Have you ever given it a thought as to why interstate moves are always portrayed as a nightmare? Well, the answer is quite simple, really. When moving long distance, you will have to relocate all of the possessions you have all the way to another state. Unlike a local NJ move, where you can make a couple of trips to your new home and, for example, relocate your items over a few weekends, you won’t be able to do so for an interstate relocation. So, in order for everything to go according to plan, you will need a checklist. Your interstate moving checklist will be the only guide you’ll need in the days to come. To make it easier to create one, we’ve composed a list of our own. These are the entries you should have on your checklist. Take a look!
What should your interstate moving checklist cover?
Make no mistake – we can only cover so much in one article and your list should be much more extensive than this. Besides, what you need may vary than what the next person needs. But, there are some things every household should pay attention to during such a move, and we will cover them and make sure you don’t forget something important.
You won’t have to sit around, wondering what to put on your interstate moving checklist.
1. Visit your new home
You can’t very well move without knowing what the new place is like, can you? That’s why the first item on your moving checklist should be to visit your new home. Granted, it’s not as easy as if you were moving locally. But, you should still move some things around and clear your schedule for at least a weekend. Once at the new location, try to get to know it as much as possible! Remember, you’ll be moving here soon, so it won’t be time wasted!
2. Create a budget
Fun fact – according to many relevant sources, American Moving & Storage Association being one of them, an average price for an interstate move is $4,300. Of course, that doesn’t mean that will be the price of your move, too. It can be much lower or much higher, for that matter. But what does matter is that you can clearly see this will not be a cheap endeavor. For that reason, you will have to plan out your budget – and stick to it. So, sit down with your family, and decide on the best course of action for you!
3. Hire professional movers
Don’t be fooled into thinking that an interstate relocation can be done without the right amount of help. Do you really think you will be able to pack up everything, load the moving truck, drive it to another state and all of that in one go? But, that will be just another day at the office for the best moving companies NJ has to offer. In order to lock in the best movers, you will have to act on time. Start your search for the best long distance movers at least two months before the moving date and avoid all and any problems.
4. Research schools
Unless you are moving without kids, this is not an entry you’ll need on your interstate moving checklist. But, since most families do relocate with kids, we had to mention it. A good while before your moving date, you should research the schools in the new area. Of course, it all starts by buying a house in a good school district. Once you find a good candidate, contact the new school and have the school records transferred. Also, make sure that the school is ready for your child’s arrival, which you will do by simply giving them a call.
The most educational moments in a child’s life are spent in school.
5. Create a packing strategy
Now, this will be an important one. Arguably, the most difficult part of any relocation is the packing process. Unless you opt for packing services with your movers, be they movers Fort Lee NJ or Oakland moving professionals, you will have to pack by yourself. And the only way to pack correctly is by creating a solid strategy. It’s a good rule of thumb to start with the items you use the least and work your way towards the daily used ones. Of course, you will and should start packing the former a month before the move and end with packing the latter in the days leading up to your relocation.
6. Remember to transfer your utilities
What would be worse – having to pay for utilities you didn’t use or sitting in your new home without cable/internet? Well, both of these things will happen unless you remember to transfer your utilities in due time. Remember that this is not to be left for the last few days, quite the contrary. You should deal with it at least three weeks ahead of your move.
7. Take care of your pet
If you are a pet owner, you have a big responsibility during relocation. You have to ensure your pet finds a way on your interstate moving checklist. Not only will you have to prepare your pet for a move and find someone to look after him on the day of your relocation, but you will also have to find a vet at the new place. You never know when a health emergency will happen.
Your furry friend should receive the attention it deserves!
Once again, your interstate moving checklist can contain as many entries as you see fit. And you can be as thorough and elaborate as you want, as there is no such thing as overdoing it when making a checklist. But these seven entries should make their way on your checklist, assuming you have pets and kids. What’s left to say is good luck! Going through an interstate move won’t be easy, but we are sure you’ll be able to do it!
