The Ultimate Guide to Moving Out of State

o## What to Know Before Moving to Another State Moving to a new state is hard work that requires months of planning. To make your move-out smoother, we recommend you start decluttering, prepping, and purchasing move-out supplies two months before.

One month before your move, start booking a move-out cleaning and freight service, and begin packing. This will allow you to take your time as you transition from one home to the next. Aim to finish packing around one week before your move-out to make moving day easy and stress-free.

Moving Out of State Checklist

Just thinking about moving to another state creates a lot of stress for many of us. But when you start breaking down the bigger tasks into more manageable “bite-size” chunks, moving to another state will seem much easier.

For an even simpler moving process, we have crafted a moving out of state checklist for you, similar to our move-out cleaning guide for tenants. This checklist has been broken down starting two months before moving day.

Download Our Moving Out of State Checklist

What to Do 2 Months Before the Move

• Prepare your move-out checklist
• Purchase move-out supplies
• Have your move-out budget in place
• Set up any needed appointments
• Declutter belongings
• Contact landlord for move-out

Two months before moving out of state, contact your landlord to prepare for your move and check your lease for any move-out requirements. Your next step is to print out our checklist, set your move-out budget, and purchase any supplies you may need.

Moving out of state is the best time to get rid of excess belongings, like that old broken laptop hiding in the closet. This is because your move-out cost is affected by how much stuff you have to move and how heavy the items are.

During this time, you may also want to set up any appointments you’ve been putting off — like going to the doctor or getting your oil changed — before your schedule starts piling up.

What to Do 1 Month Before the Move

• Book the move-out company
• Book move-out cleaning
• Plan for your move-out travel needs
• Contact your utility company
• Start emptying your refrigerator and freezer

You’ll want to start booking your move-out services one month before you move. Start searching for a move-out company, cleaning service, and hotels to book them now.

To close your utility accounts, many utility companies require you to contact them at least 30 days in advance so they can give you a closing bill when the time comes. During this period, we also recommend working through the food you have stocked in your refrigerator and freezer. After all, that gallon of ice cream won’t survive moving out of state.

What to Do 2 Weeks Before the Move

• Update your address for credit cards, insurance, etc.
• Update your renter’s insurance
• Cancel or transfer memberships/subscriptions
• Prepare food for the next two weeks
• Start cleaning (if you are not hiring move-out cleaners)

As your move-out day approaches, you may want to start transitioning your current services to your new place. Many things require you to have proof of your address. This is a good time to start moving everything over, so you are prepared.

Also, if you’re not hiring a professional cleaner, it is best to start cleaning now so you’re not rushing at the last minute.

What to Do 1 Week Before the Move

• Finish packing
• Set up mail forwarding
• Update your shipping address for any upcoming orders
• Finish any last minute to-dos, such as getting the car washed
• Take out cash for the road

The week of your move, contact your post office to start forwarding any undelivered items to your new place or risk losing some important mail.

You may also want to get some small tasks done, like getting your car washed, so you have less to do when you get to your new home.

What to Do the Day Before the Move

• Pack any last-minute belongings for the road
• Get some snacks
• Fill up your gas tank
• Have all your documents ready in case of emergency
• Finish up cleaning

Time to confirm everything is completed for the move. Make sure you are ready for the road by filling up on gas and purchasing some snacks. You should be relaxed and ready for tomorrow.

Prepare your documents like passports, medical insurance, and cash. Have them ready to go and packed up in your bag in case of an emergency.

If you are cleaning yourself, make sure everything is spotless. If you are hiring a professional cleaner, make sure they either come today or early tomorrow.

What to Do on Moving Day

• Check to make sure you have everything you need for the road
• Ensure everything has been cleaned, either by you or a professional
• Return your keys to your landlord
• Travel to your new home

It’s the big day: moving day. Time to wrap up everything in your now-former home, do a last-minute check of the place, and turn in your keys. Make sure your place is cleaned and that nothing is left behind before you travel to your new home.

How to Choose the Right Moving Company

There are many reputable moving companies that can help when you are moving out of state.

Well-known moving companies include:

• PODS
• U-Pack
• Mayflower Transit
• American Van Lines
• Allied Van Lines
• National Van Lines

Each company offers different services and pricing. For example, PODS and U-Pack offer moving services where you pack your belongings into containers yourself, which will save you a lot of money. On the other hand, full moving service companies will pack and ship everything for you.

Depending on how much work you want to do and how much you are willing to spend, you may want to do some research before choosing a moving company. Always ask for a quote before deciding on professional movers for moving out of state.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Out of State

How much does it cost to move out of state?

The cost of moving out of state will greatly depend on how far you go and how heavy your items are. Other factors that may impact the cost of moving are whether you’re hiring a moving company or professional move-out cleaners. Even the month of your move will likely affect how much you are paying.

According to the American Moving and Storage Association, the average cost of an interstate move is about $4,300.

What can you do to reduce the cost to move out of state?

Tips for reducing the cost of moving out of state include:

• Packing and boxing everything
• Renting a truck to move your items yourself
• Doing the move-out cleaning yourself
• “Hiring” your friends and family

Usually, moving companies will charge for packing your belongings. You can remove that fee by packing yourself, but you may risk damage to your items if you don’t pack them securely.

Additionally, doing your move-out cleaning yourself will reduce some costs. But remember, your security deposit depends on the condition you left your former home.

You can also cut some labor costs by getting your friends and family to help you move.

How do you find a job in another state?

Many people will have a new job-ready when they are moving out of state. If this isn’t the case, many resources will help guide you to your new career.

First, before you look for a new job in your new state, ask your current company if you can work from home. Remote work is extremely common in today’s age, and your current employee may be willing to go this route.

If working from home isn’t an option, you can attend some job fairs in your new home state to network and meet new people. You can also check out career websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn.

Do I need professional move-out cleaning?

Having a cleaning professional help you with your move-out clean has great benefits.

To start, hiring a professional cleaning company will increase your chances of getting your full security deposit back. Additionally, some landlords require a move-out cleaning as a part of your lease. This means you’ll have to show proof, like an invoice or receipt, that a professional cleaned your place before you move out.

To hire a professional move-out cleaner in your area, turn to Moveout.com.