Planning to Relocate to Another State: A Step-by-Step Guide

All sorts of moves require a significant amount of time and effort, no matter if you are moving downtown, to a new state or a new country. Generally, the farther you are moving, the more complex relocation can be, with you having to care for plenty of things. Although you can complete a local move in a matter of days only, long-distance travel can take up to weeks.

If you are moving to a new state, whether for a job, family, or a change in scenery, there’s a lot to manage. From budgeting for your move to handling the legal and logistical aspects, relocating to another state requires you to plan thoughtfully. 

This guide will walk you through each step to make your move smoother, less stressful, and as organized as possible. So, without further ado, let’s have a look at the various steps to relocate to another state. 

How to Start Planning Your State-to-State Move?

When you are planning to relocate to another state, it is important to start as early as possible. The earlier you begin, the more organized and stress-free your move is going to be. Here is how to prepare to relocate to another state. 

1. Create a Timeline For Your Move

When you are planning a move, the first thing you have to do is set a timeline. Setting and creating a timeline will keep you on track without any delays. Moreover, a timeline will help you manage every stage of your move. 

Now, how can you create a timeline? Consider the amount of time you have on your hands. Depending on how much time you have, divide the tasks by month and week to stay on track. For example:

• 2-3 Months Before Moving 

If you have two to three months left in your move, you have to research the state you are going to move to, find housing, and begin sorting through your belongings. 

• 1 Month Before Moving

Just a month before your move, you need to hire movers, start packing, and notify utilities of your change of address.

• 1 Week Before Moving 

With only a week before your long-distance move, you have to finalize your packing, prepare a bag with essentials to keep with you, and double-check your travel arrangements. 

2. Budgeting

Another important aspect to consider when you are planning your interstate move is budget. Although there are certainly ways to save during the move, you are still going to spend a lot. You need to plan ahead of time the amount you are willing or able to spend on your move so you are able to make informed decisions, whether it is regarding the movers you choose or the supplies you buy, throughout the process. 

If you are wondering how much it costs to relocate to another state, you need to know that many factors play an important role, including the distance, the amount of belongings, and the services you choose. For a one-bedroom home, an interstate move can cost between $800 – $2100, but costs can rise depending on the size of your home and how far you’re moving.

Fairway Movers offers excellent relocation services for stress-free moving, providing affordable rates and reliable customer support.

3. Picking Suitable Movers or Do It Yourself

When it comes to moving, everyone has different priorities. Some people prefer to do everything on their own, while others may need a relocation service. Depending on your priorities, needs, and budget, you should research your options, get in touch with suitable movers, and make an informed choice. 

Choosing the Right State-to-State Moving Company

If you opt for a moving service for your interstate move, it is important to compare various available and suitable service providers. Here is how you can do that.

• If your friends, family, or anyone you know has moved recently, ask them about their experience. This firsthand information can help get valuable insights into the kind of quality of service provided. 
• Check online reviews and recommendations. 
• Check if the company you are choosing is licensed and insured. 
• Request quotes from at least three different moving companies and compare them. Look at each line item carefully; this includes hourly rates, mileage charges, and any fees for oversized items.
• Also, check the kinds of services each of the company has to offer and compare the pricing for individual services as well. 
• At times, you might need to store your belongings at a storage facility. See if the companies offer storage facilities or not, compare their pricing, and consider the options they have to offer, i.e., whether short-term or long-term. 

Packing Tips for Moving to Another State

The next step in relocation to another state is packing. Strategy and organization are two aspects that will make your packing process simple and easy. Here are a few tips for strategic and organized packing:

Declutter Before You Pack

The first thing you need to do before you actually start packing is decluttering. Go through each room and see if there is anything you do not need. Ask yourself if you actually need it; if not, sell it, donate it, or throw it away. 

How to Pack Efficiently

Once you have decluttered, you can actually start packing. Here is how you can pack efficiently. 

• Label Your Boxes

Labeling boxes is an essential part of your move. Clearly label each box with the room it belongs in, whether it contains fragile items, and which side needs to be kept upwards.

• Pack Room by Room

Packing room by room is going to keep everything organized; every item will be in place, and you will not misplace or mix items from different parts of the house. 

• Use Proper Packing Materials

Consider investing in proper packing materials such as bubble wrap, packing tapes, and sturdy double-walled boxes. Pack each item properly, and if there is space between items, fill them with crumpled paper or packing peanuts. 

