Moving Out Of State? 31 Things To Keep In Mind

Moving out of state? This out-of-state moving checklist and interstate moving timeline will help you plan every step, from early preparation to post-move tasks, so your transition is organized, efficient, and less stressful.

Moving out of state is perhaps one of the biggest decisions you will make in your life. You’re not just moving to another city where you may have been a few times and know the layout already, or somewhere within close enough proximity to people you see regularly.

There will be a complete shift in how you live, who you come to know, and even how you go about your day-to-day life.

While the process of moving hundreds, or even thousands of miles away is a lot of work, nonetheless, it’s certainly easier if you’re prepared.

In preparation for moving out of state, it is not as simple as just packing your belongings and hitting the road. Considering the small details will save you a lot of time, money, and energy, and provide you with peace of mind.

To ensure a smooth transition during your move, the importance of organization and pre-planning should not be overlooked. By incorporating a proper moving strategy from the get-go, your move will feel more manageable, and you may be surprised by how much easier it really is, rather than how you think it may be.

In this article, we’ll provide you with a checklist for moving out of state so you can begin the moving process on the right foot.

Let’s start strategizing.

Interstate Moving Timeline & Checklist

 

3+ Months Before Moving (Early Planning Phase)

There are many factors to consider when moving out of state, so staying organized will be key. As simple as it sounds to ‘not forget,’ one of the most common mistakes while moving is forgetting. Using something tangible, such as an app on your phone or a pocket calendar, will allow you to create checklists, reminders for important dates, and organize your budget for moving. Think of these as your personal moving assistants.

1. Cellphone apps

Including Google Task. Most of us have our phones with us at all times. Using an app on your phone allows you to quickly jot down tasks that come to mind, check things off your ‘moving supplies’ or ‘things to pack from the kitchen’ lists, remind you to get specific tasks done on certain dates, and help you stick to your budget.

2. Calendars

Organize specific dates and hold yourself accountable for completing your task by a certain time. Google Calendar allows you to specify how far in advance you want to be reminded of an important date or a task you need to get done. This calendar is also accessible through your phone, and if you’re not alone in the moving process, you can easily share it with others via email.

Color coordinating will be useful whether you’re using a digital calendar or paper. Color coordinating your calendar will help you clearly see your commitments. For example, using the color orange to label your most important tasks or dates like: hire movers on x date, sign the new lease on x date, finish packing on x date, and so on.

3. Small notes or planners

These can also be useful if using a digital tool isn’t your cup of tea.

 

8–12 Weeks Before Moving (Planning & Setup)

“Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.” When moving out of state, nothing will make you feel more at home than the relief of knowing everything is in place. We’re not just talking about your furniture being in place,but other aspects of your life being in place:

4. Find somewhere to live

You wouldn’t want to add hotel rooms to your moving budget as you’re looking for a new home. Even if you do have someone to stay with while you’re in search of a new place, sleeping on the couch can be strenuous on your back and can be burdensome in various ways.

5. Transfer utilities

Transfer utilities, change your mailing address, and establish domicile in the new state. Doing these tasks before you move into your new home will save you the hassle of having your everyday resources, like the internet and cable, set up and ready to use. Ensure all your subscriptions, billing companies, and so on have your updated mailing address. Use a change of address checklist to keep you on track.

6. Be aware of moving policies

Depending on where you move, there are different policies such as parking restrictions, the number of cars per unit, and pet restrictions. Knowing these details before you move will help you make proper accommodations.

7. Request a job transfer

If your employer has a branch in the state you are moving to, ask your manager to request a transfer. Also, if you are moving specifically for a new job, see if your employer can help with relocation expenses.

8. Research the professional license transferring process

Different states have different requirements that may entail additional schooling or costs. This will help you adjust your budget and be financially prepared.

9. Find a new job

If you’re starting fresh, try looking for a job in advance. You can request a video chat interview to save you an additional trip. If you do it this way, by the time you finish moving, you’ll be ready to start work in no time.

10. Register for school before you move

If you have children, start researching potential schools and select one. Once you have chosen a school, have the administration email or mail you registration forms. This is important, especially if you’re moving in the middle of the school year; you wouldn’t want your kids to miss many school days.

11. Cost of living

You already know how much your new place costs; however, using the cost-of-living calculator will show you how much your new bag of groceries will cost, the cost of transportation, and so on.

12. Transportation

Cars come in all shapes and sizes for specific reasons. If you’re moving to a state with severe weather conditions like snow or heavy rain, you may need to invest in a new vehicle that will keep you safe.

13. Public transportation

It is different in all states. Familiarize yourself with the subway system, bus schedules, bus stops, and costs.

14. Commute time

Calculate how long your commute to work or school will be so you won’t be late on your first day!

15. Apply for a new license and license plate

This way, if you run into any inconveniences on the road, it will be far less troublesome.

16. Check the weather

The weather is a big factor while moving. If possible, schedule your move-in date when the weather is good. Driving a vehicle full of boxes can be especially dangerous in heavy rain or snow. Additionally, moving into a new home is physically strenuous already; you wouldn’t want to be moving around boxes in the heat or potentially getting your valuables wet in the rain.

