Tips for moving out of state for the first time

It is time to move cross-state for the very first time. As you may know, the moving process can be quite hard, complicated, costly, and time-consuming. More so if you have never relocated before. You must create a personalized guide or read a Master Moving Guide if you want to find a reliable moving company, pack like a pro, take care of the legalities, and appoint the right moving budget. There is a lot to do so we have decided to guide you through. Let us together cover all moving-related tasks and ensure you are ready for moving out of state for the first time. Let’s take a look.

Prepare a moving plan for moving out of state for the first time

If you are asking yourself, how many movers do I need, or how many packing supplies to purchase, we have the answer. But before we start pulling out the facts, you should prepare your moving checklist. You will create one as soon as you inspect your entire household. Check all the rooms, garage, attic, basement, and backyard. Focus on robust furniture, fragile items, and hard-to-handle objects. List it all down on the inventory list and populate your checklist with the following as well:

  • Info about movers.
  • Packing plan.
  • Legalities.
  • Moving budget.
  • Chores, errands, and other responsibilities tied to the moving process.
woman creating a list
Realize the complexity of your relocation and create a personalized guide to make it easier.

Once you have everything written down, you will be ready to start looking for a reliable moving company. Obviously, you won’t have all the details right away. But you will gradually add them to your moving checklist as you go deeper into the moving process. For now, gather all the info about the items you have, the environment, and your budget, and then call your movers to help you with moving out of state for the first time.

Find reliable movers online

A search for a moving company can be a complicated and extensive one. But you must do it if you want to hire interstate movers without getting scammed. So, start by researching online and covering all moving-related content you can find. You must learn a bit about the moving industry, read reviews, compare services, and compare prices. This way you will obtain the necessary knowledge and experience and you will make the right choice when it comes to hiring movers.

So, once you browse enough and find a few companies, give them a call. Ask if they have licenses, permits, proper vehicles, knowledgeable laborers, and anything else you would like to know. Moving out of state for the first time is hard as it is, and you do not need fraudulent or incompetent movers with you. On contrary, you need a moving team you can trust and one that is able to relocate all your belongings without damage. Therefore, confirm your moving team is legit and able to assist you adequately before hiring them.

Onsite estimates and the moving price

Once you find interstate movers you can trust, you should work with them to obtain the moving quote. To reach the exact moving price, you should provide all the details you have to your movers. Guided by your findings, they can provide the precise moving price in no time. But to obtain the precise moving bill, you must let them perform onsite estimates. It is a simple process where your movers stop by and evaluate everything on site. All you must do is ask for this service and your movers will oblige. And remember, all reputable moving companies offer this service. And it is the best way to realize the complexity of the relocation along with the price behind it. Hence, search for a moving company that can provide onsite estimates.

movers loading the moving vehicle
Utilizing onsite estimates is one of the smartest things you can do. Let your movers evaluate everything on site.

Moving services, you can choose from

Once your movers evaluate everything on site, they can recommend an adequate set of moving services. But you do not have to purchase everything they recommend. If you want to pack yourself and have time to do it, then you do not need packing services. Although some services are so good, you should consider utilizing some of them if your budget allows it. Yes, the packing process is among the first ones we can recommend. Just imagine having a professional packing team behind you and you never have to lift a finger while packing. They can bring all the materials and do it instead. Not to mention that they can unpack you as well. A priceless service for sure.

Also, there are other services like storage unit rentals and special services. Special services revolve around unique items like antiques, artwork, pianos, king-sized beds, etc. So, talk to your movers about the moving service they can provide and figure out what will improve your moving process. After you have the basic coverage, then you should decide if you want to add something to make your relocation more enjoyable.

Pack on schedule when moving out of state for the first time

If no one ever told you that the packing process is notoriously boring and complicated, then we will. You must obtain packing materials, prepare your items for packing, declutter before moving, and finally, pack everything safely. It can take most of your time, so we highly advise you to start early with this task. As soon as you decide on the moving date, you should run to the nearest hardware store and obtain all the necessary materials. It would be nice if you can obtain enough cardboard boxes, adhesive tape, packing paper, labels, and bubble wrap. It is all you need to pack efficiently.

call friends to help you pack when moving out of state for the first time
Cover the packing process on time and avoid unpleasant situations.

Once you have your materials, start packing gradually. Clear room by room and while doing it, declutter as much as possible. Gather all items you do not need anymore and donate or throw them away. It will make your relocation much easier, cheaper, and more efficient in general. As for packing, do it over the weekend, or pack each day for an hour or two. Regardless of what you choose, you can’t pack in two days unless you have many helpers. Therefore, spread packing-related tasks evenly and pack completely before the moving date is upon you.

Insurance and legalities

The last step, or the first one, is to cover legalities. You can do this as soon as you realize you are relocating. Or complete this task misprocess. Do it however you like just to make sure to do it in due time. So, you must transfer all your magazine subscriptions, Wi-Fi, and PO box as soon as possible. Start the process by filling out the form online and it should be over in a week or two. The same goes for your driver’s license. You probably know you have two weeks to go to DMV and register your vehicle and obtain new plates. Also, you must be sure your personal ID, medical records, credit cards, and other documents are updated accordingly. Everything must be up to date and viable for use in a new environment. In your case, this is an entirely different state.

One more thing. You should highly consider purchasing the moving insurance. You can obtain one from the moving company you have hired or purchase it from the insurance company. Obtain one and you’ll be sure you will at least be compensated for the physical damage, theft, and misuse. Hopefully, there won’t be any injuries involved in the process.

You are now ready for moving out of state for the first time. The entire process can be confusing at first, but we know you’ll manage it like a pro. Hopefully, we have provided enough intel so you can guide yourself toward a successful relocation. Good luck.

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