Interstate relocations can be overwhelming. There are so many things to juggle, documents to take care of, and deadlines to meet. You need a strategic approach to keep you sane throughout the move.
Below, we have some actionable steps to guide your move.
Eight weeks out: Research and book everything
Once you’ve confirmed the move, the clock starts to tick for securing the services you need. Long-distance movers have very different moving schedules than local movers. So waiting to book will mean you have much less flexibility.
Research moving companies in detail, get several estimates, and confirm moving company dates. It is also the time to do some research on the city you will be heading to:
- Neighbourhoods
- Schools (if applicable)
- Healthcare providers
- Amenities, etc.
Six weeks out: Declutter and organize
The heavier and larger the cross-country move load, the more expensive it becomes. Six weeks out is the right time to visit every room with the purest of intentions.
Determine what is worth moving with. Potential items for decluttering are:
- Items that will not fit into the new home
- Multiple copies of items
- Items that have not been utilized for more than a year.
The less you put on the truck, the lower the cost, and the less you have to unpack at the end.
Four weeks out: Notify everyone who needs to know
Moving cross-country has a lot more to it than just the physical packing and unpacking. Four weeks is the proper time to notify your service providers about your change of address. This includes your:
- Bank
- Employer
- Insurance companies
- Subscription services
- Any other entity that has your current address.
Being ahead of this can save weeks of administrative time.
Three weeks out: Check all details and start to pack non-essentials
Confirm all arrangements with your moving company:
- Dates and times
- Access arrangements at both locations
- Any unique accommodations needed for large or fragile items.
If you are moving across the country, a professional moving company, such as BRS Moving, will have a confirmation process to ensure that nothing is forgotten on their side.
Use that conversation to clear up any questions you may have about:
- The process of moving
- The estimated time that the move will take
- What will happen if the times change.
Then start packing away things that are not used very often in the season, such as:
- Books
- Decorations
- Seasonal clothing.
Two weeks out: Pack everything except daily essentials
If you are doing the packing yourself, start early. Here are some packing tips:
- Wrap things carefully.
- Label every box clearly with its contents and destination room.
- Photograph boxes with valuables before sealing them.
- Photograph the disassembled items before dismantling them.
Also, keep an inventory of everything that goes onto the truck.
Moving day: Stay organized and present
On moving day, your primary job is to be available and clear-headed. Have your essentials box separate from the other load.
After loading, do a walk through of every room. This is to confirm that everything has been loaded in the truck.
The takeaway
Start early and work systematically through each phase. It is advisable to use a professional moving company with experience in interstate moves to make things easier.