Consider professional packing services if you’re short on time. Fairway Movers offers reliable packing solutions and makes sure that your belongings are safe during the journey.

Interstate Moving Costs: How Much Should You Budget?

Moving between states comes with several costs that can quickly add up. Let’s break down typical expenses and how to plan for them.

• Moving Company Costs

One of the biggest expenses while relocating is hiring professional movers since it is the best way to relocate to another state, especially if you have heavy furniture or a large household. The average cost of hiring movers for a distance of around 1000 miles is $4800; the cost is only going to increase with the increase in distance and other related aspects. 

If you want to save, think of the DIY approach where you rent a truck and pack everything yourself. 

• Additional Moving Costs

Here are some additional expenses you need to look out for:

1. Packing supplies: 

When packing, you would need plenty of boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and other packing supplies, all of which can quickly add up. 

Pro tip: If you want to save, consider sourcing free boxes from local stores for items that would not easily break. 

2. Transportation: 

Whether driving or flying to your new state, remember to add in the cost of gas, tolls, or airfare.

3. Storage fees: 

If your new home isn’t ready when you arrive, you may need to store your belongings at a storage facility. 

Fairway Movers provides excellent storage facilities to make your move stress-free. Check out their storage services here.

• How to Move to Another State on a Budget

Budgeting for a move might seem tricky, but it is essential. Remember to track all of your expenses on a spreadsheet, and don’t forget to set aside some funds for unexpected costs, such as travel delays or last-minute repairs to your old home. 

To save money while relocating to another state, consider:

1. DIY packing: 

Packing your items yourself can help reduce your moving costs.

2. Compare moving companies: 

Get quotes from at least three different companies before you decide on a service. Don’t forget to ask about hidden fees!

3. Declutter & Downsize

Another important way to save costs while relocating is by decluttering and downsizing. Donate, sell, or throw away things you no longer need. This would not only clear up space but also make the packing process hassle-free, reducing the number of boxes and items to be packed. 

Legal & Administrative Tasks to be Taken Care of During an Interstate Move

Relocating to another state isn’t just about packing up your belongings and moving into a new home—it also comes with several legal and administrative tasks that need to be quickly taken care of.

1. One of the first things you need to do after relocating to another state is update your driver’s license. 
2. Once you have updated your driver’s license, you will need to register your vehicle in the new state. 
3. Once you have established residency in the new place, you need to transfer voter registration as well. 
4. Remember to update your address with relevant authorities such as post and finance to make sure everything is now forwarded to your new location. 
5. One of the most important steps of relocating to a new state is transferring or setting up your utilities. This includes electricity, gas, water, internet, cable, and trash. 
6. If you’re moving to another state, you’ll need to update your health insurance policy to ensure coverage in your new location.

What to Do Before Moving Day: A Pre-Move Checklist

Relocating to another state is no simple task; if you need to relocate to another state, it is important to use a checklist. Following is a checklist and a step-by-step guide to help you stay organized on the moving day. 

Important Documents You’ll Need for an Interstate Move

Keep all of the necessary documents with you while you are moving to a new state. Make sure you have all the necessary documents that might be required during the interstate move. This may include:

• Driver’s license: You’ll need to transfer your license once you move.
• Voter registration: Update your registration to vote in your new state.
• Utility bills: Contact providers to switch utilities to your new home.

Final Steps Before Moving Day

• Confirm your movers: Call the moving company to confirm dates, costs, and any special instructions.
• Pack an overnight bag: Include essentials like clothes, toiletries, and important documents to have on hand.
• Double-check your travel plans: Whether you’re flying or driving, make sure your tickets, hotel reservations, and car rentals are in order.

How to Stay Organized During a State Relocation

When you are relocating to another state, it is necessary to stay organized; here are some tips to keep everything running smoothly. 

Managing Moving Day

Relocation to another state might feel overwhelming, but it does not have to be so; with the right approach, you can stay on top of everything. Remember to:

• Keep a complete list of tasks and mark off each as you go.
• Having a binder or folder for important documents can also help keep things organized.

Moving with Kids and Pets: What You Need to Know

If you are relocating with either kids or pets, you need to take care of a few things. Here is how you can make the transition easier for everyone. 

Tips for Relocating with Children

For children, moving can seem like a big adjustment, especially if they are leaving behind friends or familiar environments. Here is how you can make the process easier for them:

1. Talk to them about the move, be honest, and let them be a part of the process. 
2. Create a sense of excitement for them. Have them look forward to the new adventures and the fun aspects of a new location.
3. Try to maintain their routine as much as possible, as it will help them adjust easily.

