Last Updated on August 15, 2019 by Kari-Ann Ryan

You’ve been eyeing the possibility of living in a new state. Perhaps career opportunities await, or a fresh start is in the making. When the time comes to move across state borders, you’ll want the move to be as easy as possible. Preparing for the move is the most effective way to ensure your move is organized and offers the least amount of stress.

Keep in mind the following tips before moving to another state:

  1. Budget for your move
  2. Get to know the new city
  3. Create a calendar
  4. Consider your moving options
  5. Pack efficiently
  6. Buy insurance
  7. Unhook old and set up new utilities
  8. Update your data
  9. Clean your old residence

1. Budget for Your Move

In the United States, intrastate moves of 1,200 miles have an average cost of $5,630, according to the American Moving & Storage Association. Moving a three-bedroom house from the East Coast to the West Coast can reach upwards of $7,000 to $10,000. You’ll need sufficient expenses to cover moving costs, including shipping your car, hiring a mover, and buying insurance for the move.

Ask if your new employer covers moving expenses.An employer might pay for the move if you’re relocating for a new job

2. Get to Know the New City

Before you start the moving process, it’s advisable to pay a visit to your new state. You’ll get a first-hand look at the neighborhoods and a good feel for what it’s like to live there. Local visitor’s centers offer detailed maps, colorful explanatory brochures and recommendations. Read online review sites to gather valuable information from residents who have previously lived or still live in your new locale.

3. Create a Calendar

Prep for your move by developing a moving calendar, a checklist to keep you on track during every phase of your move. A relocation calendar details each task that needs to be prioritized and when. Mark up what needs to be done eight weeks before the move, four weeks prior, one week out, the day before moving, and on moving day.

4. Consider Moving Options

When heading for your new state, you have several ways to ship your belongings. The following include moving options from the most expensive to the least costly:

  • Hire a professional mover. Obtain a quote from at least four moving companies. Trustworthy moving professionals will do an on-site inspection or video survey prior to offering a quote.
  • Schedule storage services. If there is a period of time between your move-out date and when you can move in, you will want to notify the moving company if you need storage services. Many offer secure facilities with large warehouse space that allow for long and short-term storage.
  • Rent a moving truck. Renting a moving truck is cost-efficient but time-consuming, stressful, and exhausting. As the packer, loader, unloader and driver, you are responsible for the move from start to finish.

5. Pack Efficiently

The following packing tips can help to minimize damaging items during the moving process:

  • Pack all nonessential items first. Electronics, artwork, and books that you won’t need for the weeks before the move can be boxed up first. Gradually move toward packing the essentials. Toiletries and kitchen items should be packed last.
  • Number the boxes and keep a list of what items are contained in each numbered box.
  • Lighten your load by donating as many items as you see fit. Goodwill, the Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity are all charities that can use your excess goods. Plus, loading bulky, outdated electronics and furniture will take up time, money, and energy. Consider discarding or selling items. It may be more cost-effective to buy replacements once you reach your new destination.
  • Be careful when packing critical paperwork. Pack important documents in a clearly labeled, separate container and be aware of the location of this box at all times.
  • Irreplaceable items, like invaluable heirlooms or your great aunt’s pearl necklace, should be kept near you at all times, whether on the plane or in the car—and should not be packed with replaceable items, like the dinnerware.
  • Hire a packing service if you are short on time, need help, or are unsure how to pack certain items.

6. Buy Insurance

If you hire a professional mover, all your belongings likely will be transported in one space, travelling across state lines. Protect your items by purchasing insurance. Moving companies offer insurance options for your move. Be sure to understand the details of the insurance package.

7. Unhook Old and Set Up New Utilities

Schedule the transfer of utilities if you have an address in your new state. Notify your utility management companies, like those for gas, water, electricity, cable and internet, satellite and security, about your planned move.

8. Update Your Data

Easily update your information with your credit card company and banks online. Once you know your new address, updating your details by phone or online to pay recurring bills and ongoing loans is hassle free.

Visit the USPS website to forward all mail to your new address. You can schedule the date that USPS should begin forwarding your mail online. USPS will forward your mail for up to one year.

9. Clean Your Old Residence

Before you leave your old home for good, clean it. As a renter, you’re likely to receive your security deposit if you leave the apartment in good shape. If you are a homeowner, it’s a courtesy to leave the house neat and tidy for the family that just bought your home.

Work with a Professional Mover

When a long-distance moving plan is in your future, get help from professionals with the relocation. Mid-West Moving & Storage is a Chicago-based moving company with years of reliable service since 1983. Count on our team to get your items safely to your next destination. Your belongings are carefully handled throughout the moving process.

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Give Mid-West Moving & Storage a call at 847.593.7201 for a free estimate regarding your long distance move!

Mid-West Moving & Storage offers a free estimate to help you get started. Our moving specialists can also assist with several stages of the move, including planning. Once you’ve contracted with us, our team of experienced, professional movers take steps to protect all items during the move. Mid-West Moving & Storage offers an impressive track record of packing and unpacking in less than one day. In addition to packing services, the moving professionals at Mid-West Moving & Storage provide short- and long-term storage options.

When moving out of state, whether to or from Chicago, enlist the help of Chicagoland’s most trusted professional mover, Mid-West Moving & Storage, to make your move hassle-free and safe. Please give us a call at 847.593.7201 or fill out a contact form for more information or a free estimate!

Reviews from Our Clients

Review by Kristin Welsh
Moving Services
Rating 5 5 Star Moving Rating

"I had a great experience with Midwest. The movers arrived early, set up my entire home with protective pads and flooring, effectively moved all of my home items, and cleaned up afterward. I have actually used them twice. I had different employees each time, but both crews of men were equally prompt, professional, and efficient. I would highly recommend Midwest."
Review by Selene
Moving Services
Rating 5 5 Star Moving Rating

"The movers did an incredible job! Our second experience with your company is just as wonderful as our first. Your driver is an incredible leader. The rest of the crew was impressive as well. They all worked tirelessly through out the whole time. This move was stressful with the all the school closings and work changes but they made the whole experience much better."
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  1. In-home Estimate Face-to-face service may be your preference. Schedule an appointment that is convenient for you. We will come out, tour your home in person, and provide a free no-obligation move quote.

  2. Real-Time Video Survey Would you like to have a live video survey done by one of our senior relocation managers? Schedule a phone appointment that is convenient for you. We will connect via an app on your phone and virtually tour your home with you, then provide a free no-obligation move quote.

  3. DIY Video Survey Pressed for time or prefer to do it yourself? Download our virtual move survey app. Follow the process to record the items to be moved, hit send, and get a free move quote shortly after. We will handle everything via phone or email.