Moving between apartments can be hectic, but Moving to a new place in a completely different state is something else altogether. We know it’s not easy, and you probably have many questions about how to move to another state. Fortunately, we get it, so we’ve put together this guide to answer some of your biggest questions and provide you with a checklist for relocating to another state to make your move seamless.

7 Steps to follow when moving out of state

To help ease your out of state move, we’ve included all the crucial tasks you need to complete before, during, and after your move. Follow the steps below to help ensure your move goes smoothly.

1. Research your new city

Before you make the move to a new state, you’ll need to do your research. Research average rent prices and the cost of living in your new city and start to identify your budget. Ideally, you should also plan a trip to your new city to scope out potential neighborhoods and apartments in person. Get a feel for your new surroundings by walking the area, identifying popular areas and transportation routes. If you’re relocating for a new job, you should also consider your commute time when touring potential apartments. If moving to a city where you don’t know anyone, you might focus your rental search in a more lively area with increased opportunities for entertainment, dining, and meeting other locals.

2. Set your budget

Moving requires careful budgeting. After you’ve done your research on the cost of living in your new city you can set your budget. Here are some things to factor into your budget when moving to another state:

• Monthly rent
• Utilities
• Security deposit
• Moving and storage
• Gas/airfare
• Furniture needs

Determining your budget ahead of time will help you be able to save for your big move. When determining how much it will cost you to move to another state, you must consider many factors. For example, are you moving across the country or just a few states? Will you purchase new appliances, furniture, or vehicles when you arrive? The more items you’ll be buying in your new state, the more expensive your move might be. It’s also good to think about the cost of shipping your belongings. Perhaps you have an old bed or dresser that will cost more to ship than replace when you Arrive. In short, how you decide to manage your belongings will affect your budget.

3. Secure your housing

Now that you’ve identified where you want to live and determined your budget, it’s time to secure your apartment. First, you’ll need to know you timeline for moving. Knowing when you plan to move will help you find an apartment that is available within your timeframe. Look too early and may not be able to hold the apartment, look too late and you could have to adjust your move-in date. Look for spaces that fit your needs, whether you are living alone and looking for a studio or one bedroom, or if you plan to move with roommates and need an apartment with two or more bedrooms. Identify which amenities are important to you and use filters to view apartments within those parameters.

Once you’ve found an available unit, be sure to tour the apartment and building to make sure it’s up to your standards. If you are looking from afar, be sure to virtually tour the apartment and request detailed photos of the unit. Talk with your potential landlord about important move-in details such as setting up utilities and paying the security deposit, so that you can be sure the apartment is move-in ready once you arrive. The last thing to do is sign your lease and schedule a time to pick up your keys once you arrive.

4. Schedule movers and storage

You’ll want to schedule your move as far in advance as you can, especially if you will require professional movers and transport. The cost of moving companies and storage accommodations will vary depending on the distance of your move. Some moving companies charge a flat rate and add extra fees for gas and distance traveled.

When moving out of state you’ll have a few options for transporting your belongings. Here are a few of the most common:

1. Portable moving containers – This is a great option if you want the option of more time to pack and load your belongings. Portable moving containers can scheduled to be dropped off and picked up on any day of your choosing, so you won’t feel rushed to complete your move in a single day. This is also ideal if there is a gap between your move-out date from your previous location your move-in date in your new state, and you need to temporary store of your belongings.
2. Professional long-distance movers – There are many professional moving companies that specialize in out of state moves. Be sure to get a few different quotes for your move to ensure you are getting the most fair price. Come prepared with the distance of your move and any information on street parking rules and regulations that they will need to know.
3. Self move with rented truck – This is definitely the most affordable option, but can also be the most labor intensive. If you can gather help packing and unloading the truck it will save some time and stress.

Here are a few tips to help you keep your moving costs low:

• Pack your belongings in a way that utilizes space efficiently: Use smaller boxes for heavier items and larger boxes for lightweight items.
• Rent a moving truck and drive your furniture and belongings to your new state yourself: While more of a hassle, completing the move yourself can save extra money in your budget.
• Enlist your friends and family for help: The more hands, the easier the move. If you have friends and family willing to help with packing and loading your move, you can save costs on hiring professional movers.
• Donate or sell anything you don’t need before you move: The fewer items you have to transport, the less time your move will take and the lower your moving costs will be.
• Schedule your move for the fall or winter instead of the spring or summer: You might save money on travel costs and get lower moving company rates.

5. Set up utilities before you arrive

The last thing anyone wants to do after a long move is worry about arriving to an apartment with no electricity or heat. Communicate with your landlord about which utilities you will be responsible for setting up. This information could also be found directly in your lease document. When setting up heat or electric you will need to provide the provider your address and move-in date. Internet may be more difficult to set up long distance if a technician is required to equip the unit with connections, but you may be able to set an appointment for shortly after you arrive.

