Moving Out of State - 11 Tips For an Affordable, Efficient Move

Most of us have had to move from houses, schools, neighborhoods, towns, or even across state borders at some point in our lives. While it can be challenging to relocate to a different state, there are many actions you can take to make it a bit easier. Below are tips for moving out of state, plus how SMARTBOX can help ease the process with professional moving and storage options.

1. Plan the Move

Come up with a good, detailed plan in advance before you even begin your research on moving. Decide how you're going to transport your belongings to your new house. For instance, if you're going to use a moving company, will you transport some things in your car, or will you rent a moving trailer?

Some other things you should consider in your moving plan:

• Work out your finances to know how much money you need for the move.
• Compare costs between hiring professionals for moving labor services or having your loved ones help you out.
• Figure out if you're going to take an insurance policy for moving.
• Get moving boxes and packing supplies, and store them in your portable storage unit before you move.

2. Research Moving Destination

The Internet will give you all the information you need about a new place, but nothing beats experiencing things or places firsthand. Take a trip to the new city and explore every nook and cranny.

Go to the school you want your kids to attend, the health facilities, and even your new job. The best way to access all places is to take a long walk or go on bike rides. Your experiences will be wholly dependent on the neighborhood you choose to explore.

Once you are done with the research, find a house to buy or rent. We advise you to rent temporarily until you find your ideal house, since that's not a decision you can make on a whim.

3. Budget Well

Keep in mind that moving to a new state is going to be expensive. A DIY rental truck sounds like it's the cheapest option, but you will still have to pay for the moving truck.

When breaking down your budget, ensure that you factor in all the necessary moving expenses and extra cash for unforeseen expenses. If you're moving for a job, we advise you to find out in advance if your employer will pay for a part of your moving expenses. Make a spreadsheet of your moving cost, so you're ready to pay when need be.

4. Research Moving Companies

Without professional movers, moving to a new state would be difficult, if not impossible. We advise that you do proper research so that you choose a reliable, trustworthy, and reputable company to help you move. Make sure you go through company reviews that can show the value of their services from real people.

5. Decide When to Move

So many factors can affect the date of your move, from the weather to the moving company's availability to your work schedule. If you choose to do your move on weekends or on a holiday, you will be charged more due to the high demand on moving companies. The best time to move is on weekdays, during the off-peak moving season.

6. Have Moving Supplies Ready

Moving supplies such as boxes, packing tapes and foam pouches should be ordered at least a month in advance. This way, you get to start packing the things you use less frequently as soon as possible. You can also ask your neighbors to give you the newspapers they're not using, or wrap up fragile items with curtains, bed sheets, or kitchen towels.

7. Update Vehicle Registration, Driver’s License, and Insurance

Every state has different regulations regarding changing the information on vehicle registration and driver’s licenses. Some will give you as little as 10 days, while others will give you 30 days.

Some states will need your identity card or United States passport and other documents to prove that you're a citizen. Other types of documents are a requirement for non-citizens. We advise you to start the process early so you’ll be ready upon arrival. Don't forget to make changes to your insurance since different states charge different insurance rates.

8. Change Your Address

Update your address as soon as you can. You can change the mailing address to all your online accounts if you don't want to miss out on bills and notifications. Remember to update your credit cards, banks, cell phones, and insurance companies as well. Share your new address with your friends and family so they can send you mail and visit you later on down the road.

9. Ship Your Car

We advise you to ship your car before moving so you can get around as soon as you get there. It's important to decide on the amount of money you are willing to spend. Research the variables that will affect the cost and when the car will be shipped. Car shipping from one coast to another usually takes up to two weeks, so talk to your neighbors and ask if they are willing to carpool before you move.

10. Take Inventory

Take inventory of everything you're transporting to the new place. Make sure to focus on the things you need most. You can decide to donate the things you don't use and ask for a tax deduction. More often than not, furniture or other valuable items get broken or lost. This will help you when your insurance company compensates you.

11. Read Up on Taxes

Note that taxes will change even with a simple change in a zip code. Some states like Arizona, Texas, and Washington have federal tax but not income tax. However, you will pay the taxes of both states if you move mid-year.

Contact SMARTBOX for professional long-distance moving and portable storage options. We’ll offer a free quote for your move and discuss options for packing and unpacking services, moving trailer rentals, and more.