Moving is always a stressful process, even if you’re simply moving a few blocks away. Moving to a new state adds a whole level of complexity and potential angst. You can keep the relocation blues to a minimum with patience and planning. Follow these eight tips for a no-fuss step over your new threshold.
Treat yourself to professional auto transportation services
Chances are, you’re going to need a moving van to carry your belongings. It’s cheaper to drive the moving van yourself, but this could very well leave you without a driver for your vehicle. To make transporting your vehicle as hassle-free as possible, hire a reputable auto transport service like Guardian Auto Transport.
By hiring a service to ship your car, you can avoid the cramped quarters, cross-country car ride with the little ones. Instead, enjoy a short flight or a moving van ride to your new house and let your car meet you there.
Make a detailed to-do list
Careful planning is the key to a reduced-stress move. Before the packing process begins, make a list of everything that will need to be done before the move (packing, canceling utility services, cleaning), during the moving process (loading boxes, last-minute items to pack, phone numbers you might need), and once you arrive at your destination (unpacking, registering kids for school, researching local organizations you may want to join).
Coming armed with a list will ensure that nothing slips through the cracks, even while everything is up in the air.
Get all your paperwork in order ahead of time
Moving to a new state involves mountains of paperwork. You’ll need to update your tax information, submit the change of address forms, have your mail forwarded, and have your kids registered in a new school district. Tackling all of this red tape before you fill your first moving box will ensure a smooth transition.
Downsize as much as possible
Every household accumulates some clutter over the years. Moving provides the perfect motivation to clear out as many unnecessary items as possible. The fewer things you have to pack, move, and unpack, the better. Pare down your possessions for a cheaper and more straightforward relocation.
DIY or hire a moving company?
You will need to decide upfront whether you will pack and move on your own or hire a professional moving service. If you decide on the latter, find a reliable, well-reviewed moving company and ensure that your schedules are correctly synced.
Leave some familiar items unpacked
If you’re moving with children, it’s essential to maintain some sense of familiarity. Moving is hard on everyone, but especially kids. Keep a few precious items handy such as toys, stuffed animals, blankets. That will create a sense of continuity as your children make this transition with you.
Give your kids time to say goodbye
Before you drive away from your former home for the last time, allow your children to wander the halls once more. Say goodbye to their bedrooms, the yard, and any other space that has played an essential role in their lives so far. Children will find the transition more manageable if they get a chance to say goodbye.
Rent before you buy
Moving to a new state is a significant transition. Hopefully, you’ll fit right in and quickly fall in love with your new home, but there’s always a chance that you won’t be happy in your new locale. Renting for a year leaves the option to pull up stakes and leave again if it’s not working out.
Wrapping up
Moving is a chaotic, often stressful process, especially when relocating to another state. However, you can minimize the stress and get a great start in your new home with some careful planning.