#CHECKLIST FOR MOVING ACROSS COUNTRY PLUS#
#CHECKLIST FOR MOVING ACROSS COUNTRY PROFESSIONAL#

If you’re a renter, make sure to give your landlord appropriate notice that you’ll be moving out. Do you employ a nanny who will need to find new work? Is there anyone you’d like to keep in contact with? Don’t forget to notify your employer and your child’s school, if applicable. Make time over the following days and weeks to answer questions, offer comfort, and help your family prepare.Ĭonsider who else your move might affect. Be ready for a wide range of reactions, from excitement to sadness, anger, or indifference. A big move to a different state can stir up emotions, and the news will be even harder to process if they hear it from someone else first.Īs soon as you know for sure you are moving, call a family meeting. If you have children, though, make sure to tell them before roping in anyone else. Who you tell about your move is entirely up to you, as is when and how you tell them. Base your decision on the timeline your moving company provides, your new home ’s condition, and what you can carry with you. You might also need temporary housing if your belongings will take a week or more to arrive. You could also have movers transport your second car or a recreational vehicle, such as a boat or ATV.įor an extra-long trip, you might need to book an overnight stay at a hotel. If you choose to fly to your destination, arrange car transportation with the moving company. Moving cross-country in the middle of winter is different. If you are moving three hours away during the summer, driving is the simplest option. The distance and timing of your move might affect your plans.

#CHECKLIST FOR MOVING ACROSS COUNTRY PROFESSIONAL#

Professional movers can get your belongings from your old home to your new location, but you will need to make your own travel arrangements. The FMCSA website also has resources to help customers avoid scams, understand their rights, and prepare for their moves. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) maintains a database of registered moving carriers and brokers. Make sure any moving company you hire is properly licensed. You can also obtain coverage through a third-party insurance company. However, you can choose to forgo it and rely solely on complimentary released-value protection, which covers up to 60 cents per pound per item. Note that under federal law, interstate movers must include full-value contents protection in their initial estimates by default. Gather quotes from three or four moving companies and compare their rates, services, and customer reviews. You can also browse the official websites and social media pages for your county, city, and town for important information. Your real estate agent, broker, or landlord should be able to provide any necessary measurements, and you can use Google Maps to take a virtual tour of your new neighborhood.

If you cannot make an in-person trip before the move, do your research online. If you have access to the new house or apartment, take measurements so you can decide which furniture will be moving with you. While you are in town, make note of key details, such as the location of the nearest gas station, grocery store, and hospital. Visiting your new residence in person is ideal. Once you have decided on a place to live-whether you have already purchased a house or simply decided on a particular city or neighborhood-make time for a walk-through. Others may not want to commit to a specific area until they have a job offer that justifies the move. For retired individuals or those with large savings accounts, house hunting may be the top priority. Which one you focus on first depends on your situation. While you can estimate your expenses before making firm plans, budgeting is easier once you have secured housing and employment. Continue refining this budget throughout the moving process as you finalize arrangements. Research the income tax and cost of living in your new state. Start with your current budget, and adjust it to your expected income, housing costs, and other bills as necessary. Next, consider your monthly or annual expenses. You should also save money for repairs, emergencies, and other one-time costs.

#CHECKLIST FOR MOVING ACROSS COUNTRY PLUS#

Include the cost of any moving services you plan to use, plus travel expenses, such as airfare or a hotel stay. To do this, you will need to create two budgets: a moving budget and a monthly budget.įor your moving budget, compile a list of moving expenses you might encounter and decide how much you are willing (or able) to spend. The first item on your to-do list should be to estimate your upcoming expenses. Below, we rounded up the most essential tasks to complete when moving out of state.

Checklist for moving across country