Moving to a New State: Your Complete Checklist

If you’re moving to a new state, you’ve got a lot more to think about than just getting the boxes and hiring a truck. Moving across state lines can be a complex process that requires a high level of organization and attention to pull off seamlessly. Fortunately, having a detailed checklist is one of the best ways to ensure you’re not forgetting anything.

Moving Across State Lines? Here’s Everything You Need to Do

Whether you’re moving to the next state over or all the way across the country, these simple tips will help you keep your move organized and going forward:

Make A Moving Binder.

A moving binder can serve as a catch-all for all your critical receipts, invoices, and quotes. Especially useful come tax time, this moving binder can be a helpful place for you to refer back for important documents and keep track of your move’s progress.

Have Your Area Rugs Professionally Cleaned.

Nothing says “welcome home” like fresh, clean rugs. Have yours cleaned before you move so they’re nice and crisp when you unroll them at your new place.

Photograph Your Valuables.

While most moving companies are skilled and professional enough to safeguard your valuables, accidents happen. To ensure your precious items get to your new home safely (and that you can file a claim if they don’t) photograph anything worth a lot of money before you go. Be sure to take detail shots that show the condition the item was in before you packed it. If an item gets broken or damaged during transit, you can prove it to the moving company in question.

Only Label The Truly Fragile Boxes “Fragile.”

When professionals or friends are moving your items, they’ll start to burn out if they notice that all of your boxes are marked “fragile.” Instead of slapping this label on everything you intend to move, reserve it only for the boxes that are truly fragile. This will ensure your precious items are treated with care and that they arrive at your new home safely.

Purchase More Boxes Than You Think You Need.

Stores like UPS will typically buy back unused boxes, so you can feel free to purchase up rather than down. That way, you won’t run out and you won’t find yourself in a tight spot if you purchase more boxes than you need.

Keep “Must Have” Items Easily Accessible.

Once you’ve packed your home, there’s no digging through boxes to get your favorite sweater or your medications. Instead, keep your critical, must-have items in a spate bag or kit. Keep them where you can access them easily throughout the move.

Tip Your Movers Well.

When the movers get your items moved and unpacked, tip them between 10-15%. Moving is tough work and having a team to help you makes it much more streamlined.

Update Your Addresses.

Once you’ve moved over state lines, you’ll need to go through and update a few things. Your addresses with the post office, your credit card companies, and any magazine subscriptions you may have.

Moving across state lines is a lot of work, but these simple checklist tips can help you stay organized and on-task throughout.