No matter the reason for your relocation, moving out of State will take some planning and flexibility. Something may go wrong, something will cost more than you expect, and nothing will arrive at your new place when you expect.
However, if you’re prepared, you can weather the ups and downs of a move across State lines, even if you’re headed for Alaska or Hawaii. Here’re some tips to help move your family out of State.
1. Go Minimal
Make sure you only move what you love and what you don’t want to replace. Drinking glasses are nice, but you can sell what you have and buy something similar when you get to your new place.
Great-Grandma’s finest china from the home country can’t go on the yard sale. Get rid of as much as you can, and if you just can’t part with it, consider boxing it up and shipping it over before you.
2. Talk to Your Employer
If you’re moving for your new job or your new position, ask about a moving allowance to provide you with some cushion for packaging supplies or moving expenses.
3. Move with a Reputable Company
A company that can move your baby grand piano can handle your antique furniture. Pay the extra money to work with shipping and moving companies that are known for safely transporting fragile objects.
For instance, if you need to ship a car to Hawaii, make sure they also ship new cars to the best car dealerships on the big island so you can be sure your car will be handled properly.
Also, check your insurance to make sure you’re covered. Yes, the shipper should have insurance. However, one email can provide you with more security.
4. Pack Early
If you’re moving in July, pack your winter clothes away now. Move the clothes you can get by with and pack up as much of the rest of it as you can. You can get by on one towel per person if you have a washer/dryer in your home.
While you’re packing, keep a trash bag and a clothes basket nearby. If you plan to have a moving sale, put those items in the basket. If there are things you need to throw away, put them in the bag.
Only pack what you’ll be excited to take out of the box. Make your new life easier during the packing process.
5. Take an Inventory
Something else that will make getting rid of unnecessary items easier is to make an inventory of what you have. If you have a few kitchen tools, you use every time you cook and three drawers of objects that never get used, make a donation to a family shelter and move the things you love.
Make up inventory sheets and tape these to the boxes of the items you plan to move as you seal them shut. Put the inventory list on the end and tape over your handwriting, so if the sheet gets torn, you can still see the contents.
6. Numbers and Colors
Designate a color for each bedroom and get colored dots to tape to the boxes as you seal them up too. Don’t rely on the adhesive on the dots; humidity and heat may cause them to release.
This form of packing will make unloading much easier. Simply carry the remaining dots in your purse and put a dot on each door as the truck or bin is unloaded.
7. Connect with Other Professionals and Parents
If you’re an engineer, get on LinkedIn and make connections with other engineers in your new city and state. Find out what your neighborhood school will be and connect with local teachers and parents.
Ask for suggestions on outings, events, museums, and other child-friendly options in the area. With a common topic and a goal, you can start to build relationships that will make your move less disruptive for everyone in your family.
Start early. Collect more boxes than you think you’ll need. Have at least one moving sale. If a friend offers to help, let them run your yard sale.
Sell or donate what you don’t need and only pack the items you’re crazy about. It’s easier to get comfy in a house that doesn’t feel crowded or cramped.
You get to start fresh and decorate your home the way you have always wanted to. But first, you’ll need to check off somethings before moving.
What other tips helped you move to a different house or state? Please share in the comments section.
