Moving to a different state isn’t quite as easy as moving to the other side of town. There are a lot of things to plan for during any move. And, moving from state to state will add a few more details to your move. Here are some things to think about if you are planning to move to another state.
Set a Budget
The expenses of a move can add up quickly. As soon as you know that you’ll be moving, have a budget in mind for how much you will be able to spend. If you’re being reimbursed by your employer for a work-related move, there may still be expenses that you may be responsible for. Or, you may be looking for a job as soon as you arrive. And, what about housing? If that’s not already set up, it will definitely need to be part of the budget. Having a budget will give you a clearer idea of what your moving options are.
Who’s Doing the Heavy Work?
Will you be hiring professionals or will you be tackling the job yourself? You’re not only thinking about who will help load all of your belongings onto a truck, but who will be helping you unload when you get to another state. Chances are, your friends and family won’t be able to help with the unloading.
Hiring a Manhattan mover your best option. And, it might not be as expensive as you think. Do a little research, and get some referrals. And, it’s always a good idea to stay in touch with your moving company every step of the moving process.
What About Your Car?
Would it make more sense to drive it or have it transported? It’s something to think about. Would it be better, or cheaper, for you to take an alternative traveling mode? It might be, depending on your particular circumstances. Maybe, you need to be in your new state quicker than the amount of time that driving would take. Or, you may have more than one vehicle or children or pets to consider. Whether you drive your car or have it moved for you, it will be a part of your overall budget.
Purge Your Home
It’s never too early to start packing. The best way to start is by going through all of your closets and storage areas first. There are probably a lot of things that you have been hanging onto that you might not want to move. You could donate or sell them, and not have to take the time to pack and move them. And, the less you are moving, the less you are spending.
Change of Address
It’s a good idea to get this done a little early. The post office might not be quite as efficient as you are hoping. You don’t want to take any chances of any important correspondence or final bills getting lost in the mail. Those kinds of things can affect your credit if they’re not paid on time.
Utilities
Save yourself a little grief and have these set up early so that you will be as comfortable as possible when you get to your new home.
Cost Estimation
If you’re hiring movers, you have to know about the different ways to estimate cost. Basically, there are two types of moving companies – hourly and fixed price.
Hourly rates are priced depending on the amount the movers work per hour, with a minimum number of hours being charged regardless of how long it actually takes. The rate can depend on what you’re hiring them for exactly, be it a labor-only move, furniture assembly, or white-glove moving.
On the other hand, fixed price moving companies charge you a set price in advance, and usually, the rate is inclusive of all costs, such as loading up to unloading or trucking. Your movers will likely send an agent to your home and evaluate the probable expenses of the move.
But costs mean more than just knowing how much your movers will charge. Sometimes, it’ll also depend on where you’re moving to. That said, the average moving cost to Manhattan, NYC, will be much more expensive than that of a small town in the countryside. So prepare to do some digging. Knowing your costs ahead of time will help you avoid drastic financial setbacks.
The Difference Between Open-air vs. Enclosed Car Transport
Generally, open-air transport involves shipping your car via a roofless carrier. Additionally, this entails other risks, such as the possibility of your car getting damaged because it’s exposed to other elements such as bad weather. On the bright side, though, it’s cheaper, so you can ship multiple units without worrying about breaking your budget. But if you plan to transfer an expensive vehicle, you might want to consider enclosed car transport. How does it work? Contrary to open-air, the carrier has a roof and walled sides which protect your car from any unexpected incidents while in transit. Of course, this added security comes at the expense of a higher price.
How To Know If You Can Trust Your Movers
You’ve looked for moving companies; you found what seemed like the perfect fit; everything checked out, and they had great rates. However, there’s still that nagging feeling in your gut telling you to do some research on them before handing over your money… Here are some things to consider when looking into potential moving companies:
- Do an online search for reviews of previous customers. If it turns up nothing, that’s great. But if there are many negative reviews or unhappy customers crying scam, steer clear. On the other hand, if most of their reviews are positive, then this company may actually be worth your time.
- Check to see if they are licensed with the DOT and FMCSA. Ask for your potential mover’s USDOT number and run it on the FMCSA website to check their activity and registration status. Additionally, make sure that whatever company you choose is registered within your state.
- Mind the red flags. Rogue moving companies use some shady practices you must look out for, including:
- Asking for a hefty deposit upfront.
- Not doing an in-house estimate and just relaying the quote on the phone.
- Incomplete documents and badly-written contracts.
Finalizing Your Move
A move is by no means a small undertaking. It’s probably one of the most significant moments in your life, especially if you’re relocating to a faraway place. But fear not. As long as you understand your situation, familiarize the logistics, and keep calm, this ordeal will be over before you know it. Enjoy the process and let things flow. Cheers!
