Relocating to a new state is stressful and time-consuming. From packing your numerous belongings to finding a new home, there is an exhaustive list of tasks that need to be completed, and you will probably find yourself completely drained of energy at the end of it all.
Nevertheless, with a lot of patience and smart planning, you can make the process smoother and more seamless. Here are a few tips for relocating to a new state so that moving day does not turn into a nightmare from hell.
Consider renting storage units
Using storage units when relocating is a great choice for several reasons. Your moving date might not align with your tight schedule. In such a scenario, you can save yourself from a lot of stress and anxiety by simply clearing out most of your items and storing them in a storage unit. Then, you can simply transport them to your new home once you’re ready to move in. You can also opt for mobile storage units and ship the whole unit as it is to your new destination.
Storage units are also great for storing all the extra boxes of things you love but don’t have space for in your new home, especially if you are downsizing. This includes childhood memorabilia and extensive sports collections you are not ready to part with. You can also rent storage units for keeping high-value items in safe and temperature-controlled environments. This is beneficial if you’re relocating to a northern state close to Canada, such as Indiana, where the weather can be quite extreme.
Whether you need storage units Brownsburg IN or any other state, there are countless options. Each state offers state-of-the-art storage units with premium amenities, including temperature control and easy accessibility.
Create A budget
Moving to a different state will not be cheap. You may end up spending thousands of dollars without even realizing it. Thus, create a budget and try to cut costs wherever you can.
We recommend working on your budget for the move several weeks in advance. Plan how much you can spend on moving and make smart decisions. This includes choosing the right movers and getting good deals on all the necessary supplies for relocating.
Using a moving cost calculator, you can get a better estimate of how much money you will need. Keep in mind the costs of airfare and hotels (if the travel is over a day). Additionally, do not forget the cost of all the services that must be installed in your new home, including Wi-Fi, cable, and gas. Lastly, keep extra emergency funds, as you never know when you’ll find yourself in sticky situations with unexpected expenses.
Choose your moving company smartly
Different people have different needs. Some are willing to spend extra money on movers, while others would prefer DIY methods to cut costs. Carefully consider your priorities, and then select the right movers that fit all your needs.
On the other hand, if you want to pack and move everything yourself, familiarize yourself with the different methods of moving and shipping items safely.
Do considerable research for picking a moving company. Get quotes for multiple companies and compare prices and services. Moreover, do not forget to check licenses, insurance policies, and all other paperwork. All in all, you want to ensure your moving company is reliable and trustworthy. Read reviews and check ratings because you do not want to trust the wrong movers. You can refer to Moving.com for reviews. The site contains a directory of famous moving companies and their reviews, official FMCSA filed complaints, US DOT numbers, associations with American Moving & Storage Association, and much more.
Additionally, look out for red flags. For example, companies that offer quotes without in-person inspections or video surveys may not be reliable. You should also sound the alarm if a company offers quotes that sound too good to be true.
Research your new location
Visiting your new destination and scoping it out is the ideal case scenario. Knowing the nearby grocery stores, checking out the schools in your area, and trying out local diners will help you prepare for your move better. However, this can be expensive, and a trip to your new state may not fit into your budget.
Fortunately, the internet has got you covered. Most towns and cities have official websites, and you can visit their social media accounts to learn more about your area. You can even discover local businesses, real estate, and restaurants online. We recommend taking a tour of your city via google maps satellite view to help you feel more comfortable moving into a new place.
There is plenty of information you can find out through a quick internet search and by viewing review sites. You can check sites like Walk Score to get a better idea of your daily commute after moving and find the liveability score of your area on AreaVibes. By paying a little extra for subscriptions like neighborhood scout, you can find exclusive real estate deals, crime rates, trends, forecasts, and more!
Check your paperwork
Relocating to a new area means never-ending paperwork. This part of moving can be very burdensome and tiring. However, it is extremely important, and you cannot sleep on it. You will need to update billing addresses, transfer memberships or cancel them, change magazine subscriptions, and much more. You should consider doing most of these things before your move to make your transition more seamless.
Here is a basic list of things you may need to update,
- Insurance
- Driver’s license
- Utilities
- Cable
- Pet registration
- Voting registration
- Cable
- Credit cards
- Mail forwarding
- Gym membership
Find out about employer relocation assistance
If you are relocating for a job, check with your employer for moving expenses assistance. Most companies offer some package for relocating employees. Such packages cover part of the moving expenses. Sometimes, they even cover the whole of it.
Employer relocation assistance is often available for new employees as well as existing employees that are transferring to another location. You should ask your company about such packages and what they cover. The most commonly covered expenses are moving company costs, lease termination fees, pre-move visits, temporary housing, and storage costs.
Pack efficiently
Instead of throwing things in boxes, create a timeline and devise a strategic packing plan. This will make both the packing and unpacking process more seamless. Firstly, create a list of all the non-essentials; basically, items you will not require in the upcoming weeks, such as home decorations and books. Keep the essentials for the last. This includes kitchen items, toiletries, and dinnerware.
Moreover, take out all the things you will not be taking to your new house and put them in boxes for donations ahead of time. Most charities offer free donation pick-ups. Thus, research, find a local charity like Goodwill or Salvation army, and book a date and time for pick-up.
Conclusion
Moving to a new state is no easy task. However, following the right tips and planning ahead of time can make a move more efficient and easier. Remember to keep track of everything and check off boxes from your checklist as you complete tasks.
