5 Pro Tips for Moving Out of State

#1: Plan Ahead and Plan Well

It may sound like a cliché, but effective planning is truly the key to a smooth move! Once you've decided to relocate out of state, it’s essential to carefully map out your approach. If you own your current home, start preparing to sell it. If you’re renting, check your lease agreement to see how much notice you need to give. For your new home, decide if you’ll be buying or renting, and make sure you have employment lined up. Research potential neighborhoods and consider your children’s schooling options. If possible, plan a visit to your new state for some in-person research. Think about how much help you'll need with the move. Do you want to hire movers for everything, or just for specific tasks? Don’t forget to factor in the cost of the move – it’s not cheap! Make a detailed plan, and track estimated expenses so you know how much to save before you begin. If your employer is contributing to the move, make sure you fully understand what’s covered and what’s not.

#2: Only Move What You Actually Need

This is a crucial step—don’t move items you don’t need! Moving is the perfect opportunity to assess your possessions and decide what’s worth taking with you. Get rid of anything you don’t use or love, and think about whether your current furniture will fit in your new place. Some large items, like pool tables, may not be worth the cost and effort of moving. It could be cheaper to sell them and buy new ones later. Hold a yard sale or list items online, and donate anything that doesn’t sell. It may be difficult, but it’s better to avoid wasting time and resources on things you won’t use in your new home.

#3: Research Your Movers Carefully

It’s common sense to get at least three quotes from moving companies, but price shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision. If one company’s quote is significantly lower than others, that could be a red flag. Be sure to research movers who specialize in long-distance moves. Read reviews beyond the company’s website—check Google or the Better Business Bureau for independent feedback. Don’t forget to review the contract closely to ensure all your needs are covered, and that you fully understand the pickup and delivery schedules. You don’t want to be left in your new home without furniture for weeks due to a miscommunication or overlooked detail.

#4: Plan for the Time Between Moves

If you’re both selling and buying homes, plan your closings a few days apart to allow room for unexpected delays. For instance, if you close on your current home on Monday, try to schedule the new home’s closing for Wednesday or Thursday. This provides a buffer in case of delays, and gives movers time to transport your belongings. In the meantime, consider where you’ll stay—will you stay with family or book a hotel? Pack a bag with essential items, just in case the move takes longer than expected. If possible, this could even be a great time for a mini vacation with the family.

#5: Update Your Address Right Away

You might be surprised by how many services and accounts are linked to your current address! To avoid scrambling after the move, start updating your contact information ahead of time. Checking recent bank statements can help you compile a list of companies you need to inform about your address change. Don’t forget the essentials: your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and pet registration. Deadlines for updates vary by state, so be sure to check the rules in your new location. Setting up mail forwarding through the postal service is a great way to catch any mail that still goes to your old address. Be sure to update your address with your bank, subscription services, insurance providers, and any other relevant contacts.