It’s always an exciting time when you decide to move to a new state. You get to start fresh, meet new people, and explore a whole new area. But if you’re not prepared, the move can quickly become a nightmare.
Here are seven steps you can take to help make your move as organized and stress-free as possible.
Think About the Costs
Before you start packing or even looking for a moving company, it’s important to have a firm estimate of how much the move will cost. Start by breaking down all your expenses – this includes the cost of renting a moving truck or hiring a company, gas, food, lodging if you’re traveling, and any other miscellaneous costs. Once you have an estimate of your total expenses, start looking for ways to save money. See if you can get discounts on your rental truck or moving services by booking in advance or asking about promotions.
On the other hand, you should take care of the property you’re leaving behind – see if you can get a refund of your security deposit, or try to negotiate lower rent on your new place to cover any missed rent while you’re gone. If you’re selling it, find a cash home buyer for fast, convenient service. This is especially beneficial if you’re in a hurry to move.
Get Organized Early
Once you’ve taken care of the big picture items like costs, it’s time to start getting organized. Make a list of everything you need to do to make the move successful. This includes packing up your belongings, transferring your utilities, changing your address, and anything else you can think of.
Prioritize the items on your list so that you can start tackling the most important tasks first. For example, if you’re moving out of state, you’ll need to transfer your driver’s license and vehicle registration as soon as possible. Make sure to contact your utility companies a few weeks before you move so that they can transfer your service to your new address. You’ll also need to change your address with the post office so that your mail can be forwarded to your new place.
As you start crossing items off your list, don’t forget to keep track of everything. This will help you stay organized and on top of things as the move gets closer.
Start Packing
One of the most stressful parts of moving is packing everything up. But if you start early, it doesn’t have to be so bad. Start by decluttering your home and getting rid of anything you don’t need or want anymore. This will make packing a lot easier and faster.
Then, start packing up the items you won’t need or use until after the move. Depending on the state you’re moving to, this includes items like off-season clothing, holiday decor, and extra linens. If you can, pack these items in your car so that they’re easily accessible at your new place. As you start packing up the rest of your belongings, make sure to label each box as you go. Include a brief description of the contents and the room it’s going in. This will make unpacking a lot easier.
Hire Help if You Need It
If you’re moving to a new state, there’s a good chance you’ll need some help. Unless you have friends or family who are willing to lend a hand, you’ll need to hire professional movers or a moving company. When looking for help, make sure to get multiple quotes from reputable companies and research online reviews of past customers. You can also see if any friends or family members have used a moving service in the past that they would recommend.
Professional movers can also provide additional services like packing and unpacking, which can be a huge help if you’re short on time or just don’t want to deal with the hassle.
Create a Moving Binder
One of the best ways to stay organized during a move is to create a moving binder. This is a place where you can keep all your important documents, reminders, to-do lists, and receipts. If you’re hiring a moving company, include all the paperwork in your binder so that it’s easily accessible.
You can also use your binder to keep track of important phone numbers like utility companies, moving services, and realtors. As you go through each step of the moving process, make sure to update your binder so that you have the most current information.
Set Up Your New Place Before You Move
If you have the time, it’s a good idea to set up your new place before you move in. This includes things like painting, setting up furniture, and hanging pictures. This will make the transition to your new place a lot easier and less overwhelming. It’s also a good way to get to know your new neighborhood before you move in.
Instead of moving in right away, consider renting a hotel room or an Airbnb for a few nights. This will give you some downtime after the move to relax and get settled in before having to start unpacking everything.
Find a Storage Unit
If you’re moving to a smaller place, you may need to find a storage unit to keep some of your belongings. This is especially true if you’re downsizing or decluttering your home before the move. When looking for a storage unit, make sure to compare prices and find one that’s close to your new place. You should also make sure to do some research on the company you’re renting from. Read online reviews and see if they have any complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau or other local authorities.
These units can be a lifesaver when you’re moving to a new state, but they can also be a huge pain if you’re not prepared. Make sure to pack everything up in labeled boxes and create a list of what’s in each one. That way, you can easily find what you need when you need it.
If you are moving to a new state, there are some important steps that you should take to make the process as organized and stress-free as possible. These include packing up the items you won’t need until after the move, hiring help if necessary, creating a moving binder with all of your important documents and contact information, and setting up your new place before you move in.
If you follow these steps, you’ll be sure to have a smooth and successful move.
