[2023] The Ultimate Packing List for Moving Out of State

Are you preparing for a big move out of state? Moving to a new state can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. Packing up your life and transporting it to a new location requires careful planning and organization. That's why our team at Moving Checklist™ has put together the ultimate packing list to help you stay on track and make your move as smooth as possible.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Visit Your New State and City Before Moving
• Research Your New Neighborhood Remotely
• Visit Surrounding Areas Using Google Street View
• Research Schools
• Budget for Your Move
• Budget for Any Cost-of-Living Changes
• Budget for Changes in Tax Amounts
• Research Employer Relocation Assistance
• Create a Moving File
• Find a Place to Live
• Calculate Commutes
• Find Your Nearest Grocery Stores and Shopping Places
• Find New Doctors and Pharmacies
• Research Moving Companies and Hire a Reputable One
• Consider Cheaper Alternatives to Hiring a Moving Company
• Choose a Moving Date
• Order all Moving Supplies
• Come Up with a Strategic Packing Plan
• Make the Necessary Travel Arrangements
• Cancel or Transfer Memberships
• Transfer Your Professional Licenses
• Notify Schools of the Move and Transfer Records
• Figure Out Child Custody Laws and Child Support
• Arrange a Car Shipping Service for Your Automobile
• Empty Your Storage Unit
• Discuss the Move with Your Children
• Study the Home's Floorplan
• Confirm Moving Date and Arrival Time with Movers
• Schedule and Transfer Your Utilities
• Forward Your Mail
• Let Others Know You Are Moving
• Arrange for Cleaners to Conduct a Move-Out Cleaning
• Pack a Suitcase and Essentials to Take With You
• Give the Keys to the New Owners or Landlord
• Ask for an ETA from the Movers
• Establish a Domicile in the New State
• Work on Making New Friends
• Get a New Driver's License
• Register to Vote
• Purchase a Pet License
• Schedule a Handyman
• Important Things to Consider When Moving to Another State
• Moving Out of State FAQs
• Recommendation
• Useful Links
• Reference Links

Introduction

Moving out of state requires careful planning and organization. To help you keep track of everything and ensure a smooth move, we have created the ultimate packing list for moving out of state. This comprehensive list covers everything from pre-move preparations to settling into your new state. So let's dive in and make your move a breeze!

Visit Your New State and City Before Moving

Before making the big move, it's a good idea to visit your new state and city in person. This gives you the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the area and make any necessary arrangements ahead of time. Here are a few things to consider during your visit:

• Explore the neighborhoods and get a feel for the local vibe.
• Visit schools and meet with representatives if you have children.
• Check out grocery stores, shopping centers, and other essential amenities.
• Research healthcare facilities and find new doctors and pharmacies.

Visiting in person allows you to gather valuable information that will make your move smoother and help you settle in more quickly.

Research Your New Neighborhood Remotely

If visiting your new state isn't feasible, don't worry! You can still gather a wealth of information about your new neighborhood remotely. Use online resources such as neighborhood guides, forums, and social media groups to learn about the area's:

• Safety ratings ✅
• Amenities ✅
• School ratings ✅
• Average home prices ✅
• Public transportation options ✅

By doing your research upfront, you can narrow down your search for the perfect neighborhood and feel more confident about your decision.

Visit Surrounding Areas Using Google Street View

Google Street View is a fantastic tool that allows you to virtually explore the streets and neighborhoods of your potential new area. Take advantage of this feature to get a feel for the surroundings, check out nearby parks or attractions, and assess the overall ambiance. Google Street View ensures that you make informed decisions about your new location without having to physically be there.

Research Schools

If you have children, finding the right schools is a top priority. Research local school districts, rankings, and specific schools in the areas you are considering. Look for schools with programs that align with your child's interests and needs. Check out online reviews and reach out to current parents to get their perspective. Finding a great school for your child will give you peace of mind and help them transition smoothly into the new state.

