Moving can be a stressful experience, even when you’re staying within your current city limits. But pulling up roots and relocating out of state is a whole new ballgame. Not only are you leaving a familiar environment, but you must also mentally prepare yourself to say goodbye to friends, colleagues and a lifestyle you’ve known for years. On top of the anxiety of planning for a move, the emotional toll can feel overwhelming, complicating your decision-making process. You can relieve some of your worries with an out-of-state relocation checklist.
1. Create a Budget
The costs of an out-of-state relocation can add up quickly. Avoid financial surprises by making – and sticking with – a moving budget. Be sure to factor in expenses like professional-quality packing materials, gas or airfare, insurance and utility hookups at your new destination. While you’re at it, don’t forget to research the average cost of living there. State and local taxes can vary widely, so you’ll want to be prepared.
2. Get to Know Your Destination
Ideally, you’d have the time and resources to make at least one reconnaissance trip to your future home so you can scope out amenities like parks, grocery stores, shopping areas, etc. However, traveling out of state is an added expense you may want to avoid if you’re saving up for your big move.
Luckily, you have digital resources at your disposal to help you make a virtual trip. Google Maps offers satellite and street-level views of most places, and you can also use review sites like Yelp to search for the best restaurants and stores in town. Get an online subscription to the local paper, or use social media to follow accounts for news stations, government officials and others that can help you get a grasp of current events in your new community.
3. Forward Your Mail
Amid all the other to-dos on your out-of-state moving checklist, thinking about your mail may not be a priority. However, there are still some things you can only have delivered through good old-fashioned snail mail, so it’s a smart step to arrange for free mail forwarding through the U.S. Postal Service. If you don’t set up a forwarding order, the USPS won’t have any way to know you’ve moved, and you may miss valuable correspondence like jury duty notices or information from your bank or insurance company.
4. Say Your Goodbyes
Make time to get together with any friends, co-workers and family members you are leaving behind in your out-of-state relocation. You can reminisce about your favorite times together and make sure to tell them how much you love them. These get-togethers will give you a much-needed sense of closure as you start a new chapter in your life. Of course, you can always use technology to stay in touch after the dust settles on your move.
5. Hire Long-Distance Movers
While some people like the idea of a DIY move, the logistics of an out-of-state relocation can be significant – especially if you’ve never organized an interstate move before. Experienced long-distance movers are experts at carefully packing your precious belongings, then transporting everything and unpacking them upon arrival at your new doorstep.
Regardless of how much you have to move and how far you plan to go, Fox Moving and Storage of Chattanooga will get you there safely. We’ll work with you at every step of the way to ensure you have a low-stress experience. Contact us today to request your complimentary quote.