Out of state moving? When you’re ready to make the big move, there are a few things you need to know before packing up your car and driving across the country. Sure, it’s exciting and adventurous, but what about all those little details that can turn into major headaches? We’ve assembled a list of ten tips for out-of-state movers that will help get you started on your new life in another state with as little stress as possible. Ready? Let’s go!
1 – Get Moving Quotes from Several Movers
The first step when moving to a new place is getting an estimate on how much you will pay. But don’t just check out one mover. Getting a quote from at least three companies will give you a better idea of the total cost and which moving company is right for you. This way, you can find the most affordable movers in your area without sacrificing quality for professionally packed trucks with certified drivers who are trained to handle any situation that may come up. Sure, there may be more movers in your area than you thought possible, but that’s a good thing.
2 – Consider Your Truck Size
One of the first things to consider when moving out of state is determining how much stuff you’ll have to put on the truck. If you plan on driving across the country, you’ll want to look into getting a large enough truck for all your belongings. Otherwise, if it is a local move, you may find that a smaller truck with less space will do the trick. Getting an estimate of how much room you need helps in getting the best moving prices available. Some companies even offer non-binding forecasts so you can find the perfect truck for your situation without having to worry about going over budget. And remember – moving trucks come in all different sizes, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and check out pictures before choosing a company.
3 – Know What Type of House
You’re Moving Into Your new house will also affect how you move your stuff. If you’re moving into a condo or an apartment, you may only need to move in your furniture and boxes. However, if you’re moving into a home with more space, extra considerations take planning and practice to get the job done right. The first thing is finding out how much time you have before the move. If you have a few weeks before the move, set up a few practice runs to see how long specific tasks will take and what tools are needed for each stop (like moving some furniture items from your garage into the new house). This way, when the actual day comes, you’ll know exactly what to expect and will be ready to get the job done as quickly as possible.
4 – Pack Light
Moving out of state doesn’t mean you have to pack everything up and bring it with you. However, if you are moving across the country, double-check that the company won’t charge you for an overage of pounds on your truck. If they do, you can always pack yourself and avoid the extra expense. Plus, packing light will keep you from putting more strain on your back, shoulders, and knees. With a bit of practice in advance of the move, you’ll be able to fit everything into an appropriately sized truck without having to throw out (or sell) all those odds and ends that you’ve collected throughout your life. As a bonus, packing light can save you money on moving since you won’t need as large of a truck to get everything there in the first place.
5 – Check Out Local Resources
Another essential part to consider before making a move is checking out all the resources around your neighborhood and new town. This includes everything from internet providers to grocery stores and even places like hospitals where you may be getting medical care for your family. Also, find out if local companies will do the packing or storage of your precious belongings in advance of the move. You’ll be glad you did because this way, when it comes time to unpack all your things, you won’t have to worry about finding places or packing helpers to get everything unpacked and put away.
6 – Make Sure Your Belongings Are Insured
Moving is a stressful experience even when there are no surprises, so it’s best to be as prepared for anything that comes your way as possible. One of the best ways to do this is by taking out extra insurance on your furniture and other belongings in case you have any damages during the moving process. Some companies also offer blanket coverage for all of their customers or only those that are part of a certain group, like people who work together or families with children at home. Check with your insurance provider as well as with the moving company to get an idea of what’s available and how much it costs. Insurance can help give you peace of mind during a time when there are so many other things going on that could go wrong.
7 – Don’t Forget Your Car
While all those pretty pieces of furniture are nice, it’s also important not to forget your car when you move out of state. First off – make sure that the vehicle has enough fuel in it for the trip, and then check with your insurance company about how you can get comprehensive coverage for the vehicle while on a long journey. While some companies will allow you to take your policy with you, others will require that you get a new one in your new location since it’s considered out of state. The last thing you want is to be stuck without insurance because you didn’t take the time to make sure everything was squared away before making the move.
