Out-of-State Moving Checklist

Deciding to relocate to a different state can be one of the most exciting experiences in a person’s life, and yet the most daunting process at the same time. It takes an already overwhelming situation and adds even more challenges that may not have been expected.

As you take on this new chapter, Busy Bee has compiled a thorough checklist to make your out-of-state move be as smooth as possible. This checklist should help ease your mind – whether it’s getting you started with the basics, or just walking you through the steps needed to make your out-of-state move seamless.

Busy Bee Moving Checklist

At Busy Bee Movers, we help people just like you with navigating their move to a different state. Our priority is to alleviate stress that comes with moving to another state, giving you the opportunity to take on this new adventure with confidence and ease!

Budget Your Move

Creating a budget before moving to another state allows you to plan your spending effectively, ensuring a stress free transition. By creating a budget, you can account for moving costs, housing expenses, transportation, and other expenditures. Taking a proactive approach to budgeting helps you think through the process and minimize surprises, and assure mental ease during this significant life change. Here are some budget considerations for your out-of-state move.

• Set your budget: Know how much you can spend, and how much you need to save. Budgets should include moving expenses, sleeping arrangement, transportation, and other expenses.  For fragile heirlooms, consider if you want to budget for your moving service to specially pack and handle these items.
• Relocation assistance: If you have already found a new job in your new location, ask your employer if they offer any sort of financial assistance for out-of-state relocation. If you are still looking for a job, ask your interviewers to include relocation in the offer package.
• Cash reserve: You never know what setbacks may come from a long move, so be sure to save a little extra cash than what is laid out in the budget for anything you may have missed in your planning.  Traditionally, a 10% surplus reserve is a safe bet while budgeting.
• Choose when you will move: Prices may vary for moving companies based on the season you embark on your journey. Consider at what point in the year you want to make your move, and speak with your moving company to create a timeline. Typically, September-April is the budget-friendly season.
• Car maintenance: If you are driving to your destination, be sure your car has a good check up to avoid any inconveniences. You may also consider shipping your car which should be included in the budget as well.  Prices typically range from $0.30-$1.00 per mile.

Find Your Moving Company

Moving out of state is no easy task. If you’re thinking of hiring professionals for your move, you’ll need to hire a reliable long-distance moving company. Consider your moving company with care, because these are the people who you are entrusting with your most prized possessions. You want to find a company that displays traits such as professionalism, honesty, trustworthiness, organization, and timeliness.

• Understand your needs: Out-of-state moving can be different for every situation, so understand what you need from a professional. Moving companies like Busy Bee Movers offer a range of diverse services and accommodations to cater to various needs, like fragiles, electronics, and more. Some may even do the packing for you, or help you unpack in your new location.
• Get in contact: Do your research to find the best moving company that will provide exceptional care at an affordable price. Out-of-state moves can be extremely expensive, but with the right moving company you won’t have to break the bank!
•  Request a Quote: Understand all of your needs to get an honest quote from your moving company within your set budget.

Create Your Packing Strategy

If you are moving out of state, creating a packing strategy is more essential than a local move – you can’t just make more trips. Planning ahead will help you optimize space, protect your fragile goods, and unpack efficiently. A packing strategy provides order and helps you stay focused during the chaos of relocating, ultimately making your transition to a new state crisp.

• Donate/Sell what you don’t need: Before you establish how you will pack, you should eliminate items you do not wish to bring with you to lighten the load of your out-of-state move.
• Buy what you do need: In contrast, there are probably going to be some things you need for the journey, or things that you will need for your new home within the first few days. If you can, make a list of items you want to purchase in your new location, rather than buying them before your move. Stay on top and get this out of the way before you begin your out-of-state move.
• Plan how you will organize your boxes: You want to be able to know where everything is and limit clutter. Organizing and labeling your boxes by areas such as kitchen, laundry room, primary bedroom is a good way to avoid extra time or energy into your unboxing. An alternative could also be labeling by person, so everybody’s personal items are accounted for. Whatever strategy you choose, be sure to have a plan in place on how you will organize your boxes effectively.
• Gather essential documents: Papers such as birth certificates, passports, social security cards, and other important documents are easy to lose in the chaos of a move, but are tedious or difficult to replace. Be sure to gather these and set them aside so you don’t risk losing them.

Organizing Life in a New State

• Secure Job/Housing: Before you make a big move, it’s essential to have your source of income settled as well as your living situation. You also want to know more about the community and home you’ll be moving into. If possible, take time to plan a visit to determine where the right location is for you and avoid future disappointments. Don’t leave yourself high and dry!
• Prepare school transfer: If you have kids, do some research about your new neighborhood and find a school that is best fit for your child’s situation. Once you decide, you must coordinate with both schools to get records transferred.
• Vet clinic & animal transportation: Moving pets can present unforeseen challenges. Not only do you need to find a clinic in your new location, you also need to determine how your fur babies are going to make the journey with you.

• Cancel memberships: If you have local memberships at clubs or fitness centers, don’t forget to cancel them!
• Stop & start utilities: Contact your utility companies to establish a cut-off date prior to leaving your current home. If you’re moving into a residence that requires you to establish utilities, make sure you know what companies to reach out to in order to begin this process. Anticipate a set-up fee and add this into the budget you’ve established.
• Find healthcare providers: It’s important to continue taking care of your mental and physical health in your new community. You can research doctors in your area to make the best decision with who you’ll move forward with. It is also important to know where other medical facilities are, such as pharmacies, urgent care clinics, and emergency rooms.
• Update your contact information: Be sure to contact all of your service providers to update your address and any other contact information that may have changed. Insurance, banks, phone providers, credit cards, and other companies need to be made aware of your big out-of-state move!
• Trash and recycling: Get your trash service taken care of before you move to avoid any buildup or delay once you arrive. You will have a lot of trash while moving into your new home! If you think there might be more than the local trash/recycling pickup service can handle, then consider renting a dumpster (and adding that to your budget!)
• Notify government agencies: USPS, IRS, DMV, VA, and SSA are some of the most common agencies that should be informed of your out-of-state move. You can also set up mail forwarding at your local post office or online. Be sure your IDs reflect your new address!
• Local Connections: Consider finding local organizations that spark your interest, such as 4H, YMCA, or Meals on Wheels. Flyers in restaurants and other public spaces can provide insight to the niche environment of your city. You can also join your local community’s social media pages, review their website, and do an internet search for events in your area. There are plenty of opportunities to meet people and create new experiences wherever you are relocating to!

Contact Us

At the end of the day, the best way to get an out-of-state move done the best way possible means hiring a trusted team of moving professionals. Contact Busy Bee Movers today for a free quote, and make us part of your team!