Moving out of state can be a monumental effort given the logistics involved in moving all the contents of your home. Despite the obvious stress involved in moving out-of-state, this can be an exciting experience as it is the beginning of a new chapter in your life. Think of it as an adventure. Of course, even the best adventure requires some preparation, as does a move. To ensure that you have a smooth out of state move, consider the following tips:

Moving Company – When it comes to moving your belongings, there is more than one option. You can choose a full service moving company, you can choose a hybrid moving company where you select the level of service you need, you can do it yourself. Regardless of which option you choose, be sure to do your research on the moving company thoroughly in advance. Some companies have an established, national reputation; however, they are likely to be the more expensive option. Other moving companies may do just as good a job at lower rates. Your budget should definitely be factored in when making your final decision, but it is also important to work with someone who is both experienced and reliable. Check with the Better Business Bureau and/or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to make sure the moving company is licensed, insured, and accredited.

Protecting Valuables – Although many moving companies offer guarantees and “in-house” insurance coverage, there are other ways in which you can protect your valuables as well. One way is to simply purchase a separate moving insurance policy. Your homeowner’s or renter’s protection policy may not offer moving protection or offer you the option to add moving insurance, so it is a good idea to check and see what coverage you have – you might need to purchase additional insurance for your move. Regardless of what type of insurance protection you choose, you should also take a few additional steps. Start by making a thorough list of your belongings that notes the item, the approximate value, and which room it belongs in. You can even go one step further by taking photographs of all rooms and close-ups of particularly valuable items.

Transporting Vehicles – Again, you have more than one option. Driving the vehicle yourself is, of course, an option; however, not a very attractive one if you are moving across the country. If you chose to go the “do-it-yourself” route, then you can also rent a trailer to haul your vehicle along with your household belongings. This can add to the expense of the move and will not be practical if you own more than one vehicle. The easiest, though typically the more expensive option, is to use an auto transport company. The more flexible you can be with time, the lower your price will likely be. While schedules and procedures vary among companies, plan on at least 5-7 days for your vehicle to make it to your new location. As with moving companies, be sure to check the licensing and accreditation of a potential auto transport company.

Relocation Services – if you simply do not have the time, or the inclination, to coordinate and oversee your interstate move, a relocation service may be your best bet. Relocation services essentially do everything for you from helping you find housing to arranging a mover. Often, large companies offer relocation services to employees who have been transferred to a new office. There are also numerous private relocation services that will handle all the details of your move for you for a fee.
These tips should help you limit the stress involved in your out-of-state move so that you can focus more on the adventure of moving to a new place!