17. Interstate admin requirements

If you’re moving to a different state, there are a few legal updates you’ll need to take care of shortly after you arrive. This usually includes updating your driver’s license, transferring your vehicle registration, updating your voter registration, and completing a change-of-address form. Most states require this within 30–60 days, so it’s worth checking the exact timelines ahead of time.

4–6 Weeks Before Moving (Booking & Logistics)

Hiring professionally trained movers when moving out of state will be beneficial. Moving can already be mentally stressful; the last thing you want to do is physically strain yourself and get hurt attempting to move heavy boxes and furniture. If you are a busy person and don’t have time to pack everything, consider having your items professionally packed.

When planning an interstate move, it’s recommended to book your moving company at least 4–8 weeks in advance to secure availability and better pricing.

Average interstate moving costs vary by distance and home size, but full-service moves typically range from $4,000–$10,000+, while DIY or container options may be lower depending on the services included.

18. Get a quote

Many people refrain from hiring movers because they think it could be quite costly. By getting a quote, your moving company can easily work with your budget and even offer financing plans.

19. Give your movers special instructions for your high-value items

Things like art pieces, fine china, or any other fragile artifacts should be handled accordingly. You wouldn’t want these pieces getting placed unknowingly underneath your huge collection of books or toolbox.

20. Communicate with your movers

If you are set to move out on a certain date, ask them when you can expect your stuff to come. If you have a lot to move and it takes more than one truck, make sure you let them know which load to prioritize. Having your bed first will be far more important than your Christmas decorations.

21. Moving for senior citizens

Meathead Movers offers a professional senior moving service, in which our movers help move belongings to and from the residence and make the job much easier to manage.

2–3 Weeks Before Moving (Packing Phase)

Packing takes a long time, especially when preparing to move out of state. Doing this early will prevent you from forgetting anything and feeling rushed when the move-out date comes along. Packing efficiently will not only help you move out with ease, but it will also help you move in a lot faster, too.

Meathead Movers offers an amazing packing service for our customers that removes the stress and hassle of ensuring everything is packed correctly and safely. Our professionally trained packing specialists use high-quality supplies, are prompt, and prioritize the safety of your belongings.

22. Organize and label all of your boxes

For example, the label for your kitchen items can be KITCHEN: SPICES, KITCHEN: SILVERWARE, KITCHEN: POTS AND PANS, and so on.

23. Figure out what to pack

Moving out is a great opportunity to declutter. It will give you a chance to tidy up and overcome any hoarding habits. You don’t want to spend the extra time and costs packing up things you don’t need or care about.

24. Sell things you want to get rid of

If having a yard sale is too much work, phone apps like OfferUp make it easy to sell used items. Selling items can also help contribute to other moving expenses.

25. Donate

Donating is also an option. Goodwill is a great place to donate things like clothing, and Habitat for Humanity is a great place to donate large items like furniture or refrigerators. You can even donate your items to a local church or homeless shelter.

26. Extra storage solutions

If you have collectibles or other things worth keeping, consider several self-storage options. Meathead Movers offers storage solutions to make the move even easier.

27. Hold on to irreplaceable items

These include important documents, jewelry, or even prescribed medications. It would be inconvenient to lose your passport and unfortunate to misplace a sentimental piece of jewelry. Also, if your travel time is far, you want your medications to be accessible.

28. Don’t forget to pack your car

Using an on-site moving service can help you get your belongings to where they need to go safely. Additionally, our on-site moving services can help you secure a rental truck or portable storage container.

Moving Day & Arrival

Once you get to your new destination, you may want to start looking around and familiarizing yourself with places you expect to visit regularly.

29. Medical professionals

These include family physicians, dentists, hospitals, and local pharmacies. Anything can happen at any moment. You will want to be able to locate where your nearest medical professionals are.

30. Gyms and fitness

Shop around local gyms and find one that fits your budget and is close to your new home.

31. Grocery stores and restaurants

We can all agree that food is important. If you have specific food allergies or restrictions, it would be helpful to know which markets carry your needs. Also, as you’re moving into your new home, you may not have your fridge or stove ready to use. Knowing the best local restaurants around your new home will be helpful when you’re taking a break from unpacking!

Post-Move Checklist (After You Arrive)

Once you are in your new place, there are still a few things to sort out before everything feels settled:

• Set up or double-check your utilities (power, water, internet, etc.) are all working properly
• Update your insurance details so everything reflects your new address
• Find a local doctor, dentist, and pharmacy — and transfer records if you need to
• If you have kids, make sure school enrollment and schedules are confirmed
• Go through and update your address on anything you might have missed (banking, subscriptions, deliveries)
• Have a look around your area — find your closest grocery store, petrol station, and a few go-to spots
• Take note of nearby essentials like hospitals or urgent care, just in case
• Sort out your driver’s license and vehicle registration if those are still pending
• Check how rubbish and recycling work in your area and get that set up
• Introduce yourself to neighbors when you get the chance — it helps you settle in quicker

You are now ready for your big move, as you have a strategic checklist for moving out of state and know what to do first!

 

Looking to move out of state? Meathead Movers is an athlete–moving company with several locations across California. With award-winning services including local moving, long-distance moving, commercial moving, and senior moving, our team of dedicated professionals can handle anything you need. Contact us over the phone or online for a free quote and see how we can remove the stress from your out-of-state move!

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