Moving is daunting, but moving out of state can cause a whole host of anxieties that can seem a little out of control. It could appear impossible to fit 10+ years of accumulated stuff into boxes and drag it across the country, but people do it all the time! With these simple preparation tips, moving out of state will be much more manageable and relaxed.
Table of Contents
Create a To-Do List
Even the act of creating a list can calm anxieties and make your list of things to get done seem less intimidating. Bonus points if you create a calendar to-do list, meaning you give yourself a few tasks each day to break it up over the course of a month or so. Some things we suggest you put on that list: electricity, cable, dates for each room/section of the house to pack, when and how you are getting to the new home, etc.
Clean House
This could be the most important step. Most of us can be put under the hoarder category; we keep every little thing because “we might use this in the future.” While that may be true, it’s best to get rid of things that you haven’t used—or seen—in the last 6 months. You most likely won’t need it or even know that it’s gone in the first place. Getting rid of these little things really add up and make packing much more succinct and organized.
Set a Budget
The expense of moving can add up pretty quickly—between flights, gas, moving companies, internet, cable, electric, etc., you could end up blowing your funds out of the water. By setting a budget, it is much easier to keep track of how much you’re spending so you can keep everything in check, causing less economic stress on you and your family.
Find A Moving Company You Can Trust
Your stuff is important to you, and we get that. As a family business, we understand that the little stuff can mean the most to you. Finding a moving company that you can trust relieves a bulk of the stress that comes along with moving. Pick a company that will treat your stuff like it’s their own.
Pack Smart and Don’t Procrastinate
Remember when you were in school and procrastination was a way of life? The same principle applies to packing—pack smart and pack early to make moving out and moving in as calm as possible. Pack similar things together and start as early as possible to avoid stress.
Keep An Emergency Bag
As much as we don’t want to think about it, accidents happen. Maybe your car breaks down mid-move or your plane has a technological issue and has to hold off from boarding until further notice; no one wants to be without clean clothes. Try to make the best out of a bad situation by packing a bag with the essentials. Such a small detail can make a big difference in your sanity and comfort when travel plans get derailed.
