Month: June 2023

Interstate moves have unique challenges. Here are some tips for moving to a different state.

1. Develop a Budget

Having a moving budget in place before a household relocation is essential. For instance, you’ll likely pay more for professional moving services when moving out of state than for local moves, so plan accordingly. You’ll also need to budget for items such as obtaining new driver’s licenses and car registrations, paying deposits at different utility companies, and buying products for your new home.

2. Research Your New City

One of the most exciting aspects of moving to a different state is learning about another city and culture. Research the new city online, learning about its history, foods, and what makes it unique.

Ideally, you’ll be able to visit your destination. On that visit, you can explore different neighborhoods to find one that suits your lifestyle. And you can locate the nearest schools, dentists, gyms, doctors, and veterinarians. If you can’t visit, you can use tools such as Google Maps satellite to take a tour, read Yelp reviews of merchants, and check out local real estate websites.

3. Check the Cost of Living Differences

You’ll need to understand the cost differentials to develop a meaningful budget in your new home. Use a cost of living comparison calculator to know how the new city compares with the old one. Remember to include items such as state and local taxes in your budget.

4. Find a Home

Search for a new home. You can use local real estate agents, Zillow, or RentCafe. Remember that each state has laws and quirks, such as seller disclosures or tenants’ bills of rights.

If the timing for being able to get into your home and your move fail to coincide precisely, you may need to store your possessions for a while. Most professional movers offer storage services.

5. Declutter

Sorting and removing things you no longer use is essential in every move, especially out-of-state ones. You can substantially lower the cost of an out-of-state move by decluttering.

A few ways to declutter are:

• Look carefully to see if your furniture fits in the new space.
• Consider parting with vehicles if the new city is walkable or has excellent public transportation.
• Dispose of excess electronics.

6. Deal With Healthcare

Your current doctor will probably be out of the network with your new insurance. Even if they are in the network, you won’t want to travel back to your old state to visit them.

Check for new providers working with your insurance in your new state. In some cases, you may need to find a new insurance provider. Be sure to stock up on prescriptions in case you experience a lag in finding a new physician.

7. Change Government Documents

Once in your new state, you must change documents such as your driver’s license, passport, car, and voter registration. Also, file a change of address form at the post office with all the magazine subscriptions you wish to keep.

8. Plan to Make Connections

Consider how you’ll meet people and connect in your new area. One way to meet people who share your interests is to join a club or organization. You could also visit a nearby park or garden and talk to your neighbors. Finally, an open house soon after the move is a great way to get to know your new neighbors.

Help With Your Interstate Move

Our professional moving company can help you plan your interstate move. Contact us today for a free quote.

Choosing a professional mover is one of the most critical tasks in the moving process. You’ll want to interview at least three movers. Here are questions to ask each one as you prepare for your household move.

How long have you been in business?

Companies that have been in business for several years will likely be reputable. Otherwise, complaints and bad reviews may have forced them out of business. Longevity isn’t a quality guarantee, but it’s a good start.

What services do you offer?

Moving companies are all different. Some offer more comprehensive or specialized services. You want to be sure the mover provides the services you need. Specialized services might include:

• Packing
• Storage
• Disassembling and reassembling furniture
• Transporting items such as pianos and hot tubs
• Vehicle shipping
• Custom crating

Are you licensed?

Reputable companies are licensed through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. They should be able to provide an MC# and a US DOT#. You can put either number into the FMCSA’s database and read the information. It should say the company is “Authorized.”

How does your estimate process work?

While movers can provide a ballpark estimate over the phone, they can only give an accurate one once they see the items you need to ship and identify potential challenges. Some movers provide virtual estimates, while others conduct an in-person inventory review. 

Also, ask whether the estimates are binding or non-binding. 

Binding estimates are exactly what they sound like. They give you the price you’ll pay, no matter how much your shipment weighs in the end. 

For non-binding estimates, movers will do their best to figure out how much everything weighs ahead of time, but the final cost will be based on how much everything weighs. Therefore, it could be slightly higher or lower than the quoted amount.

How do you calculate prices?

When receiving estimates, a good follow-up question is how the mover calculates prices. Movers generally do so by weight, distance, seasonality, hourly, or a combination of factors. Some also add fees for certain services or oversized items. Understanding how the mover calculates prices can help you budget better.

Is there anything you won’t move?

Most movers will not move hazardous materials such as flammables, aerosols, pesticides, motor oil, paint thinners, nail polish remover, and batteries. However, some movers may refuse to move family heirlooms or other valuables if they believe the risk of damage is too significant. Always ask for their non-allowable list.

Will you or a third party be moving my stuff?

Some movers act as brokers, outsourcing work to contractors. Others may make local moves in-house but broker out interstate moves. Carriers, on the other hand, handle everything with their in-house staff.

Working with a broker is okay. It can save you money. However, working with a carrier almost always results in a more seamless experience.

Can You Guarantee a Delivery Date?

If you are planning an interstate move, some movers will promise delivery on a specific day, while others will provide a window of two or three days. Those movers who offer a window can often complete the move at a lower cost. However, sometimes having your belongings and furniture by a specific date is critical.

A related question is whether the moving company will charge you if your things arrive at the destination before you do.

Book the Right Mover for Your Relocation

Our professional moving company is licensed and offers a comprehensive list of services. Contact us today for a free quote.