Moving can be a daunting task. The coordination between deciding how you’re going to move, packing all your belongings, dealing with the change in utilities, locations, and the people you’re around, can make a move stressful.
If you think you’re going to be moving soon – whether it’s this fall, winter or even next summer – you’re probably wondering when should you start the moving process and how to plan a move to another state.
How and When to Get Started on Your State-to-State Move
While this might sound crazy to you, if you know you’re going to be moving – and you don’t have a timeline – then consider planning your move at least one year in advance. What?! Yes, this will help set you up for a low-stress move. Unfortunately, most people who are planning a move do not even know that they are moving that far out. So, in a more realistic world – you should start planning your move as soon as you find out you are moving. You have a long to-do list now!
If you are planning to move during the peak moving season, which starts in May every year, you’ll want to research moving companies and options as soon as possible to book the dates that work for you. We advise you to get at least three moving quotes so you can compare and use the option that is best for you. The best moving companies will book early during peak move season, which is why we suggest researching moving options as your first step.
Decide How You’re Going to Move
Once you know you’re moving, start researching your moving options. Your budget is going to play a large part in this. Even if you think that you can’t afford a full-service moving company, you should consider calling some to find out the cost. When you calculate cost and time, you’ll be surprised with your options!
If you’re moving a small house, apartment, condo, or even an office, across state lines, you’re probably thinking that you can’t afford a moving company. This is because many freight carriers will charge a minimum weight, which you might not meet. The good news is that there is a small move full-service moving company out there – MiniMoves.
MiniMoves has no minimum weight, and will only charge you for what you are moving. The time and money you spend renting a moving truck, loading, driving, and unloading, might be more than hiring a small-move full-service moving company. Call today for a free quote.
Two Months Out: Purge, Organize, Sort, Pack
Unless you’ve decided you’re getting rid of all your belongings, packing for a move can be a daunting task. If you’re considering a DIY move, you should make a moving to-do list as soon as possible. If you aren’t planning to move a 3-4 bedroom home, you should consider a small-move company, like MiniMoves, to avoid paying a minimum weight cost. With MiniMoves, you’ll only get charged for what you plan to move – so if you decide you want to sell or donate some of your belongings, you can really minimize the cost of your move.
Now that you’re ready to plan your move, here’s a short list of your next steps:
- Purge – donate, sell, or trash
- Take inventory with a relocation checklist
- Organize and sort
- Get supplies such as moving boxes
Some additional moving checklist items may include:
- Notify schools
- Notify employer
- Get your medical records from physicians
- Notify utilities
- If you aren’t using professional packers from your moving company, then start packing
- Notify landlord or put your house on the market
- Make arrangements for moving your pets
- Change your mailing address
- Call your insurance companies
- Pack your valuables
- Arrange to have your old and new residences cleaned
One Week Before Moving
One week before your moving date, you should call the moving company or truck rental company to confirm the date, time, and whether they will be helping you pack or whether you should have your boxes arranged in a specific way. If you’re using a professional packer, you’re still going to want to pack your own essentials suitcase. This should include your small electronics (laptop, tablet, camera), important documents (social security cards, passports, birth or marriage certificates, immunization records), clothes and toiletries for your travel, and anything you consider as a keepsake. The day before your move, make sure you have all the paperwork for the moving company or truck ready to go so there are no delays.
If you are on a tight schedule for your upcoming move, contact MiniMoves for a free quote on our packing services and availability today.
