A Guide to an Efficient Move Into Another State

When moving to a new state, you will be met with both excitement and stress. It’s no secret that moving house is stressful because there is so much to do; plus, there is the added worry of all the things that could go wrong. Any move has its risks, but moving across state lines has even more risks, especially if you’re a family moving. If this is your first move, you will probably find it bewildering and overwhelming. If it’s not, then you want to avoid the mistakes that happened during your previous move.

2 Months Pre-Move

• Arrange with Movers

This is the time to schedule with a moving company if you’re planning to use one. The earlier you do this, the better because some days and months are busier for movers than other times; for instance, Fridays tend to be busy days as well as the summer months. Making early arrangements will provide you with more options.

A company will be responsible for packing items onto their trucks, driving to your new location, and unpacking your items. You’ll want a company that is equipped to do those things efficiently and professionally. If you live in Orlando, fellow Floridians suggest using an online website to find the best and most reliable movers in the area to make your move stress-free. This way, you can get a quote, which will allow you to select the moving company that suits your budget. When scheduling a company, make sure your arrangements with them are in written form. 

• Declutter

There are other things you can also do during this period, such as selling or giving away items you won’t be needing. You want to declutter before you move, not after.

• Research the Area

You may already know a little about the state you’re moving to, but you’ll need to know more details. At least two months before the big move, start looking at where the closest shops are, where the closest hospital is and research public transport options. If you have kids, you’ll also need to decide on which school they’ll be attending, and you may also want to look at some activities you can do with them in the area. Take a look at these things to do in roswell new mexico, for example, if you’re moving to the Roswell area. Museums, parks and cinemas are all things you’ll want nearby to keep them entertained, so make sure you know what’s on offer!

1 Month Pre-Move

Prepare for the Change of Address

If you’ve got the new address, start making arrangements to update it. You want to update it for utility companies, bank and credit card companies, any insurance providers, and so forth. Besides making sure your mail is forwarded to your new address, you need to check the online websites that you have your contact information on and set a reminder to update your address.

Get Moving Supplies

You’re going to need boxes of different sizes, markers, name tags, packing tape, and other types of supplies. If there are things you’re sure you won’t be needing this last month before the move, you can start packing them right away. 

Arrange for Help

You might not be able to do it alone, and if you can find a friend or someone to help you, arrange a day with them that suits you both. 

2-3 Weeks Pre-Move

Pack Room By Room

You have to remain organized instead of just chucking things into boxes. This means that bedroom items should go into boxes marked “Bedroom”, kitchen items go into boxes marked “Kitchen”, and so on. 

Fragile Items

Fragile items have to be packed alone and made clear to anyone helping you move that they must be handled with caution. When packing glass or china, for instance, wrap each item separately in bubble wrap and pack them upright instead of stacked up. When stacked, they are more likely to break. It’s not only glass items that can be broken, lampshades and stereo equipment are also very prone to damage. 

Cleaning

By now, you want to arrange for thorough cleaning of your apartment or house before you leave it. Your lease might require you to do this, so have this on your checklist as well. Cleaning as you go along when each room empties will be helpful.

Clothes

Any clothes that won’t be worn during this coming period can be packed in suitcases or boxes. Make sure that you don’t need them so that you don’t pack essential things away by accident.

1 Week Pre-Move

Food

Consume what you already have, since you probably won’t be moving any food with you.

Pack Your Essentials Separately

Keep essential items with you at all times. This could be critical documents or any items that you will need once you arrive at your new place. 

Make Confirmations

This is the time to confirm all the scheduled appointments you have made concerning the move. This could be with the movers, or if you have special arrangements made for pets and kids. If you’re traveling by car, make sure your car is in top mechanical condition.

With these steps, you should be ready and raring to go by moving day. When you take it one step at a time, plan ahead, start early, and stay organized you won’t have to deal with all the annoying hassles that can happen when moving from one state to another. You’ve got this!