Budget for Your Move

Moving out of state can be expensive. To prevent any financial surprises, it's important to establish a budget for your move. Consider the following expenses:

• Moving company fees or truck rental costs
• Packing supplies
• Insurance for your belongings during transit
• Travel expenses, if applicable
• Temporary accommodation, if needed
• Pet transportation costs, if applicable ✅

By creating a comprehensive budget, you can ensure that you're financially prepared for your move and avoid any unexpected financial stress.

Budget for Any Cost-of-Living Changes

Moving to a new state often comes with changes in the cost of living. Research the cost of housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and other essential expenses in your new state. Budgeting for these changes will help you adjust your finances accordingly and avoid any financial strain down the road.

Budget for Changes in Tax Amounts

Taxes can vary from state to state. Be sure to research and understand any changes in tax rates or rules that will affect you after your move. This may include state income tax, property tax, sales tax, and vehicle registration fees. Consult with a tax professional to ensure you're prepared for any changes and understand how they will impact your finances.

Research Employer Relocation Assistance

If you're moving out of state for a job, check with your employer to see if they offer any relocation assistance. Some employers may provide financial assistance or take care of certain moving expenses. Be sure to ask about any policies or programs that can help lighten the financial burden of your move. Taking advantage of employer relocation assistance can make a significant difference in your moving expenses.

Create a Moving File

Staying organized is key to a successful move. Create a moving file to keep all important documents, contracts, and receipts in one place. This file can include:

• Moving company contracts ✅
• Rental or purchase agreements ✅
• School records ✅
• Medical records and prescriptions ✅
• Financial documents ✅
• Insurance policies ✅
• Utility account information ✅

Having everything organized and easily accessible will save you time and unnecessary stress during the moving process.

Find a Place to Live

Finding a place to live in your new state is one of the most critical steps in the moving process. Whether you're renting or buying, start your search online and familiarize yourself with the housing market in your desired area. Utilize reputable websites or real estate agents to find listings that match your preferences and budget. If possible, schedule visits or virtual tours to get a better sense of the properties before making a decision.

Calculate Commutes

When choosing where to live in your new state, consider the distance and commute time to your workplace or other important locations. Use online map tools like Google Maps or Waze to calculate commute times and determine the most convenient areas to live. Minimizing your commute time will save you valuable time and reduce stress in the long run.

Find Your Nearest Grocery Stores and Shopping Places

To help you settle into your new state, it's crucial to locate your nearest grocery stores and shopping places. Use online maps or local directories to find supermarkets, pharmacies, and other retail stores near your new home. Familiarize yourself with their hours of operation and available services. Knowing where to shop for everyday necessities will make your transition much smoother.

Find New Doctors and Pharmacies

Researching new doctors and pharmacies is essential, especially if you have specific medical needs or ongoing prescriptions. Ask for recommendations from your current healthcare providers, or search online directories to find qualified professionals in your new state. Making arrangements for medical care in advance ensures a seamless transition without interruptions in your healthcare routine.

Research Moving Companies and Hire a Reputable One

Choosing the right moving company is crucial to the success of your out-of-state move. Research reputable moving companies in your area and gather multiple quotes. Verify their licenses and read online reviews to gauge their reliability and customer satisfaction. Hiring a reputable moving company will give you peace of mind and ensure your belongings are in safe hands during the move.

Consider Cheaper Alternatives to Hiring a Moving Company

If hiring a moving company isn't within your budget, there are alternative options to consider. Renting a moving truck and recruiting friends or family to help you pack and load is a cost-effective solution. You can also explore portable storage container services that allow you to pack and load at your own pace. Exploring cheaper alternatives will help you save money while still ensuring a smooth move.

Choose a Moving Date

When selecting a moving date, consider factors such as availability of moving companies, weather conditions, and your own schedule. Weekdays outside of peak moving seasons are generally less expensive. Be sure to factor in enough time for packing, loading, and cleaning your current residence. Choosing the right moving date ensures a less stressful moving experience.

Order all Moving Supplies

Stock up on essential moving supplies well in advance of your moving day. This includes boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and any other materials you may need. Consider purchasing specialty boxes for fragile items or awkwardly shaped belongings. Having all the necessary supplies on hand will streamline the packing process and protect your belongings during transit.