How To Prepare When You’re Moving Out of State

Moving can pave the way for new adventures, but it also includes plenty of hassles. Let’s face it—some of us probably made excuses before when our friends asked us to help them with this very task.

However, moving to a different state comes with new challenges. You often don't know anybody in the new place to which you relocate, which makes finding help even more difficult. Discover how to prepare when you’re moving out of state to help make the process as painless as possible.

Do Your Homework

Before deciding on such a big life change, ensure that you have thoroughly researched the new area. A place might sound nice on paper, but experiencing it might lead you to discover otherwise. Try your best to visit the potential home or state in person before moving.

Details matter in these situations, so figure out what your family needs most. Some important factors to consider are:

• The crime rate in the area

• Good school district for kids if you have children

• The overall location and if it works well for your lifestyle

  • You may want to be near important places, like hospitals and grocery stores

Figure Out Your Budget

Knowing how much you can afford to spend on a move greatly affects your decisions. For example, you may want to know if your budget allows for professional movers. The cost of professional movers largely depends on your belongings in your current home. For the average family, you can plan to spend around $5,000.

By figuring out your costs, you can determine what you can afford. You can also discover how much you need to save.

Transporting Your Vehicle

Another factor in most people's budget is whether they should drive or transport their vehicle. Professionals probably should transport old vehicles, as the mileage may result in costly repairs. You can prepare accordingly by asking a logistics company questions about the costs of their services.

Even if you have a car that can handle the drive, you may want to avoid hitting the road with all you have to think about. Fly to your new destination instead. However, if the thought relaxes you and your vehicle seems capable, you can drive yourself.

Pack Gradually and Early

It's best to tackle packing little by little when you can. This is a crucial step in how to prepare when you’re moving out of state. You'll feel incredibly stressed if you save it all for the end.

Here are some packing considerations to set you up for success:

• Start packing early so that you can take your time.

• Donate items that can have a second home.

• Throw out old belongings that are past their prime.

• Organize boxes by each room.

• Clearly label each box so that you know what's in them and where they belong.

• Consider moving insurance for expensive items, especially when using professional movers.

Moving out of state comes with many challenges but also exciting new possibilities. Preparing ahead of time gives you the chance to enjoy the adventure.