Moving across the state is a different type of challenge than a local move. In a local move, if you left something behind at your old residence, you can just drive back relatively quickly and grab it! But because you won’t have this ability with a cross state move, many people turn to professional intrastate movers for support. From choosing the right moving company to managing your budget, the details matter more in a bigger relocation within the state. Here are some tips to help you prepare, from one of Chicago’s leading intrastate movers.
7 Tips to Help Prepare for an Intrastate Move
Whether you’re starting a new job or downsizing for retirement, preparing for a move across the state gives you time to coordinate with movers and pack everything in advance of the move. These seven tips help you prepare gradually, without leaving everything until the last minute.
1. Start Planning Your Intrastate Move Early
Planning early gives you enough time to create a manageable moving calendar. You can take the scheduled moving date and work backwards to set deadlines for packing, utility changes and other key steps. Even when the relocation is within the same state you may need extra time for some major changes, such as choosing and switching school districts.
2. Find Movers Experienced With Intrastate Relocations
Local movers and intrastate movers don’t always bring the same skillset to the job. Before you book, make sure the company you choose has specific experience with longer in-state moves. We’ve previously covered the benefits of hiring long-distance movers, and the protection they offer to belongings over those extra miles is particularly important here.
3. Set Your Moving Budget
Once you’ve found the right intrastate moving partner, you’ll have a moving estimate that covers the key expenses including moving, packing and storage if you need it. On top of this, you can budget for fuel, meals and any overnight stays you might need. And if you choose to pack everything on your own, remember to add packing supplies to the budget.
4. Sort Your Belongings Before Packing
Moving across the state is a good opportunity to decide exactly what possessions you need. If you choose to downsize, separate the unwanted items into piles for selling, donating or recycling. By cutting down on such unnecessary items you could save time during the packing stage.
5. Pack for a Move Across the State
When you’re going to pack fragile and electronic items yourself, use extra padding to keep them protected over a longer journey. Sturdy boxes, good packing methods and moving blankets will keep most things safe, but it’s worth asking your movers about their specialty packing options and custom crating for items like mirrors, musical instruments, glass furniture or works of art.
6. Plan the Trip to Your New Home
Plan your journey to the new location well before the day of the move, and evaluate whether or not you’ll need an overnight stay. It’s also a good idea to plan stops for meals and rest on longer journeys. Keep an essentials box for the journey with you, and include medication, chargers and other key items.
7. Complete Any Final Tasks at Your Old Address
Confirm the exact date your utilities will shut off to avoid paying for services you don’t need. Apartment or condo residents should also check whether the building requires booking the elevator or reserving a parking spot for the movers. And in case you won’t be ready for everything to arrive at your new place at the same time, secure storage services can safely hold your items for as long as you need.
Talk to Chicago’s Trusted Intrastate Moving Company
New City Moving has been providing home and business moving services in Chicago and across the country since 2009. If you’re preparing for an intrastate relocation, our full-service moving company can support you with dependable packing, loading, transportation and storage solutions. Call 872-314-2148 or schedule your free quote online.