As experienced Bay Area interstate movers, we’ve help countless family relocate to states across the country. Over the years, we’ve been asked about every question imaginable, and we’ve prepared a list of common inquires that will hopefully take the stress and hassle out of your big state-to-state move.
Where Do I Start?
As with any move, getting started is the most difficult part. To kick off the relocation process, begin with these two tasks:
Do Your Research and Choose a Moving Company
A great way to start researching moving companies is ask your family, friends, and neighbors since they’re likely to be upfront and honest about their experiences. When searching online, check the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) website for moving companies that hold ProMover status. The Better Business Bureau is a great source of information as well, and you can easily view a company’s rating, complaint history, and consumer reviews.
Before you make a final decision, request in-home consultations from your top three or four choices. This gives you the opportunity to meet face-to-face with representatives from each moving company and ask any questions you have about their relocation processes.
Establish Your Budget
Once your moving consultation is complete, each company should supply you with a written estimate of moving costs. Most moving companies offer a wide range of services and allow you create a customized relocation package to ensure that you’re only paying for services that you actually need.
If have questions about your moving estimate, don’t hesitate to speak up! Moving to another state is an expensive endeavor, and every penny counts. Also, don’t forget to add a little extra to your budget for unplanned expenses.
How Do I Prepare My Family for an Interstate Move?
Relocating to another state is a life-changing event for every member of your family. In order to reduce anxiety and stress, plan a family trip to the city that you’re moving to, and enjoy getting to know your new surroundings.
Explore Your New City
Ideally, you and your family should make at least one trip to your new city before your move. Stop at the visitor’s center to pick up a travel guide or brochures about popular attractions and restaurants. Of course, searching online is always an option, and local review sites are a great way to find out-of-the-way hot spots.
Once you’ve gathered enough information, it’s time to hit the town and find out what your new home has to offer! Try to visit two or three popular attractions and enjoy a few meals at local eateries to get a taste for what the city has to offer.
Research and Visit Schools
School-age children can be impacted the most by a big move, so it’s important for them to get familiar with their new school before the first day. Depending on how your new school district is structured, you may be able to choose your child’s school or they could be assigned to a school depending on where your new home is located. Either way, be sure that you know what school your child will attend and arrange a visit prior to your move.
What Other Task Do I Need to Accomplish?
The answer to this question can vary depending on the moving company that you’ve chosen for your long-distance relocation. Many companies offer comprehensive moving solutions that include services such as packing, loading, unloading, and concierge options, while others simply transport your belongings. Most likely, you’ll need to take care of the following tasks on your own.
Create a Packing Plan
Packing for your move will probably bring about a good deal of stress, but a good plan will make it much easier. Start with non-essential items such as books, decorations, and out-of-season clothing. Save your essential items—cooking necessities, dishes, and toiletries—for the last boxes. As you make your way through the packing process, consider donating any gently used items that you don’t need to a local charity.
Change Your Address
While your moving company works to get your belongings to your new home, you need to make sure that your mail gets there, too. Simply visit your local post office or go to USPS.com to change your address.
Of course, you’ll also need to change your address for all of your credit card accounts, bank accounts, magazine subscriptions—and basically any other type of account that requires your new address.
Notify Old and New Utility Companies
Prior to moving out of your old home, contact your utility providers to disconnect services such as cable, Internet, gas, electricity, water/sewer, and security systems. Once you have a set move date, contact your new utility companies in advance to ensure that everything is connected or installed when you arrive at your new home.
If you still have questions about moving out of state, the experts at Upline Moving are here to help! As a premier Bay Area interstate mover, we have the skills and expertise to efficiently execute a stress-free out-of-state relocation and offer the best comprehensive moving solutions in the region. Simple call us today or fill out our simple online form right now to schedule your free, in-home moving estimate.
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