Have you had enough with your current home? Looking elsewhere for a new start? Many Americans of all demographics make big moves around the country every year.
Moving to a new state can be both exciting and challenging. There’s a lot to stay on top of and a lot of ground to cover (literally). If you’re going to be hitting the road and starting over fresh sometime soon, it’s important that you approach the move in an organized way.
Keeping a checklist is one way you can keep organized. Read on, and we’ll walk you through a few big tasks you don’t want to forget before your move is underway.
Table of Contents
1. Make a Detailed Budget
What you need to do first for your move will depend on where you are in the process. Are you out of your house at the end of the week or are you still googling: the quickest way to sell my house?
No matter where you are in the timeline, it’s never too late to make a budget for yourself. Moving can be expensive, and if you don’t plan and keep yourself accountable, you can quickly put yourself in the red.
You’ll need to account for the moving company, any shipping costs you incur, and the prices of gas and hotels during your trip to your new home. Storage and security deposits will also have to be taken care of. Starting a running list of these estimated costs and others can help you be prepared for what’s to come.
Start saving now to make sure you can reach the total you’ve decided on, and try to stick as close to those numbers as possible as you move through your journey.
2. Keep Your Valuables Separate
Accidents happen, and they will happen even more frequently when you move. Objects that may have been nestled in their same resting place for years are being uprooted, and anything can happen.
If there are items that you are moving that have special value, either monetarily or sentimentally, it’s important that you pack them separately from your other goods. It’s best to keep these items in a removed box or two that you handle yourself.
You can transport it in your own car, and not through a shipping service or moving company. This way you can be personally responsible for their safety.
3. Get the Insurance
Moving can be expensive, so some Americans decide to shirk on the offer to get insurance when it arises. This is a big mistake.
As we mentioned above, anything can happen when you put everything you own into one big truck. Yes, moving companies have some level of insurance, to begin with, but you’ll be better off taking every bit of protection you can afford.
When it comes to moving, don’t gamble or play around with any risks. It could come back to bite you.
Tips for Moving to a New State
If you’re moving to a new state, there are probably a thousand things running through your mind. The above three points should be on any pre-moving checklist, however: they’re not to be forgotten or ignored.
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