If you’re not someone who enjoys last-minute decisions, planning ahead for a long-distance move is a must. Getting things in order early helps you avoid common problems that can come up when moving to another state. It’s a smart idea to have a clear plan for what needs to happen before, during and after your move. Here’s a simple guide to help you stay organized when moving out of state.

It’s easy to get excited about moving to a new place with different surroundings and cultures but it’s important to stay focused during a long-distance move. Our full guide to moving out of state is below. You’ll find valuable tips in our long-distance moving checklist and learn how our specialists can help you begin this new and exciting chapter in your life.

Things to Think About Before Moving to a New State

Whether you already know where you’re headed or are still deciding, one thing is clear—you need to get ready for the move. Here are some important things you should check and plan for before making the big change.

Find Your New Location

Finding a place to live might seem as simple as pointing to a spot on a map but that’s not always the best way to decide where you’ll call home. If you already have a location in mind, visit it first to see if it truly fits your needs before making the move.

If visiting the place in person isn’t possible, you can use online tools to check out the area. After you’ve chosen your preferred location(s), do some detailed research about what the place is like to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your new home.

Preparing for Your Out-of-State Move

Moving to a new city, state or even country isn’t just about the change in scenery. There are other important things to think about too—like the cost of living, the chances of natural disasters and what kind of people live in the area. To help you get a better idea of what to expect and make smart choices, check out these helpful tips for moving out of state.

Do Your Research

If you move without checking things out first, you might end up in a city that doesn’t match your way of life. Doing a few basic checks can help make sure you land in a place you’ll really enjoy living in.

  • The Demography: Does the population match what you’re looking for? Are you hoping to live in a retirement community, around younger people or a mix of both?
  • The Area’s Culture: Is the community more into sports or entertainment? Look into the local food, what the area is famous for and any special events or traditions they celebrate.
  • The Cost of Living: Look into the property and income tax rates. Is the local pay enough to live comfortably? Are there any tax breaks, especially for retirement income? Check if renting or buying a home is costly. Also, find out the average prices for groceries, fun activities and getting around.
  • Crime Rate: How safe is the area? Will you and your family feel secure? You can use tools like NeighborhoodScout to check how safe your chosen neighborhood is.
  • Risk of Natural Disasters: Make sure you understand the weather and climate in the area you want to move to.
  • School Districts: Look into the local schools to see how affordable and easy to access they are and how well they perform. Are there issues with student behavior? Do the schools provide a good education? You can visit Greatschools.org to learn more about schools in the area.
  • Recreational Facilities & Areas: Check if the area has places to swim, go for nature walks, ride bikes or enjoy great restaurants. If you have kids, look for family-friendly parks, fun spots and activities.
  • Employment Opportunities: If you’re not retiring, it’s important to explore the job market in the state you’re moving to.
  • Health Care Access: Find out if there are well-rated doctors and hospitals nearby that accept your insurance.
  • Transportation System: Think about how your daily travel to work will be. Some cities have strong public transportation that covers most areas, while others don’t. A good transit system makes getting around much easier. Also, consider the cost—if you’re spending too much on transportation, it might not be a practical place to live.

Budget for Your Move

Moving to another state can be costly, so it’s important to plan ahead so you can budget costs the right way.

  • Get to know the extra costs people often forget, like packing supplies, meals during the long trip and hotel stays if needed before moving day.
  • Figure out what size moving truck you’ll need. Portable containers cost more but they’re usually more convenient than other moving options.
  • Include fuel costs for your long-distance trip and don’t forget to factor in extra fuel used during traffic delays.
  • Make sure you get the right insurance to protect your belongings from any damage during the move.
  • Plan and handle all parts of the move—like packing, loading, unloading and unpacking.
  • Also, think about any expenses if friends or family come to help or stay with you during the move.

Another option is to hire a moving company that offers interstate moving services to take care of the stressful parts of the move for you.

  • It’s a good idea to compare prices from different moving companies to see which one suits you best.
  • They use special tools and equipment to safely store and move your valuable or fragile items which lowers the risk of damage.
  • The movers handle all the heavy lifting for you. Their team works quickly to pack, label, load, stack, monitor during the trip, unload and even help set things up afterward.
  • The moving company takes care of all the costs, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, moving permits and safety during the trip.
  • You won’t have to stress about travel planning, as the company handles that part for you — but keep in mind, not every company offers the same quality of service.
  • The moving company also offers insurance for your belongings, keeping them protected from common moving risks.
  • You’ll also benefit from an on-time move thanks to their proper planning and organized management.

