Have you finally found the perfect place to live but it is out of state? Have you put down the deposit and are ready to haul your possessions hours away to move to your dream home? Interstate moving can be one of the most exciting decisions in your life, but it can also prove to be massively stressful. Moving long distance requires lots of planning, budgeting, and patience. To make it easier on you, we’ve put together some tips, questions to ask, and things to keep in mind after you have made the decision to move hours away.
Hire a Professional Moving Company
With so many moving companies vying for your business, you need to choose one that is reputable and comes highly recommended. Be sure to select a moving company that is experienced in long-distance and interstate moves and understands the nuances of these complex moves to ensure that your move is as smooth as possible. Contact Movegreen’s team of experts today to learn more about our long-distance moving services and get a free estimate on your upcoming move.
Pack it up!
As soon as you decide to move, you should start packing as soon as possible. The worst thing you can do when moving any distance is procrastinate. First, you will have to spend time deciding what to keep and what to toss. Remember, the estimate and final cost of your long-distance move will be based on the weight of your things. The less you bring with you, the cheaper your move will be. Start the packing process by eliminating all your unused clothing and anything else you have been meaning to get rid of. Sell what you can and donate the rest.
Once you decide what you are taking with you, calculate the number of moving boxes you are going to need. Start with all your non-essential items and go from there. Don’t forget to label your boxes!
If you find that packing your belongings is an overwhelming and time-consuming task, you can rely on expert packing and crating services from an experienced packing company like Movegreen to ensure that your items are safe and secure for the duration of your long-distance move.
Gather Records
Before you pack anything else, make sure to pack important documents in a separate and clearly labeled box or folder. These documents should include Social Security cards, birth certificates, tax forms, health records, school records, etc. Making sure all records are always in a safe and secure place during a long-distance move is crucial.
Forward Your Mail
A few weeks before your final move, make sure you notify the postal service of your change of address. You can do this online or at a post office branch, and you just chose a date to begin forwarding your mail. It is a simple step you must take, but it is crucial to make sure you get all your correspondence is properly routed to your new home.
Save Your Receipts
You should be saving your moving receipts for every purchase. First, if you make donations, you may be able to claim them on your income tax forms. Secondly, if you’re relocating for work, you may be able to deduct your moving expenses from your taxes as well. In the same vein, if your company plans to reimburse you for the move, you’ll need to show the receipts in order to get your money back.
Notify Utility Companies
You are going to need utilities turned on before you move into your new house. You will need to call your current utility companies to make sure your cable, electricity, and gas are turned off the day after you move out and turned on when you plan on moving to your new location. Once you get settled, you can consider your other optional utilities such as cable and telephone but making sure that you have heat, hot water, and lights is crucial.
Schools
If you are moving with school-age children, you are going to want to get them into the best school in the area. It is never too early to start researching schools in the new town. Once you find a few schools you are interested in, call or email the administration listed to find more information on each one before deciding.
Transfer an out-of-state driver’s license
Many states require you to get a new license within a certain time window after moving states. To transfer your out-of-state driver’s license, visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles office. While requirements vary from state to state, you’ll most likely need your current driver’s license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease agreement), proof of your social security number and an additional form of identification, such as a birth certificate.
Making the decision to move far away from your family and friends can be stressful but often rewarding endeavor. Leaning on the expertise of a professional interstate moving company like Movegreen will help alleviate any anxiety with the packing and moving process. Contact Movegreen today to find out more about our long-distance moving services and get a free estimate on your upcoming move.