process their emotions about the upcoming transition, and pack their treasured items with care.

5. Hire a reputable moving company

Once you’ve settled on what belongings are moving with you to a new state, you’ll need to secure reputable movers who will handle your stuff with care as you make the long journey. Ask family, friends and neighbors for feedback on the companies they’ve used, both good and bad experiences.

Before you hire a company, it’s important to ask questions like these:

• Are you properly licensed?
• Have you done my kind of move before?
• Can you provide a binding quote?
• How long do you expect my move to take?
• Do you subcontract your moves/Will you or someone else be delivering my items?
• What is your cancellation policy?

You can research your potential movers on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's website.

No matter how carefully you pack your items or how well the movers handle your stuff, accidents can still happen. You may want to consider moving insurance as an added layer of protection and peace of mind for a long-distance move.

6. Forward your mail

Make sure you notify the USPS of your change of address several weeks before it is time to move. If you need to open a P.O. box in your new city first, be sure to do that before asking the postal service to forward your mail. Don’t forget to inform your friends and loved ones as well. Get a handy list of parties you may need to notify, a timeline and more change of address tips here.

7. Check into a new driver's license, insurance and vehicle registration

After establishing residency in your new state, you will have a limited timeframe to ensure that your driver’s license and vehicle registration are updated;  if you are planning to drive in your new location, that is! 

Visit your local department of motor vehicles office to learn more. This is also a good opportunity to review your auto insurance coverage, make any adjustments based on how frequently you’ll be driving in your new location and obtain quotes from other companies if need be.

8. Take care of your car

If you’re opting to drive your car when moving out of state, making sure your car is in tip-top shape for the journey will give you one less thing to worry about.

Let your mechanic know about your upcoming trip, and make sure get the following items addressed:

• Oil change
• Fluid level check/top off (brake fluid, coolant, transmission, power steering, etc.)
• Hose/belt inspections
• Brakes
• Tires
• Headlights and brake lights

9. Secure your important documents

Keep your most important documents with you when you move, rather than putting another box on the moving truck. You can buy a file box or upgrade to a lock box that is both water and fireproof.

Be sure the following documents are secured:

• Birth certificates
• Passports
• Social Security cards
• Banking documents
• Emergency contact information/insurance/prescriptions

Another helpful tip is make photocopies of your most sensitive documents and back up these photos to a removable flash drive/external hard drive or a secure cloud-based service.

10. Turn on your utilities

Make sure you notify your new utility company of your upcoming move to ensure the electricity and/or natural gas is turned on when you arrive. You can get the utility info from your real estate agent or future landlord. In many cities and states, you have the power to decide who your energy supplier is and are not limited to the services the local utility provides. 

While you’re at it, make sure your current utility company is given ample notice so they can process your disconnect request. You don’t want to get stuck with unnecessary late fees and disconnection charges.

Moving out of state can seem overwhelming, but ample planning and lead time will lighten the load. We hope these tips will help you as you prepare for your out-of-state move!