Packing Strategies for Long-Distance Moves

Once you’ve chosen your moving company, figured out the right truck size or container and gathered your packing materials, it’s time to start packing! Packing for a long-distance move isn’t usually fun but it’s an important step to get right.

At STI, we make things easier for you. If you’re moving with a professional company, there’s no need to stress. One upfront payment covers everything, letting you relax while the movers handle the job. You’ll have experienced experts taking care of your move across state lines.

Even if you choose not to use our packing services, you can still take advantage of our free checklists and packing guides to make things easier. We offer helpful tips on labeling boxes properly, organizing items to save space, picking the right boxes, securing them correctly and more.

If you’re moving your belongings by yourself, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

  • Make sure your vehicle is in good shape and bring tools in case something goes wrong on the road.
  • If your trip takes more than a day, plan where you’ll rest and sleep.
  • Keep in mind possible delays like traffic or stops by highway patrol and include them in your schedule.
  • Know where you can stop to refuel and check your vehicle or container along the way.
  • Set aside some money for emergencies.
  • Plan your main route in advance and have backup options just in case.

Choosing the Right Moving Company

With so many choices out there, picking the right long-distance or cross-country moving service can feel overwhelming. STI Moving & Storage has built a strong name over the years, becoming one of the most trusted companies in the business. We offer a wide range of services and have a large, reliable network to support your move.

Whether you need help with packing, unpacking, loading, unloading, storage or just regular moving services, we’re confident we’re the right choice for you—no matter where you’re moving, whether it’s to another city or state.

If you’re still unsure, here are a few important things to think about when picking a moving company.

For moving companies, relocating charges depend on:

  • Size of Your Current Home: This helps the movers figure out how much your stuff weighs and how much space it will take. It also helps them pick the right truck and equipment.
  • Distance: Shows how much fuel will be needed based on how far you’re going.
  • Time of Move: Moving during busy times like holidays usually costs more than during slower seasons.
  • Job Complexity: If the move is more complicated or takes extra effort, the price may be higher.
  • Insurance: The kind of insurance you choose will also affect the total moving cost.

If you’re planning to move on your own, set aside money for both planned and surprise costs. Things can go wrong during the move, so it’s smart to have some cash ready just in case.

Or, you can choose to pay a one-time fee to a moving company and enjoy a smoother, stress-free moving experience.

On the Day of the Move

Before you pack and secure your household items make sure you keep everything you’ll need during the trip with you. This includes non-transportable items and essentials like your ID, driver’s license, phone charger and the keys to your new home.

Here’s a simple way to make your long-distance move easier:

  • Make an unpacking schedule so you’re not stuck living out of boxes for weeks.
  • Update your car registration and license plate as soon as you can.
  • Change your billing and mailing address.
  • Keep your resume ready if you haven’t found a job yet.
  • Take time to get to know your new neighborhood, meet people and enjoy your new surroundings.

Getting Comfortable in Your New State

Now it’s time to enjoy the results of all your planning, prep and use of helpful moving tools. As you start unpacking with a plan, it’s also a good idea to find ways to connect with your new community and start feeling at home.

  • Explore Local Spots: Visiting local restaurants, coffee shops and farmer’s markets is a great way to get a feel for what matters to people in the area. Many of these places have bulletin boards with info about upcoming local events. Your nearby public library is also a good place to learn more about what’s going on around you.
  • Join Local Groups: If you have kids, joining local social media groups can be really helpful. These groups often share tips on family-friendly places and can help you meet other parents and make new friends.
  • Look into Emergency Services: It’s important to find out where the nearest medical centers are. Check the closest emergency room and look for top-rated doctors or specialists so you know what’s available for you and your family.
  • Learn the Local Rules: It’s a good idea to understand the laws in your new state. Following your local police department and news stations on social media can help you stay updated on common issues in the area, changes to laws, traffic checks, local events and more.
  • Join Online Communities: Finally, using apps made for local neighborhoods can help you get a sense of the people around you, understand the community better and connect with new friends.

If you want more tips on moving out of state, packing or anything else, feel free to reach out and talk to one of our moving experts at STI Moving & Storage. Just give us a call at (847) 675-1223.