Moving out far from home can be quite stressful because there are many things you have to take care of. Whether you are moving out for your job or other circumstances, it requires a lot of time, planning, and patience to move from one home to a new one without a hitch.
And as with anything that requires planning, a to-do list will surely help you strategize and organize the steps you need to take for a successful move.
Consider Cheaper Alternatives to Moving Companies
When hiring moving companies for long distances, fees can be pretty hefty. As an alternative, you can instead rent a moving truck and drive it yourself. Bear in mind though, that what you will save on labor costs you will pay for by having to load your boxes on your own. You can ask for help from friends and family if possible, and if you don’t have a lot to load, then this is a very viable option.
Another way to transport your belongings for less is to rent a portable storage container. These are durable moving pods in different sizes that you can rent. What the company will do is drop off the container at your house and come back to pick it up after you have loaded your boxes and furniture. Then, they will drop it off at your new address and come back for it when you’ve emptied it.
Find a New Place Ahead of Time
While it might seem like a no-brainer, it’s really better to have a new place ready before you even think of moving out. Getting a realtor to help you find a new home is advisable so they can guide you to finding houses or apartments for rent around the neighborhoods you choose. They should also be able to help you with paperwork, saving you time and hassle.
Prepare packing supplies
It rsquo;s much better to prepare your packing supplies like boxes, packaging tapes, bubble wraps, and foam pouches at least a month before your moving out date. This way you’ll have plenty of time to pack everything and maybe have time to spare for other preparations. On top of that, you’ll also be able to budget better as knowing how much you’d spend on supplies is one item off your budget list.
Transfer what you can
Don’t forget to inform your utility companies that you are moving so you can schedule a transfer or installation date. Other things you have to transfer or cancel would be memberships for your gym and community clubs. If your gym happens to have a location in your new address, then just have your membership transferred.
If you are moving with children, have their school records transferred, too. As you find a new school for your kids, ask about the requirements like a recommendation letter and medical records. It’s also good to ask about what books and supplies your children would need in their new school.
Remember to clean before moving out
Imagine the perspective of the people moving in after you. If you were to move into your new home, you would want to enter the place and find it clean, pleasant, and almost new. Overall it just makes the move seamless and easier for everyone and is a very considerate act for the new owners of your home. And if you are renting, leaving your place clean leaves a good impression on your landlord.
You can hire a cleaning service to make sure your house is clean for the new owners. If you are renting, usually landlords would require a new paint job and for all holes repaired before you move out. Of course, you can DIY this and do the cleaning on your own or with the help of friends and family, but make sure to have a schedule and to stick to it so you know you have enough time to finish everything before your moving day.
If You Drive, Get a New License
Whether you already have a car or if you are planning to get one in your new city, make sure to know the requirements for getting a driver’s license there. This is important because some states have a limited timeline for you to accomplish this from when you move in.
Other than your driver’s license, you should also remember to have your mail forwarded, establish residency for taxes, and register to vote. If you have pets, you should also look into your new city’s requirements for pet ownership, if there are any.
