The Ultimate Moving Out-of-State Checklist
Cross these essential items off your to-do list before crossing state lines
Moving to a new state and starting a new chapter in your life can be thrilling, but it also requires significant forethought and planning. That’s where our moving out-of-state checklist comes in.
To complete a successful move, you’ll need to check off to-do lists in the weeks and months leading up to the big day. We know it can be hard keeping track of all the tasks you need to accomplish. That’s why we’ve created a detailed moving out-of-state checklist to keep you organized and stress-free during the moving process.
How to Prepare to Move Out of State
Moving out of state can be a time-consuming and costly process. That’s why it’s important to be proactive and avoid procrastinating important tasks like hiring professional interstate movers. By doing so, you can be intentional about your spending and save yourself the stress of rushing to get things done at the last minute.
To help you tackle your out-of-state move gradually, our checklist follows a suggested timeline that details when and how to check off essential tasks.
1 Year Before Your Moving Date
Thinking about the details of your out-of-state move one year prior can seem unnecessary. But it can never hurt to start preparing early, even if in small ways.
Here’s some suggested actions one year before moving:
Think about where you want to live: Research prospective states and towns that fit your desired lifestyle. You can use guide books, online resources, and talk to family and friends that live in that specific state.
Start saving money: The cost of moving can add up quickly, so you’ll want to start saving early. Consider setting aside extra funds from each paycheck to put toward the move.
Begin house hunting: It can take up to six months to a year to buy a house, and the process can be even more tedious if you’re trying to buy a home from out of state.
6 Months Before Your Moving Date
You’re halfway to your moving date, and there’s still plenty to do. At the six month mark, moving out of state becomes less of an idea and more of a reality.
Six months before moving, it’s useful to:
Choose a moving date: When planning your move date, be sure to carefully consider your work schedule, the weather, the availability of your moving company, and even the time of year.
Choose a neighborhood: Even if you’re not buying a house, you still have choices to make about where you want to live. Think about the job market, local goods and services, recreation, the cost of living, and the overall vibe of the prospective area.
Create a moving budget: Write out a concrete moving budget detailing how much you can afford to spend and all of the necessary expenses. If you’re unsure of how much you’ll spend, an online moving calculator can help you.
Visit your new state: Once you’ve decided on an area to live, it’s a good idea to visit. This step will give you a glimpse of your future life there, and help you acclimate with your new surroundings.
3 Months Before Your Moving Date
As your moving date quickly approaches, it’s time to get your moving arrangements in order. Here’s what you should consider doing three months before your move.
Get multiple quotes from moving companies: By obtaining multiple quotes from several local moving companies, you’ll get a better idea of how much movers cost and be able to choose the most affordable option.
Decide how you want to move: An out-of-state move is usually best left to the professional movers, but you may opt to rent a truck and move yourself. If so, this is the time to start thinking about how you’ll execute such a big move. Make sure to look into moving truck rentals and seek help from your loved ones to lighten the load.
Hire a moving company: If you settle on a full-service move, now’s the time to hire a moving company near you. This essential step gives your moving professionals ample time to sort out the details of your move.
2 Months Before Your Moving Date
By now, the realization that you’re moving out of state might start to set in. Fortunately, you still have time to handle the necessary moving tasks and seek closure that comes with ending this chapter of your life.
Two months before your move, you’ll want to:
Clean and declutter your home: Clear your home of trash and unwanted items. Make plans to sell or donate items you no longer use. Doing a deep clean of your space will leave it pristine and welcoming for the next resident.
Gather moving supplies: You’ll likely need a lot of storage containers, moving boxes, and moving supplies to pack up all of your belongings. To save money, repurpose items you already have, ask family and friends, or visit your local stores to see if they have any unwanted cardboard boxes.
Make an inventory of your belongings: Make a list of all the items you plan to bring with you, and keep special note of valuables and fragile items. In the event that anything goes missing, you’ll have a record of your belongings.
Gather important documents: Make sure not to load your personal documents on the moving truck; instead, keep paperwork regarding your license, voting information, credit cards, utilities, new home, school, and work in a dedicated folder or binder.
Enroll children in school: Contact your child’s new school and fill out any necessary paperwork. You may also need to provide immunization records or transcripts from their old school.
Obtain pet medical records: In the midst of all the moving stress, don’t forget about your beloved pets. Make sure to get an updated medical record from their vet in case you need to present it to your landlord, and stock up on pet food and treats for the trip.
1 Month Before Your Moving Date
One month to go, and it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Since you’ve already gotten a lot done, you can use this month to focus on some of the more nuanced tasks.
One month before your moving date:
Finish packing your belongings: It’s quite stressful to pack up all your stuff the night before your big move. Avoid the stress by packing up all your non-essential items early, and tackling time-consuming tasks like wrapping furniture.
Make travel plans: Set your moving day travel plans, including buying plane tickets, booking hotel rooms, and touching base with your new landlord or employer about your upcoming arrival.
Notify necessary parties of your address change: Make a list of service providers such as your utilities, the U.S. Postal Service, banks, credit card companies, medical providers, schools, and any subscriptions you hold. Then, reach out to inform them of your new address.
Contact utility companies: Ahead of your move-out date, connect with your electricity and gas companies to set an end date for your services. If someone is moving into your old home, connect with them about transferring services to their name.
1 Week Before Your Moving Date
With only one week left, it’s important to take care of yourself physically and emotionally during this hectic time. You’ll want to set yourself up for a successful move.
One week before your moving date:
Touch base with your movers: This is a good time to connect with your moving professionals and make sure you’re on the same page about what will happen on moving day. Set an arrival and departure time to keep everyone on schedule.
Move-out clean: You’ll want to thoroughly clean the home you’re leaving. Make sure to sweep and mop the floors, disinfect all surfaces, clean any carpet areas, and wash the windows. If you’re too exhausted to do the job yourself, the cost of move-out cleaning services may be well worth it.
Pack a bag for move-in day: You probably won’t feel like unpacking boxes to find clothes or toiletries after a long day of moving. So, be sure to pack a bag filled with all essential items that you can easily unload at your destination.
1 Day Before Your Moving Date
Tomorrow is a big day, and you’ll want to be well-rested and prepared for the busy day ahead.
One day before the move, consider:
Take out cash: It’s good to have cash on hand to tip your movers for a job well done, or for the unexpected expenses may come up on moving day.
Pack water and snacks: Moving to a new state will require a lot of energy. Make sure to stay hydrated and nourished throughout the day with plenty of water and snacks for your moving team.
Get a good night’s rest: It’s important to get adequate sleep so you’ll be in a good mood and ready to handle whatever moving day throws your way.
Review your inventory list: Run through your inventory list of items and boxes to ensure everything is in the right place. If anything is misplaced, try to correct it now before it becomes a hassle on moving day.
Moving Day
The day has finally arrived—it’s time to cross state lines and embark on a new journey. You’ve done much of the hard work so that today can be smooth sailing.
On moving day:
Final walkthrough of house: Do a final walkthrough of your old home and make sure you have everything. Cherish the memories you’ve made, and think about the ones you’ll create in your new home out of state.
Turn in your keys: Before leaving, make sure your landlord or new resident has the keys to your old home.
Say your goodbyes and hit the road: It’s okay to shed a few tears; goodbyes can be hard. But as you set out on the open road to a new adventure, take time to reflect on the exciting journey that awaits you.