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Madison is a popular city among both families and young professionals in the Midwest. Moving here offers excellent housing options, steady growth, and good job opportunities. While moving here can be exciting, it can be strenuous if you have never been to this state before.
If you’re moving interstate, it requires meticulous planning; if you’re moving across state lines, it requires even more effort. You’ll have to determine everything from how your belongings will be transported to letting people know your new address, with many other details to consider.
To help you get started, here’s our comprehensive guide to interstate moving. It includes everything you need to know for a stress-free move to another state — including tips and advice along the way.
1. Determine Where You’re Going to Live
Finding a place to live when you’re moving across the country can be pretty challenging since you can’t just go apartment or house hunting in person. Whether you’re renting or buying, consider working with a local agent who knows the area well and can guide you accordingly.
You should begin your search early so that you can compare your options and research them thoroughly. The people searching for a home out of state are the most vulnerable to scams since they are more likely to send money before seeing the house. Having a real estate agent or rental agent on your side can be a huge benefit in this case.
Are you hesitant to rent or buy a home without seeing it first? Rather than signing on the dotted line without visiting, consider a short-term rental first and then make your final decision after researching.
In the interim, between moving out of your current home and moving into your new one, you may need temporary storage. Consider renting madison wi storage units that provide you with the extra space you need until you’re settled into your new home. Renting a storage unit in the area where you’re moving so your belongings are easier to move.
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2. Budget for your move
Preparing for your move begins with examining your budget. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, it’s crucial to prepare for costs ahead of time when moving to a new state.
You can estimate the cost of your interstate move using a moving cost calculator. Make sure your account for all the additional costs you’ll incur when setting a budget. Some of these include:
- Fees associated with travel
- The cost of storing
- The supplies required to pack
- Services for packing
- Insurance coverage for liability and supplemental coverage
Your move will cost more if you have more stuff to move. It doesn’t matter whether you hire a moving company or drive yourself with a rental truck. Consider moving with less if you want to save money.
A smart way to lower your overall expenses and make your relocation more affordable is to donate, sell, and/or responsibly dispose of the items you no longer want or need.
3. Plan the transport
Deciding how you’re going to move largely depends on your moving budget. Professional movers can cost $4,890 for moving a two to three-bedroom house about 1,000 miles. By comparison, a local move costs about 30% of that at $1,250.
Do you prefer to do it yourself? Depending on who you rent from and what promotions are available (if any), renting a moving truck for your interstate move will be cheaper. To find availability and pricing near you, check out a truck rental center.
A moving container is another good option, which allows you to pack and ship your belongings for considerably less than hiring a moving company.
You’ll need to pay for your own travel accommodations separately, but they’re more expensive than rental trucks with a price that averages just over $2,200. However, if you don’t want to deal with driving a moving truck across the country, it’s a good deal.
4. Prepare a packing list
You can’t just run back and forth to get your stuff from point A to point B when preparing for your interstate move. It is important to make sure all the things you don’t intend to move have been sold, thrown out, or donated before moving day.
The first step in packing is to gather your supplies. With a packing calculator, you can determine how much you need-including boxes, tape, and packing paper-and; we recommend buying a bit more than you anticipate (it’s much easier to use extra supplies than to make multiple trips to the store).
In addition, pack a bag filled with essentials you’ll need immediately following and during the move. It is a helpful tip for local moves, and for interstate moves, it is a necessity.
Your essential bag must include documents, medicines, batteries and chargers, personal hygiene items, and a spare set of clothes. If you’re traveling with pets or children, make sure they have their own bag of essentials too.
5. Make sure your utilities are set up
On moving day, you’ll want to cancel your old utilities and set up your new ones. Transferring utilities from one home to another is usually simple, but it can get complicated when moving across state lines. Many utility companies are region-specific, so you may not be able to use the same electric, water, gas, etc., provider in your new state.
Check out the available resources. If you cancel utilities, you’ll also have to research your new options for service. Ask your real estate agent or soon-to-be new landlord for recommendations on local utility services, then check pricing and schedule installation using your new address.
In the meantime, contact your current utility companies and let them know what day you’ll be canceling service-just make sure you leave yourself enough electricity and heat or air conditioning until move-out day.
Changing internet and TV services might be easier in comparison. However, costs differ significantly between providers for the same package, depending on your location.
6. Get moving
Get ready to hit the road (or the sky) now that all the pieces have been put in place. Plan your entire route ahead of time if you’re driving so that you know what to expect from the weather.
Make sure you take time to rest and eat and don’t try to accomplish too much at once. Keep in mind that driving slower and seeing the sights along the way is okay if you’re driving 8 to 10 hours a day.
Conclusion
Moving can be complicated no matter where you’re moving locally or internationally. You’ll need to consider many things, including getting a mover, packing, and unpacking.
The most important task on your list is to make an inventory of your items, remember to deal with utilities, and get yourself and your stuff settled into your new home.
Planning ahead for your move can make the process much easier. As moving can be time-consuming, expensive, and frustrating, you can save a whole lot of trouble by following the tips mentioned above.
