Moving out of state is a pretty big deal. Whether you’ve landed your dream job in a new city or you’re crossing state lines for school, you want to make sure you’re prepared for the big move. Making a checklist ahead of time can help take some of the stress out of the process so you don’t have to scramble to remember things while you’re in the midst of moving. So, here’s the ultimate moving out of state checklist to get you ready to hit the road.
Moving Out of State Checklist
Before you jump right into selling your furniture and buying decorations for your new place, let’s get some planning and organizational stuff out of the way. Here’s a moving out of state checklist that starts 2 months before the big day.
2 Months Before Your Move
You’re in the pre-planning stage at this point, so spend a couple of weeks focusing on organization and other prep. Tasks should include:
- Making a moving binder to keep all the documents you need in one place. This includes printing out your checklist and adding it to that binder.
- Exploring your new neighborhood, such as restaurants, amenities, and schools if you have kids moving with you
- Buying moving supplies (especially if you’re DIY-ing your move)
- Booking last appointments in your old town (think: eye exams, wellness checks, etc.)
- Setting a moving budget
6 Weeks Before Your Move
If you haven’t set a date for your move yet, do that now. You’ll need an official move-in date to turn utilities on and off, hire movers and/or get help from friends, and more. Once you have that date set, you should:
- Figure out transportation, whether that means scheduling a car shipment or booking your plane tickets. You might also sell your car before going; remember to add that to the list.
- Research moving companies and/or schedule adequate time for family and friends to help you out. (Pro-tip: Make sure you pencil in some time for hangouts with local loved ones, too.)
- Call your current utility companies to set your shut-off date and figure out if you have any duties with them when moving out.
- Declutter! Use your move as an excuse to sort through your stuff and donate what you don’t need.
- Secure your housing. Consider whether you’ll find a place to rent for a longer period or go with short-term rentals while you look for your dream place once you’re in town.
1 Month Before Your Move
You’ve made most big decisions by now, so it’s time to check some smaller things off your moving out of state checklist, like:
- Renting a storage unit
- Making a packing plan
- Organizing medical records, pet documents, birth certificates, Social Security cards, passports, etc.
- Scheduling a cleaning service for your old place
- Contacting your new utility companies with your new address and move-in date
- If you’re driving, planning your route, including booking any hotels, motels, or Airbnbs where you’ll stay as you go
2 Weeks Before Your Move
With the big day right around the corner, you’re ready to dive into specific plans. Tasks should include:
- Updating your banks and cell phone, giving your new address to any financial institutions, cell providers, accountants, and anyone else you’ll continue to work with
- Setting up trash and recycling so the companies can deliver your bins before you get there
- Transferring/updating your renter’s insurance address
- Confirming all details with the moving company
And, if you haven’t already done so, start packing now! You’ll want to plan to have all your boxes packed up at least two days before the move to keep yourself in the best headspace possible heading into the stress of the actual move.
1 Week Before Your Move
Stay on track as you get even closer to the big day by:
- Setting up mail forwarding
- Starting the dirty work like defrosting your freezer, cleaning the oven and behind the toilet, etc.
- Getting out cash to have on hand during the move
- Cleaning and/or selling your car
- Packing a move-in box that contains essentials for your first day in your new home. This can include things like easy snacks, durable cups, silverware, and plates, napkins/tissues, toiletries, a first aid kit, and one-pot meals (and the pot and wooden spoon you’ll need to make them)
- Finishing packing
The Day Before Your Move
You’re almost at the finish line. Now’s the time to finish this moving out of state checklist:
- Pack snacks for while you’re on the road (or in the air)
- Hand off your car if you’ve sold it
- Drain gas and oil from any outdoor equipment (like weed whackers and lawnmowers) you’re taking with you when you move
- Put aside special items like jewelry, important documents, and anything sentimental so you can keep them safe in your carry-on luggage or on hand in your car
Move-Out Day
No one will blame you if you’re feeling overwhelmed with stress the day you move out. Keep this in mind as you:
- Clear a path by propping your door with a brick or box so you can easily get all those boxes from your place into your car or moving truck
- Do a final walk-through to check that you have everything, including looking in cupboards and closets
- Let yourself have a minute; moving is emotionally draining, so have a last cup of coffee before you leave your old home
Move-In Day
Out of state moves often mean your move-out and move-in days are two different days. Even if you arrive at your new place later on the same day, you’ll want to get out that move-in box and just take it slow as you start the unpacking process.
Final Tasks
Once you’re settled in your new home, don’t forget to:
- Update your voter registration
- Confirm mail forwarding
- Notify government institutions of your new address, such as the IRS, the VA, and/or Social Security
- Update car documents, like tags, insurance, and license plates. You’ll usually have 30 days to do this after you’ve moved.
- Get a new driver’s license. Many states require you to do this within two weeks of relocating, so a trip to the DMV is near the top of your post-move-in list if you’re driving in your new city.
Moving is undeniably stressful, but preparing ahead of time can make things go a lot smoother. when moving day comes. This moving out of state checklist will keep you on track as you make the big move.
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