7+ Moving Interstate Tips You’ll Need for Relocating to a New State

September 17, 2018 / Posted in Before the Move
Jane Davis

Apart from being a freelance writer and moving expert, Jane is also an art and museum lover.

Cross-country moving is always an adventure, whether you’re hoping one state over or in for a long ride. But without the right moving interstate tips & tricks, you can easily get overwhelmed quickly. From mapping out a game plan to finding the right long-distance movers to get you there, here’s our ultimate guide to relocating to another state.

A smiling woman surrounded by boxes after cross country moving
Use our tips on moving to another state and you'll get it over with in no time

Is Knowing the Right Interstate Tips & Tricks Really That Important?

Each year, around 3 million Americans go through with an interstate move, and they all share the same or at least similar problems.

The average person will move 11.7 times throughout their life – it’s a wonder how we haven’t figured out a way to teleport our belongings by now! Just imagine how convenient that would be!

Interstate moves account for 11% of all moves

Maybe that’s the future of the industry, but until then, we’ve got to stick to the good old-fashioned way – using relocation tips & tricks. No matter what your reason for moving is, having a little bit of insight before the whole chaos begins will surely set the stage for a stress-free move.

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#1 Plan Every Part of Your Relocation in Advance

No matter the scope of the relocation, everyone faces the same puzzle – how to plan a move to another state. Sure, it’s not across the world, but you still have to do plenty of planning and preparation in advance. And when we say in advance, we mean a month or two in advance, at the very least.

Start by creating a relocation inventory of your household items, and make a to-do listthe more detailed it is, the better. Also, schedule all the activities, from when you’ll start packing to when the relocation and auto transport company will deliver all of your stuff to the new home.

person sitting on a floor holding a to do list
As with any complex activity, planning is key

#2 Dedicate Some Time To Your Home in Another State

It’s natural to focus mainly on your old home. You’re doing your move-out cleaning, trying not to leave behind some of the most commonly forgotten things to pack. However, we often neglect the fact that our new home might need a bit of TLC too.

Of course, things like remodeling or painting are much easier to do when the rooms are empty and no moving boxes and other stuff are lying around. If you can’t be there in person, arrange for someone to do it for you. Your future self will be more than grateful.

model of a house and keys
People often forget their future house also needs some TLC before they get there

#3 Pick Your Movers Wisely

Here’s maybe the most important of all things to consider when relocating to another state – choosing the right relocation and car shipping company to help you with this process. Doing it by yourself or with the help of friends is, in most cases, a budget-friendly option. However, it’s also a recipe for relocation stress like no other.

The most convenient and efficient solution for this is booking long-distance moving services. The pros will help you with the heavy furniture and the logistics of transport. But if you’re up for the ultimate convenience throughout the whole ordeal, companies such as Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving offer full packing services – you won’t be lifting a finger!

It’s Super Important to Make Sure the Long-Distance Moving Company Is Legit

If you’re wondering how to check if a company is legit, there are several ways. You can check the USDOT number on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. Also, read plenty of reviews, ask for a free estimate, and finally, follow your gut. If the cross-country movers don’t look professional, skip them without second-guessing yourself.

person working on a laptop
Before you start this adventure, make sure to double-check the company

#4 Pack Your Most Cherished Belongings Yourself

While you can hire movers to take care of literally everything, even bringing their own packing materials, there are still some things you can do on your own. Valuable items like jewelry, collectibles, as well as toiletries, important documents, passports, and other relocation essentials, should be packed in a separate bag that will be with you throughout the whole trip.

#5 You Don’t Have to Bring Everything – Downsize

Although it’s important to place everything properly into boxes, you should also know what not to pack. Some belongings are absolutely unnecessary in your future home, while others are known as items movers won’t move.

Instead, organize a garage sale or go online and sell some of the stuff you don’t use – you will earn money and save even more at the same time because shipping fewer items will reduce the cost of interstate moving. You can also earn some good karma for this big change ahead by donating unwanted items.

unpacked room filled with boxes
Selling some stuff you don’t use or need before relocating is a smart choice

#6 Make Sure You’re Smart About the Packing Techniques

The first and foremost unofficial rule is to start as soon as possible and avoid packing procrastination, especially if you’re doing it without any help. Here are some relocation hacks to help you throughout the whole ordeal:

  • Tackle one room at a time to avoid getting overwhelmed,
  • Invest in sturdy boxes, heavy-duty tape, and bubble wrap,
  • Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to,
  • Place heavier items at the bottom of boxes and lighter items on top,
  • Pack a box of essentials that you’ll need during the first few days,
  • Take photos of electronic setups before unplugging them to avoid any confusion later on.

#7 Don’t Hesitate to Ask For Help When You Need It

An extra pair of helping hands can go a long way. Call your friends and family, throw a packing party, and get things going with ease. This way, you will spend some time together at home and turn this dreadful chore into a fun event for everyone. Just don’t forget to take some selfies!

couple moving a couch
You can be sure your friends will agree to lend a hand if you ask them

How to Prepare to Move to Another State – Things You Should Do Beforehand

Once you are all packed and ready to go, it’s over. You don’t have the time to change your mind or find another apartment. While we’ve shared plenty of valuable insights about the whole process, here are a couple of more things you should take into consideration:

Do Plenty of Research About the State

In case you’re going somewhere you’ve never been, it’s essential to do proper research. When you go online to read blogs and travel diaries, don’t forget to read the comment section, as well. Besides, find forums and online communities where people who actually live there share their experiences.

Bring Only the Stuff That Fits Your Lifestyle

If you’re relocating from Alaska to Florida, or vice versa, you have to pack cleverly. Your boots and thick coats will take up so much space, but you will hardly have the opportunity to wear them. Bring some of your favorite clothes, and put the rest in storage units.

Explore What’s Trending

If you want to feel like a local from day one, you can explore a bit to see which places are currently trending, where locals go on weekends, and how they spend their days. Perhaps watching a local baseball team play is a weekend tradition, or the locals like to drink in pubs, run around parks, and so on. Explore their mentality a bit and see how you can fit in. It will help you make new friends and feel more like a local.

Hit the Road With Confidence With Flat Price

So, feels like you’ve just been handed the secret recipe for teleportation, doesn’t it? While we can’t whisk your belongings magically from one state to another, following these guidelines will certainly make it feel like a smooth glide rather than a bumpy ride.

If you need a trusty sidekick for the journey, Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving is your go-to guru for a hassle-free move. Whether it’s packing up your sedan or securing your sentimental souvenirs, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today and let’s make this state-to-state shuffle as easy as pie!

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