Are you planning an interstate move and worried that you might forget an important step while planning your move? Don’t worry we are here to help you with your move. Here are 10 best moving tips to make your next interstate move stress-free and successful.
1. Plan An Exploratory Trip
Whether you are moving to a new state because of a new job or better educational institutes, it is always better to plan an exploratory trip to get familiar with the new city. From the best schools in town to the cheapest and safest neighborhood, you should know everything before the interstate move.
Or if you are moving to Portland, here is a blog 10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE MOVING TO PORTLAND that you should read before moving to Portland.
2. Get Your Kids Admitted To School
If you are moving to a new state with school-going children, deciding on which school to get your kids admitted is a big decision. Ask your friends and acquaintances in the new town for recommendations or check school ratings online on Moving.com.
3. Get Your Documents Transferred
When you move to a new state there is a lot of documentation that needs to be done beforehand. Make a list of all the documents that need to be transferred to your new home, like mailing address, car insurance, car registration address, and utilities. Don’t forget the utilities, as you don’t want to move into a house with no electric supply.
4. Hire The Best Moving Company
Packing and moving is the most time consuming and hectic task to do before moving. We recommend you hire a reputable and trustworthy moving company for your interstate move because moving to a new state is already very stressful you don’t want to burden yourself with the stress of moving chores as well.
Ask your friends and family for recommendations or if you already have a list of trustable movers, it is better to double-check by checking the company’s reviews and ratings online. Also, read our blog on HOW TO FIND TRUSTWORTHY AND AFFORDABLE MOVERS for a complete guide.
5. Plan On Shipping Or Driving Your Car
If you are planning to take your car to your new abode, shipping or driving your car is a big decision. You might think that driving your car is a cheaper option and would also allow you to have a family trip but believe us shipping your car is a better option. All the cost of fuel, night stays at the motel, and repairs would add up to your moving cost. Also, driving extra miles during the interstate move would depreciate the value of your car. Therefore, we recommend you should ship your car to the new state.
6. Driver’s License
If you are planning to drive your car during your interstate move, it will not harm to get beforehand information about rules and regulations of driver’s license in your new town. Many states give you a specific time window to get your driver’s license registered. Visit your local Motor Vehicles Department’s office and get complete guidelines. Most probably you will need a valid driving license, Social Security Number, and proof of residency, and some identification form.
7. Essentials Bag For The Interstate Move
Interstate move is a long journey and you don’t want to face difficulties on road. So, make a list of all the necessary items that you would need during your long-distance move, like diapers, snacks, first aid box, and GPS navigator is the most important item for the long drive. Pack these items separately and keep it handy during the drive.
8. Downsize Your Home Before The Interstate Move
Trust us! Interstate moving costs thousands of dollars and you don’t want to pay extra dollars for stuff that you don’t even use. So, start downsizing your home way before your moving day. Get rid of all the electronic items, clothes, books, furniture everything that you don’t use, and save the amount spent on packing and moving of those unwanted items. You can also earn some dollars by reselling these items.
9. Moving day plan for babies and pets
Whether you are traveling by car or by plane moving day can be a traumatizing experience for babies and pets. So, plan ahead for babies and pets and if needed, hire a friendly babysitter to accompany them. Also, the interstate move would be a long journey so make them habitual of the car seats and carriers, and don’t forget to feed them properly because a hungry baby is a fussy baby.
10. Triple check everything before leaving
Make a checklist of everything that needs to be done before your interstate move. From packing everything to keeping your air tickets handy, make a list of everything and check it before your final leave. You don’t want to travel back thousands of miles just to pick up the credit cards you forgot in your safety box.