Relocating with Pets

If you are relocating with pets, you should know that they can become anxious. Here is how you can keep them calm throughout the process. 

1. Stick to their schedule and try to keep their feeding and walking times consistent.
2. Have a pet essentials bag ready for them with their food, bedding, toys, and favorite medications.
3. Take them on short trips to acclimate them for the move.

Post-Move Tasks After Relocating to a New State

Once you have arrived at your new location, the task is not over; there are still plenty of things that need to be done. Here is a checklist for relocating to another state that will keep you on track with the post-move tasks. 

• Setting Up Utilities and Services

Be sure to set up the utilities, i.e., electricity, water, internet, etc. If you haven’t already done so, call ahead and set up these services so they are ready when you move in. 

• Updating Your Address

Don’t forget to update your address with:

• The postal service
• Banks and credit card companies
• Insurance providers
• Subscriptions (magazines, meal kits, etc.)

Tips for Relocation To Another State

Here are five essential tips for relocating to another state that will make the process smoother and keep you organized. 

1. Remember to start planning early. The earlier you start planning for your move, the easier it will be. Remember to set a timeline that details each step of the move and when you need to do it. Ideally, you should start planning 2-33 months before the move; this gives you the time to gather packing supplies, declutter, and decide if you need to hire professional movers or not. 
2. Budgeting is very important for a move. Get a quote from at least different moving companies, rental trucks, and insurance companies, compare them, and make an informed decision. Set some extra amount aside for unexpected costs as well. 
3. Remember to declutter before you start packing. Decluttering is not only going to reduce the number of things and the weight you’ll be carrying but also save space. Moving fewer things means lower costs and less stress during the moving day. Remember to donate or sell items you no longer need. 
4. When you are relocating to another state, you need to ensure that all of your utilities are transferred, including electricity, water, internet, etc., and are set up in your new home before you arrive. 
5. Have your essentials bag ready for long-distance travel. Keep toiletries, clothes, shoes, medicines, important documents, gadgets, chargers, or any other item you need daily. Moving is chaotic, and with an essential bag, you won’t have to dig through the boxes once you arrive at your new home. 

Relocate to Another State: A Checklist

This relocating to another state checklist will keep you organized and ensure no necessary task is overlooked. 

2-3 Months Before Moving:

• Research your new state
• Rent or purchase your new home.
• Start decluttering
• Get moving quotes from at least three movers
• Create a moving timeline to stay organized

1 Month Before Moving:

• Hire a moving company or rent a moving truck
• Start packing non-essential items
• Notify utilities & Schedule the cancellation of services  
• Set up mail forwarding through USPS.

2-3 Weeks Before Moving:

• Update your driver’s license, health insurance, voter registration, and vehicle registration.
• Finalize packing and labeling boxes
• Confirm moving day details
• Book flights or arrange the drive to your new home.

1 Week Before Moving:

• Pack an essentials bag
• Complete final cleaning
• Confirm that electricity, water, gas, and internet are set up at your new home.

Moving Day:

• Meet the movers
• Do a final walkthrough
• Confirm arrival times

Post-Move Tasks:

• Unpack essentials
• Set up utilities
• Update your new address with banks, credit cards, and subscriptions.
• Register in your new state to vote.
• Update your driver’s license and vehicle registration.

Over to You

Relocating to another state might seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right planning and checklist, you will be able to stay organized and complete the tasks on time. 

For a stress-free moving experience, head over to Fairway Movers. They offer reliable relocation services and storage facilities to make your move easier. 

Need help with your move? Contact Fairway Movers today to get a free moving quote!

FAQs

Q: What are some of the important things to consider when moving out of state?

A: Some of the important things to consider when moving to another state are:

1. Jobs and housing
2. Cost of living
3. Culture and lifestyle
4. Climate
5. Local amenities 

Q: How much would it cost to relocate to another state?

A: The cost of relocation depends on several factors, including the distance you have to travel, the number of household items, if you need to relocate heavy household items, the services you have chosen, etc.

Q:  How can I find a reliable moving company?

A: To find a reliable moving company, you need to research, ask your family and friends, read reviews online, and check if the company is licensed and has insurance. When choosing a moving company, get quotes from at least three different movers, have a look at the services they are offering, and then make an informed decision.