Long Distance Moving Checklist

Preparing for a long-distance move presents a few more challenges than a local move. More than the move itself, the laundry list of things to do before the move itself can be a little lengthy and daunting. To keep from missing any of the necessities – have a look at our complete long-distance moving prep checklist.

What to do Before Your Long-Distance Move

2 Months Pre-Move

Set a Moving Budget: With your upcoming move still in the distance, decide how much you’re willing to pay for your move including your new home, travel costs, new furnishings, and any other costs that might catch you by surprise.

Prepare Your Moving Binder: Your moving binder is your safe space for the process that’s about to begin. Put any documents you’ll need for your move here so they can’t get lost. If you have a packing checklist, it can be stored in the binder. It might not be a bad idea to keep your important personal documents in your binder for safekeeping as well.

Explore Your New Neighborhood: The internet is an ever-flowing fountain of information, and it likely has everything you need to know about your new home. Check out available housing within your budget, the location of the nearest grocery store, the best places to hang out, and more!

Six Weeks Pre-Move

Book Your Flight: When it comes to flying, the earlier you plan, the better. Book those tickets ASAP.

Find Your New Home: The most important part of moving is having somewhere to move to. If there’s nothing to your interest within budget for the timeframe of your move, check out short term rentals in the area.

Call Your Utility Companies: Your friends and family are some of the people you might tell about your move in advance, but don’t forget your utility companies. Scheduling a shut-off is important to ensure you aren’t being charged after you leave the residence.

Schedule Your Move: Finding a local, reliable moving company like Shleppers to take care of you on your big day is key to ensuring a smooth and stress-free move.

1 Month Pre-Move

Declutter: Now’s the perfect time to get rid of anything sitting unused or unwanted. Donate or sell items in good shape and toss anything broken or unusable.

Set Up New Utilities: Once you’ve picked a new home, contact local utility providers with your new address and move-in date to ensure you won’t be without electricity or water after a long move.

Schedule a cleaner: If you’ll be needing a cleaner after you move out of your old home or before you move into your new one, book them ahead of time.

2 Weeks Pre-Move

Transfer Renters Insurance: If you’re a renter, call your insurance company to transfer the insurance on your move-in date.

Set Up Trash Collection: Call your local trash companies ahead of time so they can deliver the bins before your arrival.

Set Up Mail Forwarding: Contact the post office to begin forwarding mail to your new address.

Post-Move

Update Voter Resignation: It’s easy and can be done online.

Update License Plate: In most places, you should update your plates within 30 days of moving.

Change Your Address: Let the IRS and Social Security office know of your address change if necessary and confirm mail forwarding with the post office.

Interstate Moving

With this checklist in-hand, you’re well on your way to a successful move across state lines, but to really ensure a smooth and successful move, call Shleppers Moving & Storage. Get a FREE QUOTE on our website or call us at 800-847-4537 for more information.