6. Update your information

The final step in setting up your move is updating your information. Here’s a list of what you should update prior to your move and once you arrive:

• Complete a change of address form with the post office and forward your mail to your new address.
• Call your bank to update your information and inform them of your move. This will confirm there will not be any holds on your card when you start using your card in a new state.
• Call your health insurance company to inform them of your new address and check for providers in your new area.
• Once you arrive, you will need to update your drivers license, car registration and voter registration.
• Be sure to update your family and friends with your new mailing address.

7. Get to know your new city

Once you arrive, it’s time to enjoy your new city. Get to know your local destinations for groceries, gas, and medical needs. Find new doctors in the area for your primary care and dental needs. Get to know what makes your city special. A great way to learn about your city is to visit local museums and attractions. Moving to a new state when you don’t know anyone can be tough. Introduce yourself to your neighbors and start forming connections in your community. Another great way to meet others is to volunteer with local organizations and contribute towards a cause you identify with.

The timeline for an out of state move

2 months before your move

You’re in the pre-planning stage at this point, so spend a couple of weeks focusing on organization and other prep. Tasks should include:

• Making a moving binder to keep all the documents you need in one place. This includes printing out your checklist and adding it to that binder.
• Exploring your new neighborhood, such as restaurants, amenities, and schools if you have kids moving with you
• Buying moving supplies (especially if you’re DIY-ing your move)
• Booking last appointments in your old town (think: eye exams, wellness checks, etc.)
• Setting a moving budget

6 weeks before your move

If you haven’t set a date for your move yet, do that now. You’ll need an official move-in date to turn utilities on and off, hire movers and/or get help from friends, and more. Once you have that date set, you should:

• Figure out transportation, whether that means scheduling a car shipment or booking your plane tickets. You might also sell your car before going; remember to add that to the list.
• Research moving companies and/or schedule adequate time for family and friends to help you out. (Pro-tip: Make sure you pencil in some time for hangouts with local loved ones, too.)
• Call your current utility companies to set your shut-off date and figure out if you have any duties with them when moving out.
• Declutter! Use your move as an excuse to sort through your stuff and donate what you don’t need.
• Secure your housing. Consider whether you’ll find a place to rent for a longer period or go with short-term rentals while you look for your dream place once you’re in town.

1 month before your move

You’ve made most big decisions by now, so it’s time to check some smaller things off your moving out of state checklist, like:

• Renting a storage unit
• Making a packing plan
• Organizing medical records, pet documents, birth certificates, Social Security cards, passports, etc.
• Scheduling a cleaning service for your old place
• Contacting your new utility companies with your new address and move-in date
• If you’re driving, planning your route, including booking any hotels, motels, or Airbnbs where you’ll stay as you go

2 weeks before your move

With the big day right around the corner, you’re ready to dive into specific plans. Tasks should include:

• Updating your banks and cell phone, giving your new address to any financial institutions, cell providers, accountants, and anyone else you’ll continue to work with
• Setting up trash and recycling so the companies can deliver your bins before you get there
• Transferring/updating your renter’s insurance address
• Confirming all details with the moving company

And, if you haven’t already done so, start packing now! You’ll want to plan to have all your boxes packed up at least two days before the move to keep yourself in the best headspace possible heading into the stress of the actual move.

1 week before your move

Stay on track as you get even closer to the big day by:

• Setting up mail forwarding
• Starting the dirty work like defrosting your freezer, cleaning the oven and behind the toilet, etc.
• Getting out cash to have on hand during the move
• Cleaning and/or selling your car
• Packing a move-in box that contains essentials for your first day in your new home. This can include things like easy snacks, durable cups, silverware, and plates, napkins/tissues, toiletries, a first aid kit, and one-pot meals (and the pot and wooden spoon you’ll need to make them)
• Finishing packing

The day before your move

You’re almost at the finish line. Now’s the time to finish this moving out of state checklist:

• Pack snacks for while you’re on the road (or in the air)
• Hand off your car if you’ve sold it
• Drain gas and oil from any outdoor equipment (like weed whackers and lawnmowers) you’re taking with you when you move
• Put aside special items like jewelry, important documents, and anything sentimental so you can keep them safe in your carry-on luggage or on hand in your car

Move-out day

No one will blame you if you’re feeling overwhelmed with stress the day you move out. Keep this in mind as you:

• Clear a path by propping your door with a brick or box so you can easily get all those boxes from your place into your car or moving truck
• Do a final walk-through to check that you have everything, including looking in cupboards and closets
• Let yourself have a minute; moving is emotionally draining, so have a last cup of coffee before you leave your old home

Move-in day

Out of state moves often mean your move-out and move-in days are two different days. Even if you arrive at your new place later on the same day, you’ll want to get out that move-in box and just take it slow as you start the unpacking process.

FAQ’s: moving out of state

Moving across the country or state lines can seem daunting. But if you’ve taken a thoughtful approach, appropriately estimated your moving costs, and have figured out where you’ll be working, the move should go smoothly. Once you’ve prepared for the big move, you’re ready to start looking for your next apartment in your brand new city.

The post How to Move Out of State: A step-by-step guide for a successful move appeared first on The Zumper Blog.