Note any restaurants or attractions the kids want to visit and plan to do so. If you are moving with children, involve them in this process. Where will you shop for groceries? How will you get to work? Are there any parks, playgrounds, or fitness centers nearby? Familiarize yourself with the area and think through your daily and weekly routines. Last but certainly not least, spend time exploring your new neighborhood. Also, ensure you are properly registered with whatever office handles personal property taxes. If you have dogs, research the licensing requirements in your county or city. You may also need to call or visit a few other government offices. These tasks are especially important if you are moving permanently and must establish residency for tax purposes. There, you can apply for a new driver’s license, transfer your vehicle registration, and register to vote. Once you’ve arrived in your new state, head to the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) as soon as possible. For unwanted items, you can hire a junk removal service or plan a day to bring everything to the dump and donation centers. Figure out whether you need a storage unit and what boxes and moving supplies you still need to purchase.
Putting in a little extra work at this stage can save you a lot of time and effort when you’re packing.Īt this stage, you should also determine your packing and storage needs. As you go, create an inventory for moving insurance purposes. Get rid of anything you no longer want or need and organize everything you plan to keep. Start sorting through your belongings and decluttering a few weeks before your move. In addition to utilities like water and electricity, you may need to set up internet, trash pickup, pest control, and other services. Then, set up accounts with the appropriate service providers for your new house. They may also need to know where to send your final bill. This includes your bank accounts, credit cards, and subscriptions.Ĭontact your current service providers and let them know your move-out date. When it’s closer to your moving date, update your address with any financial institutions and service providers. If you file online, you must pay a nominal $1.10 fee via credit or debit card to verify your identity. You must answer a few questions, provide your old and new addresses, and enter the date you would like the USPS to begin forwarding mail to your new residence. Make any necessary travel arrangements as soon as possible to avoid price hikes and availability issues.Īs soon as you know your moving date, head to your local post office or the USPS website to fill out a change of address form. If you’re moving cross-country or across several state lines, you may also need to book a flight or hotel stay. Demand is highest during the summer and on weekends, so you can save money by moving on a weekday during the fall, spring, or winter.
Costs will also vary depending on which month and day of the week you choose. The further in advance you book, the lower prices will be. Ask family members and friends for recommendations, browse online reviews to narrow your options, and then gather quotes for whatever moving services or equipment you need.Īfter comparing quotes and choosing an affordable moving company, set your moving date and book your move. Research the options available and decide whether to hire a full-service moving company or go the DIY route. Interstate movers must provide their customers with a copy of this booklet, but you can also download it from the FMCSA website. The FMCSA also publishes helpful tips and has a booklet that explains your rights and responsibilities during a move.
You can also review complaints, safety, and contact information for each registered company. Before booking your move, ensure the company you choose appears in the FMCSA mover database. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) maintains a database of licensed moving carriers and brokers. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. Include a little extra for unexpected expenses.Īll interstate movers must register with the federal government and obtain a U.S. This should include all one-time moving costs, such as hiring professional movers and fixing up your new home. Whether you plan to hire movers or move on your own, you should create a moving budget. Rounding up all your anticipated moving expenses is the first step in moving to a new location.