When moving to a new place, especially outside of your town or state, it’s obvious to get excited about all the new experiences awaiting you. On the other hand, this could be a stressful time when you’ve to focus all your energy and attention on leaving the one place you’ve always called home.
So, how will you make the most out of the moving process? We have discussed five tips below to prioritize when relocating to a new state.
1. Plan Ahead
They say failing to plan is planning to fail, and this couldn’t be more true. If you are to relocate a month from now, why not use the remaining time wisely and avoid the last-minute rush? The problem always lies with procrastination and believing you have much time left.
Ideally, anyone planning to relocate should prepare a four-week schedule highlighting everything that needs to be addressed before the moving day.
Besides deciding what to pack, choosing a moving company, or visiting the new home/place, you must also put your finances in check, get a new driving license, and organize a goodbye party. The list is endless. You should brainstorm what you want to accomplish before leaving and how you want them done.
2. Pack Only the Essentials
Packing and moving everything you have in your current home to the new place is often tempting. But this isn’t always feasible. One is the financial aspect of moving everything, and the other is the available space in your new home.
You should consider using the one-year rule if you cannot choose what to pack and leave behind. The rule suggests that all the things you have not used in the last year may not be useful to you.
When packing, you can put aside things you have not used for a whole year, then evaluate whether they are still relevant. This will help you pack light and avoid paying for things you no longer need. If you are moving with kids, you can donate or sell the clothes and toys they have outgrown.
3. Hire the Right Movers
One of the biggest mistakes people make during the moving process is choosing a local mover while moving across state lines. Before settling on a mover, always do your research to ensure you pick a reliable cross-country moving company familiar with most towns and cities in the state you are relocating to. This will make everything from the price estimation to the actual move quite convenient.
When choosing a mover, always look at the quality and variety of their services, customer experience, flexibility, and rates. The company should be able to adjust its services to meet your unique needs. Similarly, choose a licensed and fully insured mover to ensure your items are safe and protected in case of damage or loss during the move. One way to tell a great moving company from the rest is to check its reviews on trusted third-party websites.
4. Take Care of Yourself and Your Loved Ones
During the moving process, you’ll have a lot of things on your mind, and it can be hard to spare some time for yourself. But one thing for sure is that if you don’t take care of your mental and physical health during this time, you will be less effective and more frazzled. Instead of stressing about all the unchecked boxes on your to-do list, take some time to reflect on how amazing the new place will be. Organize your schedule into bits and focus on the present.
You should also make some time to exercise and have enough sleep even as you prepare to move out. If there are kids around, create some time for them and communicate what it means to relocate and, where possible, involve them in the relocation process. That way, you’ll have less resistance from your younger ones, making the moving exercise more convenient.
5. Avoid the Peak Season
Most people tend to relocate between July and August in the United States. During this time, the rates are often high due to the high demand for moving services. Your mover may also be under a tight schedule, forcing you to fit into their schedule or miss the moving deadlines. To avoid such inconveniences, moving out during the off-season is often advisable. Any time between September and May could be ideal for you due to fewer people seeking professional moving services.
Move with Convenience
Whether relocating solo or with family, interstate moving requires proper planning and execution. Once you have decided on the ideal town or neighborhood in the new state, all you need to do is plan the moving process early enough. Always remember to pack the essentials, hire the right movers, be gentle with yourself, and, where possible, avoid the peak season.
