Moving has become increasingly common as new income and life opportunities steer people to new cities, states and countries. It is a big decision, and if you aim to transition smoothly from one destination to another, careful and focused planning is required. However, even if you move within a city, shifting is accompanied by various hassles. So imagine how troublesome moving to a different state can be.
But fret not; we have nine tips to make your move hassle-free! You can make a checklist and go by it for maximum results.
Break down the move to your children, friends, and family
Start the process by breaking down the move to your loved ones. It would be a big deal for children as they usually find it hard to adjust to new schools and neighborhoods. Therefore, they should be taken in early in the decision. Moreover, they would want to bid farewell to their friends and teachers and spend more time with them.
Similarly, inform your family, friends, and coworkers so you can plan a meet-up together before you leave. Let them in on your plans and aspirations.
Look up storage facilities
Dial-up storage facilities in the new neighborhood and rent one out to keep your belongings as you figure out matters in a new home and city. You can also look at them as a permanent solution for items you only need once in a while, such as the Christmas tree decorations or the expensive crockery for the Thanksgiving dinner. For example, if you are moving to downtown Houston because you got a job at the Texas Medical Center, look up ‘storage facility Houston TX‘ and browse nearby options. Repeat the same for any city/state, check the service providers’ websites, and read reviews.
Research schools, supermarkets, and hospitals
Pharmacies, clinics, hospitals, and dentists should be easily available in your vicinity with premium quality service since health is not to be toyed with. Apart from these, supermarkets that offer a variety of products are also important. They should have the necessary ingredients you regularly prepare food and your staple grocery.
Furthermore, if you are a parent, your child’s education will be one of your top priorities. Therefore, it is wise to look for schools and colleges in the new city. If the move is scheduled in the middle of your child’s school year, register for a new school in advance to save on time.
Pay a visit to the new state and city
Visit your new locality at least once before finally moving to experience how things go about there. This measure will aid your decision-making and will allow you to plan. Visiting will help you better understand the traffic, weather, city life, and nightlife. It would also inform you about the quality and availability of public transport, the commute to work, the safety quotient, and the different tourist spots. Answers to these will better prepare you for what is coming ahead. Therefore, pay a visit, ask around, visit different neighborhoods, and explore sites.
Finalize a place to live
A well-experienced realtor will guide you through the new city. Go through the neighborhoods with them and rent out a place to live in advance, even if it is temporary. The focus should be on adjusting and resuming life in a new location rather than struggling with the residence. Otherwise, it will simply add to your problems.
Hotel/motel accommodation will add to the huge chunk of expenses incurred during the big move. Instead, evaluate different listings with your realtor and rent a budget-friendly apartment for at least six months while trying to get a better grip on life in the new city. You can start with a simple residence while navigating life in a new city.
Hire a creditable moving company
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Pack-up in time
First of all, start early. There is loads to do since you are moving out of state and not within the city. Arrange boxes and label them according to categories. Some items categorize as essentials, some you can sell, and others that you can donate. While packing, also decide which ones have to go to the storage unit. Also, note that legal documents, medications, passports, etc., require careful attention. Beginning packing in time will also allow you to declutter items you do not need in the foreseeable future.
Furthermore, don’t forget to pack a suitcase carrying at least one week’s worth of essentials, such as clothes, shoes, toiletries, etc. Otherwise, the new residence will become disorganized as you look for stuff in the various cartons. Your belongings might take time to be delivered, so keep the stuff you will need right away aside to get through a week without any nuisance.
Set some cash aside
It is very easy to fall victim to unforeseen circumstances that might occur. Since you are essentially starting life anew, any medical, residential, or other emergencies might knock on your door. Set money aside in advance for such situations. For instance, an accident, a delay because of weather, etc., might require you to check into a hospital or a hotel.
Have some savings in advance for basic expenditures as well. You will have to eat out for a few days since the kitchen will not be up and running as soon as you reach. Moreover, you will also have to pay for a new driver’s license.
Set a moving date
Consider family and work commitments, the weather, and the week’s time before setting one. Weekdays are a cheaper option than weekends. Moreover, the holiday season and summer are very busy. The company might reschedule a couple of times due to the unavailability of staff. Such a shortage of supply will hike the cost.
In addition to this, set an early date as moving companies often reschedule. Your time will not be wasted as there will be a safety net. And if somehow that company is not working out for you, you will have sufficient time to look for other options.
Conclusion
Moving to a new state is a heavy affair. However, by following certain guidelines, you can make the process time-efficient and stress-free and resume life in a new state with minimum worries. Be sure to start planning everything as soon as you find out you have to leave.
