An out of state move can be daunting because it is very different from an intrastate move. There are a lot of things to consider and factors to take into account. Fortunately, there are tips that you can use to make your move smoother and ensure that everything goes according to plan.
1. Have A Budget
Moving to another state is not cheap, and you need to have a budget to work with that. According to the American Moving and Storage Association, the average interstate move will cost approximately $4,300. This cost is to hire a professional mover only and does not include any other costs you might face.
A lot of people feel that moving everything themselves will be cheaper, but you do need to consider all the costs associated with this. You will need to hire a truck or a moving container, get packing materials, and cover other expenses. All of this should be considered when creating your budget.
Ultimately, everything boils down to where you live. Mississippi has one of the lowest costs of living in the United States, followed by Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri. The state with the highest cost of living year after year is Hawaii, followed closely by California and New York. Crunching the numbers based upon where you live can be overwhelming. You’d actually be surprised at how many tools and Excel templates are available online. If you need a little more help, you can now connect with a live tax expert or CPA on-demand via online, one-way video from your home in New York City, Little Rock, Tulsa, or anywhere else in the United States.
A lot of people find it easier to start with what they are willing and able to spend on their move. You should then list all of the necessary expenses of the move then add a buffer for unexpected costs. If you are moving for a job, you need to see if your employer will cover some or all of the moving costs.
2. Research Moving Companies
Once you have your budget in place, you need to start looking at moving companies. The company that you work with will play a major role in how smoothly your move runs. You need to find a moving company that is reliable and trustworthy. Looking at reviews and getting recommendations are the best place to start.
When you have a list of potential best rated interstate moving companies to work with, you need to check their US DOT number. All interstate movers will need to have this number, and the Department of Transport website allows you to check the company using the number. The number will be linked to any official complaints and ensures that the company meets certain standards.
The goal of researching the companies is to have a shortlist of 3 to 4 reputable companies. You can then get an estimate from these companies. Working with an untrustworthy company will only bring problems and could result in your possessions being damaged or stolen.
3. Consider The Alternatives
If hiring a professional interstate moving company is too expensive for your budget, you need to consider the alternatives. There are two primary alternatives that you should consider. The first is to rent a portable moving container. These containers will work as a portable storage container as well as a means of transporting your items. You can generally rent these containers for a month and slowly pack everything into them. This will usually cost around $2,000 to $3,000 depending on the size of the container and the length of the rental contract.
The other option will be to rent a moving truck and move everything yourself. This option is a significant money saver, and there are several companies that you can rent these trucks. If you are moving all of your household possessions, you might want to consider a freight moving trailer which could save you money.
The last option is to hire a man with a van. This will help you save money especially if you only have a few items to transport. Aside from driving you to your destination, the driver will also help you load and unload your belongings.
4. Have A Packing Plan
While hiring a moving company is an essential part of your interstate move, you also need to plan your packing strategically. You do not want to pack items that you still need or rush to get everything packed in the days before the move. It is recommended that you create a plan of what you will pack and when you will pack it.
Start with the non-essentials in your home, which are the items that you know you will not need in the weeks before the move. This includes home décor, books, electronics, and clothing that you will not wear. Your kitchen and bathroom should be packed last because they house all of your essentials. As you go through your home and pack, you should also get rid of items that you no longer need.
Donating and selling these items will reduce the overall costs of your move as well. The less you have to move, the cheaper the move will be. If you have big and heavy items that you can sell or donate, you should consider this. Many professional interstate movers will use weight as a consideration when it comes to providing an estimate.
There are many tips that you need to know about when it comes to moving out of state. You need to choose the right moving company, but you can also look at alternatives such as hiring a moving container or using freight containers. A packing plan is vital to ensure all of your possessions are packed correctly and on time.